Farewell Moonbeam

[TAWhatley]

I found Moonbeam dead yesterday. He came in with a badly mangled wing that could not be repaired well enough for him to be able to fly again. Moonbeam was an adult when I got him in 2001, so I don't really know how old he was. He was one of those feral pigeons that never really tamed down and always showed signs of being frightened of me. He was a loner and never had any interest in any of the other pigeons. In spite of his standoffish ways, I was very fond of him and will miss him greatly.



Terry

[mr squeaks]

I am so sorry to hear about Moonbeam, Terry!

Sending

LOVE, HUGS AND CONFORTING THOUGHTS!

[cyro51]

I am so sorry, Terry. It never gets any easier to find one of them gone.

Cynthia

[Larry_Cologne]

Condolences on the loss of Moonbeam, Terry.

What a lovely name he had, and it seems very fitting, from the picture.

Most of my pigeon acquaintances are ferals. They remain afraid of me, or perhaps instead of describing it as a "they-me" relation, it might be better to say that they remain true to very strong instincts, which is also to their credit, and can be admired for what it really is: a strong desire to survive.

I try to pick out characterisitics that let me identify the individual pigeons I see repeatedly, and give each a name when possible, to help me appreciate each one ll the more. They are each an individual, so much the same and yet so different. Just as each passing moment is different, yet so much the same. Each can be enjoyed.

I like to see the pigeons who bully others from the food, and at the same time I root for the underdog and try to look out for the weak. It makes for lively encounters.

Moonbeam is another jewel on your chain of memories. The sparkles may fade, but the joys need not be forgotten.

Larry

[Lady Tarheel]

Terry, I sure am sorry Moonbeam passed away. He was quite beautiful. We have a few who are not real friendly but you love them just as much as the others and it hurts just as much when you lose them. He had a wonderful life with you.

[Trees Gray]

Terry,

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Moonbeam, he was beautiful.

I know you respected and deeply cared for him, just letting him be, as that is what was most comfortable for him. You gave him just what he needed, that is what mattters most.

[Lovebirds]

Sorry to hear about Moonbeam. Doesn't matter if they are tame or not, if they hate you or love you..........we still love them don't we??
Maybe the moon will be just a tad brighter tonight..........

[TAWhatley]

What lovely posts you all .. now you've made me get all teary eyed .. Thank you for the condolences and lovely thoughts.

Terry

[pigeonmama]

Oh, but Terry, just remember what a wonderful life he had with you, fresh water, good food, other pigeons,safety, and shelter. The only thing he didn't have was flight. Now that he's safely crossed the rainbow bridge, I bet he wins every race he joins in on.
Daryl

[Reti]

It is so true, no matter how mean they can be with us and sometimes I have the feeling they hate us you still love them.
I don't think they actually hate us. When I have to take one of the "mean" ones to the vet, all they do is cling to me and are as sweet as they can be.

I am so sorry, Terry.

Reti

[Lin Hansen]

Terry,

So sorry to hear about Moonbeam.

I'm glad he had a few good years with you.

Linda

[TAWhatley]

Thanks Daryl, Reti, and Linda. I appreciate the kind words.

Terry

[feralpigeon]

Terry, I'm so sorry to hear about Moonbeam. Sometimes the more ornery they
feel, the deeper the feeling can run between them and the rescuer, this they know.

Moonbeam never could have had a full return to the previous lifestyle, but there
was a community for Moonbeam to join that gave the gift of love and life. I know Moonbeam knows who made it all happen, so do we.

fp

[Charis]

setting the bird free,
raven haired,
soaring high above my head,
watching him,
wings stretched out,
with only a brief last look back,
circling high,
wider now,
pride swooping low
in my heart,
and coursing through my veins,
pride because i set him free,
only to remember all to quickly
that it was not i,
but he,
and with a tender look
at my now empty horizon,
i know that he was always free.
gone now raven bird,
gone to your own sun,
far from mine,
far from here now,
much beloved bird,
fly well,
soar high,
go free.

by Danielle Steel

I've carried this poem in my wallet since 1970 and it seemed appropriate to share it now in memory of Moonbeam and all the others we have cherished.

[TerriB]

Originally Posted by pigeonmama

...Now that he's safely crossed the rainbow bridge, I bet he wins every race he joins in on.
Daryl

Daryl, that's a wonderful image!

Terry, I am so sorry for your loss! Moonbeam was a handsome bird - his head markings are similar to Grace's. Isn't it interesting how each bird has an individual personality. You gave Moonbeam good care and shelter, without insisting that he act like a tame bird. I'm sure that he appreciated the respect you showed him for the time he was with you.