London (Camden) Broken leg but cannot catch...

[amyable]

Don't get disheartened, it's definitely a waiting game as if you make too many failed attempts, she'll get wind of your intentions.

I've tried the throwing something over before but it's very difficult. The trouble is they can take off in various directions and as you throw, you'll find the bird can slip out from underneath before the coat or whatever hits the ground. It's the moment you raise your hands that they fly.
The only time I managed to catch one like that I was crouched down and literally threw myself at the bird, I grabbed it but fell forward and ended up flat on the floor, luckily with the bird in hand. You think people reckon you're nuts now, it gets worse!!

The trouble is some people are well meaning but actually get in the way.
Last time there was an elderly gent watching me and he decided to try and help by walking towards the bird, with his hands out telling it I was trying to help, as if it would just jump into his hands in gratitude. Bless!
Need I say I didn't get the bird that time.

Keep at it, I'm confident you'll get it.

Janet

[London Pigeon]

Thanks for your encouragement Janet!
There was no progress today. She was only in the park for about 5 minutes, until a small child charged them all screaming. She never came back, so she didn't even get much seed today. It's strange as the others as there most of the day, as I was today - but she only appears early afternoon for a short while. I wondered if perhaps she's got a nest somewhere, and then that made me think that even if I was successful in getting her to help her leg, if she has eggs or young babies I may do more harm than good.

[amyable]

Just wondering if you'd had any more sightings of this hen.

It would still be best to try and catch her if at all possible, hopefully as time goes along, if she has got young somewhere, her mate might be able to carry on with their care as they develope while she gets the help she needs.
It's a hard call but I hate to think of her managing out there long term if she's got a bad injury.

Keep us posted if you have any more news.

Janet

[London Pigeon]

Hi Janet

I tried again Saturday, but she didn't come close - always on the outskirts of the group. Then I was away until today, but have just been back and she got the closest ever yet, about 4 feet away at one point. I thought it was all going well building up trust and then a council worker came over and told me I wasn't allowed to feed pigeons there I am so angry now. I did point out what I was trying to do, and probably should have stayed, but ended up coming home instead. Without food she won't come near. Mind you, she would need to be right in front of me, inches away, for me to stand any chance of getting her, and that's not going to be happening anytime soon. Besides which, I only have a couple of days off work and have only ever seen her there lunchtimes. So all in all, it's not really going that well

[amyable]

I am so sorry you've now encountered the dreaded 'council worker' problem.
How did he re-act when you told him what you were trying to do?

It must be very disheartening. I know I've gone home before now very depressed not having managed to catch the bird I'm after. You're doing the best you can so if the council are fairly decent about it, then just try when you get the chance, that's all you can do.
I hope if the council know you're only feeding as a way of helping this poor bird and that you'll stop when you've got her, then maybe they'll turn a blind eye on the odd occasions you're there, you can only ask for their help and consideration for a bird in suffering.

It is just luck sometimes that it all comes together, but hopefully even if it takes a few weeks, just one day you'll strike lucky.

You're very kind to keep looking out for her,

Good luck

Jante