Since setting up a feeding station to feed Spotted Doves (Streptopelia chinensis), I have managed to save on bird seeds LINK. The number of Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) has has been reduced to a handful that appear on the feeding table. This is compared to the more than a dozen asking to be fed two to three times a day when bird seeds were scattered on the ground. As the intention has always been to feed the doves rather than the sparrows, this is a welcome outcome.
I only replenish the feeding bottle once every few days, filling it up to just above the rows of punctured holed at the base pf the bottle. This is to ensure there is no continuous supply of seeds as well as to cut wastage. What happens now is that the doves would approach me for food, even to the extent of entering the house when I am having my meals. What can I do but scatter some seeds on the ground to satisfy the birds.
On a few occasions, there would be a pair of Javan Mynas (Acridotheres javanicus) around. The mynas do not especially like the seeds, although they would take a few. But the mynas are aggressive, always pecking at the dove to chase the latter away. Obviously the Spotted Doves are more timid compared to the Javan Mynas. Although the Spotted Doves tolerate the Eurasian Tree Sparrows LINK, they will chase away other doves, including Peaceful Doves.
YC Wee
Singapore
February 2012
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