advice on releasing pigeon in Upper Manhattan

[ninagi]

Hi there--I posted below once before re releasing my youngster. (http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f20/re...ery-29159.html)

I've had my bird for about 4 weeks now; she must be about 7-8 weeks old, fully fledged, flies well (though I've only observed her in my bathroom), eats plenty of seeds, and also does quite well with a piece of bread (been experimenting with this to see if she could eat other items). She does still squeak (esp. when being fed), but am assuming that's normal--? I really think it's time to release her; she's healthy and lively and has been living in a carrier, so is quite restless (plus she's flung herself against the window screen a few times). But I need help-- I picked her up before she could eat or fly, so she's quite tame at this point, lands on my shoulder, etc.; meanwhile, she hasn't seen another pigeon all this time (not even from a window), so I'm worried about her social integration.

She was supposed to possibly go to an aviary with other birds prior to her release, which would be fantastic of course-- but I haven't heard back from the folks at the Wild Bird Fund on this after leaving a couple of messages, so I'm guessing it's no longer an option. (I'd certainly keep her longer if it were, but am getting rather anxious and don't want to wait indefinitely.)

After reading other posts, I'm assuming what I need to do first is locate a nearby park with a flock of pigeons, then get a container with open sides so other birds can see mine and vice versa, then bring her out there a few times, sprinkle some seeds and let them interact. What I don't know for example is how soon to let her out--e.g., if things go well immediately, can I let her out on the first try?

Also, does anyone know of a good spot to release her? I'm at the southern end of Washington Heights, so upper Upper West Side; there is a nice big old cemetery here with lots of trees and few people, but I've never seen a group of pigeons in it. (Her home flock frequents a traffic island down the block, but I see dead pigeons in the street there all the time who get hit by cars, and it feels very unsafe to bring her there.)

Finally--any additional advice would be most welcome; I'm kind of scared of doing this, actually. (I love my little bird, and don't want to see her come to harm-- but really think she needs to get out there with other birds.) If anyone has successfully released a pigeon in the area and I could talk to you about it, even better.

thanks so much--!

[little bird]

I would try once again with Wild Bird Fund as Rita & Karen have been away & are back now so you more likely will get a response from them. Also if you decide to release yourself, there is Ft Tryon Park up in Inwood that is a huge wooded area and many pigeons.

[ninagi]

Thanks--I had been talking to Gloria (and she initially saw Birdie a month ago, and also did some lab work on a stool sample I brought in last week, indicating a clean bill of health), wasn't sure who else was around at this time. (and i know Gloria was supposed to be on vacation last week, so really appreciate she took the time to do the lab work) I left a message on Monday and this morning--I feel like I should maybe hold off on bombarding them further. I'll wait another day in any case before attempting the release.

Fort Tryon is a good idea (though Birdie might have to travel by bus to get there, which I guess she could handle).

[Jaye]

Sounds like physically she is ready to go. Although it also sounds like she is slightly bonded to you as well. But if she shows a desire to fly off, the that is a sign to allow her to. Some fids show no desire to leave their human home/companions, in which case it is viable to keep them or at least place them in a semi-domesticated setting.

In answer to your Q's:

1) Absolutely do NOT release on the first visit to a feral flock. She will need to see them eat and forage for several days...I would say one week minimim. So you'll need to make several visits. Not necessarily every day, but a minimum of 4 or 5 visits over, say, a 10-day period.

Besides seeing them forage, she will need to become familiar with when they "spook" and fly off. So part of the time you are feeding the ferals, every once in a while you need to spook the flock with a cough or a handclap or such. They will either jump away or take off, then return.

When you see your pal doing this too...trying to jump out of the box and fly thru the screen or bars, etc.; then you know she is "getting it". When you have observed she is doing this regularly when the flock spooks, for a few days in a row...then it is probably a good time for the release.

2) It'd be great to get a local organization to help, but if they don't reply...you can certainly do it. I had been told "a novice can't do this"; you need one with a lot of experience...it's not true. Everyone begins somewhere. I have released several successfully by following the soft release "protocols"; so a first-timer can do it just fine.

3) Absolutely, a traffic area is a BAD place. The park LB named sounds quite nice. You are looking for a sizable flock (say 15 or 20 plus), healthy-looking, i.e well-fed looking) low predation area with food source and water source, away from vehicular traffic if possible. That is the ideal.

If the place just doesn't "feel" right....i.e. the pigeons aren't coming down to forage, or you only see a few pigeons scattered here and there, or it seems as if the food or water sources may not be apparent or plentiful, or there is just some other intangible which doesn't seem to suit....then, look for another place. You want her to walk into a mass of foraging pigeons (forgaing the food you put out) when she finally steps out...not just into the vicinity of a few scattered ones.

It is gonna be heartbreaking...I always have cried when I have released...my latest post on release is under the Feral category here, entitled "I'm such a wuss..." (!) ...so, it is emotional. But if she shows desire to leave, then you should set her up for it and let it happen.

Good luck, keep us posted !!!!

[Dezirrae]

I'd give Rita and Karen at least another day to get back to you. They're probably still catching up from being on vacation.

I know you mentioned reading other posts about releasing but wanted to make sure you'd seen this sticking with the Feral forum - http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f23/to...ase-10874.html
This post outlines methods used by a few of our members and has some wonderful tips

Best of luck and sending "stong wing" wishes for your baby

[jenfer]

Ninagi,

I feed a flock on the UWS on weekdays, and if you're interested in following the steps outlined by Jaye, we could arrange to meet for a week during feeding times, and when she's ready, release her here.

Write me privately if interested.

Jennifer

[ninagi]

Wow, thanks for all the advice and well wishes, Jaye and Dezirrae. THough it does sound a little daunting--will try my best...!

Jennifer, thanks so much--that might be really helpful. I'll IM you after this.

Nina

[ninagi]

I just thought it's always nice to post an update on happy outcome... so wanted to follow-up and let everyone know my pigeon was able to go into a soft-release program after all (through Wild Bird Fund). I just ended up keeping her much longer than I had thought advisable (7 weeks!)--but I think it all worked out fine; probably the best possible solution, in fact. As far as I know, she is now with 2 other young birds, waiting to join an existing flock. I'm super happy she will be provided for and will be in a safe environment. (but still cried when I dropped her off yesterday... I'll miss her)