Crows, greycrows and the odd magpie gives a sense of safety to the whole picture. In a real life situation crows will often be seen feeding happily alongside pigeons in fields. The crows, unlike pigeons, do not need to be situated in a V-shaped pattern. It seems to work best when the crows are more or less facing the wind (like pigeons) and near the hedgerow ( 2 - 3 metres) or a little out from the hedge ( 10 - 12 metres). One or two magpie decoys gives a sense of security and safety to attacking birds. The magpie is a very wary bird who departs the scene as soon as danger is sensed. Their presence near a decoy pattern instils calm and confidence in approaching birds.

Crows and magpies have excellent eyesight and are always on the look - out for danger. This tends to make them very wary. When crow and magpie decoys are added to the pigeon pattern be sure to keep them away from the hide - to the left or right. Placing these decoys in from of the hide only draws attention to the hide when crows are approaching, checking out the picture.

If decoying for crows only, the decoys can be placed in front of the hide providing they are 30 - 35 metres from the hide, creating enough of a gap between the hide and the pattern. Crows will tend to focus on the pattern rather than the hide.

The use of a childs furry toy (rabbit, bear, dog, cat, etc.) at the feet of a greycrow or magpie is a brilliant decoy to bring these wary birds within range, especially when incorporated with a crow or magpie call.

If a field is being attacked and the crop is still standing it is extremely difficult to set out a decoy pattern without causing damage to the crop. In this situation look for a field which is in pasture or 'set - aside' beside the crop field. Find the flightline in this field where the birds are crossing to enter the crop field and set up the decoy pattern here. The decoys will be much easier for the birds to see and you will be in an ideal position for some good sport.

Pigeons tend to feed between showers. The main attack seems to be at dawn, again from midday onwards with a final top-up approaching dusk, before they roost. In between these times pigeons tends to feed sporadically, whereby some seem to enter the fields to feed while others perch in surrounding 'sitty' trees.

The diet of pigeon varies according to the season. We have found that during January, February and March clover seems to be the main diet, until the Spring sowing. During April they feed on the Spring sowing, particularly wheat. During May and June they return to clover and any young crops emerging. Throughout July and August they concentrate on grain fields where the crop has been laid. In September and October feeding is mainly on stubble fields until ploughing begins. In November and December the diet consists of clover or grain until blackened by frost, also ivy berries and haws, old potatoes and any green crops available.