I started feeding a flock of local feral pigeons a while back and have found them interesting to observe. I usually feed once a day to an mount that leaves just a little on the ground when they take off. For a several months the flock continue to grow and the amount of feed continued to increase. I maxed out at 4# per day. the birds are in beautiful condition and for some time continued to become bolder and tamer.
The weight gain amoungst the birds seems to be very dramatic. Now to my surprise the amount I needed to feed started dropping. It worked its way down from 4# a day to my present 2 1/2#. There are less birds. My suspician is that some of the local coopers hawks and pergrine falcons have discovered I have the fattest pigeons in town. I have been seeing a lot more hawks in the neighborhood as of late.
I should be sad but am actually pleased that the hawks which I like better than pigeons are benefitting from my feeding program, they are also saving me money on pigeon food. Now I am wondering when the downtrend on feeding will stop and either turn around or level off. The hawks will start nesting in a few months and a good source of protien might help for a more productive brooding season.