The Re-Release of Rescue Wood Pigeons

[squirrel]

Hi everyone, I recently found a juvenile Wood Pigeon in my garden that could not fly. I took it to our Local Wildlife Sanctuary in Cheshire, UK. It appeared that a Hawk may have tried to catch it, and it had a damaged wing. Fortunately it was not broken, and after a course of antibiotics and some rehabilitation, it learnt to fly again. Throughout the time Woodie was in the hospital I phoned regularly to check on it's progress, as I wanted to collect it again, when it was better and re-release it back in our garden (near to where it's family was). When the time arrived, the sanctuary asked if I would take some other Pigeons and Collared Doves to re-release in my garden, as they had 22 Pigeons round their bird table that week, and they thought things were getting a bit over crowded there. I happily obliged. I took 4 Wood Pigeons, 2 Feral Pigeons and 3 Collared Doves. Since their re-release I think I have spotted the 3 Collared Doves, but maybe only 1 Wood Pigeon, and maybe none of the Feral Pigeons. I was wondering if anyone knew about the homing instincts of the Pigeons and Doves I have re-released. I have no idea whether they would do this, and if so where they would home back to. Would they attempt to go back to where they were born? (in which case my young Woodie was re-released in the right place), or would they try to go back to the Wildlife Sanctuary? They may be happy to stay near my garden, as I feed the birds every day, and supply 2 Groundfeeder tables and a Bird table full of suitable seed, raisins, nuts and fruit scones!! I must say, I had not given this fact any consideration before re-releasing the "Rescue Birds". All the birds flew well on release. I would be interested in your views! Thanks!