kestral and doves....?

[ogwen]

Hiya everyone, I wondered if anyone else has encountered this and maybe explain why?

I was passing a lamp post the other day and looked up as usual to see what type birds were perched on it and at first I thought I was imagining it, but I wasn't....
There were 3 birds there, two were barbary doves but imbetween them was a kestral. They werent paying much attention to each other and the doves were facing the opposite way to the kestral.
Does this often happen? From what I know of doves they fly off soon as they see something they don't like. I thought the kestral would have tried to kill at least one of them as at this time of year they usually have hungy mouths to feed but he/she didnt seem interested.
Was pretty cool to see though

[solus]

Barbary Doves??????

I assume you mean Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto?
Kestrels prey mainly on small mammals and to a lesser extent small birds - sparrow-sized birds.
A Collared Dove would be too big and would (and they frequently do!) make a much more suitable meal for a Sparrowhawk than a Kestrel.

[Jackaroo]

Originally Posted by solus

A Collared Dove would be too big and would (and they frequently do!) make a much more suitable meal for a Sparrowhawk than a Kestrel.

Also, they're so docile and a wee bit thick that they don't care what company they keep. But I'm surprised at a kestrel letting its standards slip so much.

[Acipiter]

Originally Posted by Jackaroo

Also, they're so docile and a wee bit thick that they don't care what company they keep. But I'm surprised at a kestrel letting its standards slip so much.

What evidence do you have to say that they are a bit thick, careful what you say, you may have someone, on your case.

[Jackaroo]

Originally Posted by Acipiter

What evidence do you have to say that they are a bit thick, careful what you say, you may have someone, on your case.

No evidence as such. I haven't done any in depth study of the bird. Just something I read about their mixed ancestry and can't remember the details of and don't have time to look up today. I happen to enjoy their presence in our garden and regard them as particularly handsome examples of their species. No intention to malign them.

[faz]

Originally Posted by Jackaroo

Also, they're so docile and a wee bit thick that they don't care what company they keep. But I'm surprised at a kestrel letting its standards slip so much.

lol