Attitudes And Facts Regarding Feral Pigeons

[raynjudy]

By way of excerpts from an email reply to a query I recieved, here's the skinny on feral pigeons...

"You will encounter attitudes... Some pigeon fanciers and much of the general public consider feral pigeons "trash". This is tragic and in the case of the fanciers it is asinine, as their culling continuously adds to the feral flock.

For many fanciers, racing and show pigeons that don't meet strict artificial standards are killed immediately, as soon as their little feathers come in the wrong color. Others are rejected for falling short in a race.

Many cull by tearing the heads off the baby pigeons they don't want. Throw away life... Those unable to live with this, simply turn away unwanted birds from their lofts. Most die. Those that live, add to the feral flock.

The feral flock was brought to this country from Europe--it was considered an asset. The Eurasian Rock Dove is the direct ancestor to the feral pigeon, and other columbiformes. The distant ancestor is thought to be a therapsid dinosaur, not unlike, perhaps even a variant of, the now famous velociraptor. It is a most noble family and given the small size of the pigeon brain, gives impressive insight into the possible intelligence and behavior of some dinosaurs.

I get email from people that have found an exhausted, banded pigeon, often over 500-miles from home. Often as not, I locate the owner. Often as not, they don't want the bird back. Again, throw away life...

Happily, many keep the little visitor as a permanent pet. And to date, not one person has expressed regret at doing so! Attached is a pic of Traveler, a retired cock racer, rescued years ago by one Terry Whatley. And a handsome devil he is too!..."

The pic mentioned is in the new Member's Gallery of the new site, which I'm told will open soon!

Note To Carl: C'mon, lets set a date and as Walt would say, "lets light this candle!"

Sure, there will be some areas still under construction, people will understand that. Besides, they'll enjoy looking for something new when they log on. What say you, boss?

--Ray

[TAWhatley]

Hi Ray & Group,

Traveler is anxiously awaiting his internet debut ... where's the picture? I actually went and got this oldster up to come see his picture, but alas it was not attached <VBG>! I can assure you that this got me a very irritated peck/bite from him! At his age, he needs the beauty rest in order to continue to try to woo Stinky.

Terry Whatley

[bigbird]

OK! I get the message. The new site will be "live" in July. That is a promise. There are some technical problems at the present time. If any of you want to take a "peek" at the new Pigeons.com test site, then go here: http://www.artistdomains.com/new1/
Regards,
Carl

[raynjudy]

You da man!

[raynjudy]

Hi, Terry:

It's true. A man has to set priorities and reserve his "strength" accordingly.

But "Stinky"? Did Luke name this bird for you?

--Ray

[TAWhatley]

Hi Ray & list,

No, Luke did not name Stinky .. I did. She was found in a trash can with a severely broken leg and horribly emaciated. My vet fixed the leg but the SMELL of Stinky lasted so very long. It wasn't from being dumped in the trash can but from her body shutting down and doing everything it could to try to survive. Her body was literally eating itself up to try to live. She STUNK for at least four months after I had her. The leg was easily fixed but still, Stinky was a stinker. My friend, AV, who originally pulled Stinky out of the trash can has refused to call her Stinky .. to AV, Stinky is "Catherine the Great". Well she is beautiful enough, but she will always be "Stinky" to me and to Traveler who lusts after her.

You can see Stinky and some of the others at http://www.rims.net/pigeons.htm.

Terry Whatley