For the past few weeks, a wood pigeon has been quietly lurking in the front garden hedge.

 

They usually nest in this hedge each year, often re-using the old nest. Last year they relocated along the hedge a bit to where the pigeon sits now, leaving an empty nest behind. That's still there, woven into the hedge from foraged twigs like the new one.

 

Both old and new are at the same height - about chest height for the average person. The old one is very close to our rubbish and recycling bins.

 

In the past, I've occasionally gotten too close, forgetting a bird or two are hidden there, causing a sudden burst of flight and a near heart attack.

 

I'm more aware this year. Perhaps because of the new nest position.

 

She watches us come and go from the house each day, patiently sitting there among the shadows. I imagine she is incubating eggs. Time will tell. 

 

While passing I usually glance her way to check if she's still there, a single eye looking back at me, prehistoric and wild. 

 

I've been meaning to trim the surrounding vegetation a little - nothing major, just a once-a-year job to keep things from spilling too much over the path.

 

But I don't want to disturb the hedge pigeon. This is her home as much as mine. So the gardening will wait until the nest is empty once again. I decided to take some photos instead.