Woodie egg thief?

Now I know I am a bit obsessed with Woodpigeons - what 'real' UK shooter isn't? - but here's another little anecdote I wanted to share with you.

While out walking with the dog yesterday I heard the familiar clatter of woodie wings from a nearby ash tree, but I was surprised to see when I looked up the bird in question was flying off with what appeared to be an EGG in its beak.

Unsurprisingly, after around 100 yards, the 'egg' dropped to the stubbles, but annoyingly, despite a good search I couldn't find it to confirm the sighting.

I have never seen, or heard, anything like it before; can anyone shed any light? Have woodies been known to move/rob eggs before? The only thing I have ever seen a woodie carry is a twig for a nest...

The Eyes Have It

Well, as promised, here he is.

Diesel. The new gundog in the making.

Our first two weeks have been interesting to say the least. As you can see, he's a beauty of a dog, and big to boot. But I have to keep reminding myself that he is only a pup still at 11 months. He has all the puppyish attributes too; playing games, stealing cuddly toys from the kids, not doing as he's told when he gets an exciting new scent wafting through those nostrils.

But already I know we're going to have a blast. He follows me constantly everywhere, and whatever I am doing, he wants to be doing it too.

He retrieves dummies very well to the whistle, and obviously has a good nose; finding dummies or a ball thrown without his knowledge into a sea of young wheat takes him but seconds.

And last night, after I had been out and bagged a few roosting pigeons, one fell out of my game bag. Without hesitating, Diesel picked it up and brought it over to me, tail wagging.

I think we're going to have some fun.