Peterborough Bird Club annual report Rock Dove [Feral Pigeon] Columba livia | C4, E | Common resident 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Common resident breeder. Still a species that is not often given a second glance, all records refer to large flocks including 500+ at the new Peterborough prison site on 1 Aug (MC) and 320 at Farcet Fen on 23 Oct (SPD).
2002	Common resident breeder. Although a common species present throughout the PBC area, this species is greatly under-recorded. Only five records received during 2002, with a peak count of 50 in Peterborough city centre on 3 Dec (BHS).
2001	Common resident breeder. Several pairs bred at Eldernell Pit (RSPB). Otherwise, no records received of this feral descendant of the Rock Dove – not too surprising, given the disdain it receives from birders and non–birders alike. Away from the towns, it can often be found in the company of other pigeons and doves so the occasional count should be possible. Give it a go!
2000	Widespread resident. Noted as regular prey for a Sparrowhawk in Whittlesey and at least once for a Peregrine on the Nene Washes. Unfortunately, this is not a widespread occurrence. Feral Pigeons are treated as vermin in many urban areas. While there is a disease risk associated with their faecal deposits, the damage caused to many buildings by concentrated droppings can be particularly serious. Feral Pigeons are derived from (domesticated) native Rock Doves, now largely confined to the coastal areas of western and northern Scotland. Official culling occurred in Peterborough in 1998 (MC).
1999	Common resident. The only record received was of 250 at Newborough on 2 Nov (BT).
1998	No records!
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