An interesting blog post from Zoeshiloh suggests that the new OSR variety Ovation (conventional, winter)  might be looking a bit less tempting to pigeons than other varieties. Anyone else agree?

 I think there are a few varieties about that are less attractive. Generally it is to do with the glucosinolate content of the leaves. A higher Glucosinolate content will mean the plant is less attractive to pigeons, however it is more attractive to insects. So while you are sitting there being chuffed about lack of pigeons, your crop may be at higher risk of creepy crawlies.

Six of one, half a dozen of the other really.

I agree. The varieties of old before double low etc were less palatable. Slower developing varieties are more susceptable, as are thinly drilled crops. We grow only hybrids now as their early vigour means we can drill a low seed rate, and get a full green cover before winter. With nowhere to hide, any damage is limited to headlands. Any pigeon damage is easily grown out of with early spring N, and as long as they havent taken out the growing point or buds, we find the crop actually branches much more - probably a response to stress.

Also, anecdotally, people who are putting crops in with a subsoiler say that by leaving a long stubble they disuade the birds landing.

Sew it thin, get it thick, rent the pigeon shooting to someone who like sitting in the cold all weekend and go on holiday over winter.