When we re-sowed a patch, we threw down twice the recommended seed per sq metre.
That way, no matter how much seed the birds hogged down, there was enough left to sprout.
As far as making the pigeons flock off, in his younger days, our Lab, Paddy, used to think it was a great game to charge through the middle of a flock grazing in the park, even doubling back to put the lazy ones up in the air.
He’s a bit past that now, at 14½ ... so we have to rely on the neighbour’s cat.
Know anyone who would be willing to lend you their cat for Christmas?