Pigeons.
The Montrose Pa. Register, mentions that there are immense numbers of wild pigeons in that vicinity. They have formed an encampment upwards of nine miles in length and four in breadth — the lines regular and straight — within which, there is scarcely a tree, large or small, that is not covered with nests. They cause such a constant roaring by a flapping of their wings that persons on going into the encampment have great difficulty in hearing each other speak. Every thing throughout their camp appears to be conducted in the most perfect order. They take their turns regularly in setting and in feeding their young; and when any of them are killed upon their nests by the sportsmen, others immediately supply their places.
May 26, 1829. American Mercury 46(2343): 3. Also: June 10, 1829 in the Geneva Gazette 21(1): 1.Wild Pigeons.
We have never before witnessed such multitudes of wild pigeons as have appeared amongst us the present season. Flocks extending miles in length, have many days been seen passing over the hills, and presenting a novel and interesting appearance. But what is most extraordinary, and causes us now to notice them, is their encampment, about ten miles from this place, in a S.W. direction, where they have built their nests and are raising their young. This encampment is upwards of nine miles in length and four in breadth — the lines regular and straight — within which, there is scarcely a tree, large or small, that is not covered with nests. They cause such a constant roaring by the flapping of their wings that persons on going into the encampment have great difficulty in hearing each other speak. Every thing throughout their camp appears to be conducted in the most perfect order. They take their turns regularly in setting and in feeding their young; and when any of them are killed upon their nests by the sportsmen, others immediately supply their places. We are inclined to believe that they have in part adopted Mr. Owen's "Community System," as the whole appears to be a "common stock business."
The Squabs (as the young are called) are now sufficiently large to be considered by epicures' better for a rich dish than the old ones — and they are "being caught" and carried off by wagon loads. — Susquehannah Register.
May 30, 1829. Connecticut Mirror 20(1039): 3.