PERSECUTION

To appreciate and understand pigeons as living sentient creatures instead of as a 'problem', it is helpful to know something of their past. The feral's ancestor, the Rock Dove, lived a difficult life nesting on cliffs or in caves, avoiding ferocious falcons and gulls, foraging on the shore and inland, as well as enduring extreme weather conditions, and this created, over the centuries, a very intelligent and resourceful bird.

Sadly, as early as Roman times, people recognised an opportunity to abuse the Rock Dove and stole them from their natural habitat to be kept in specially designed breeding units. One can still see medieval examples of these cylindrical structures where the baby pigeons were reared for winter meat.

However, when farming practices changed, most of the dovecots were abandoned and many birds escaped. Although semi-domesticated and bred with several plumage variations from the original blue-grey, white rump and two black wing bars, a lot of these were still as adaptable as their coastal cousins. They sought refuge on man-made escarpments, and learned to monopolize on the wasteful habits of humans.

Until more recently they were tolerated. Samuel Pepys mentions that they refused to desert their young during the Great Fire of London, and Victorian feral pigeons were allowed to clean up under the nose-bags of draught horses. But as man became more extravagant with food, the pigeon population has increased.

Human beings are ever blind to their own shortcomings, always preferring to condemn another species for situations directly brought about by indolence or neglect. As a result the pigeon, merely taking advantage, as would we all, of a chance to survive, is persecuted under a law which permits local authorities to reduce their numbers by extreme and violent means.

This is a very good article Arty do you mind if I print it and put it up at the shelter??
I had this couple come in the shelter yesterday looking at the birds,and out of know where the guy decides to tell me that yesterday he got out his BB gun and killed a Pigeon in his yard,I think my face told a story because the wife looked at me and then quickly told her husband to shut up,Then I couldn't help it my mouth opened and out it all came,How dare you take that birds life,how dare you come into my shelter telling me how you killed a innocent life I own 9 Pigeons of my own and I love them.How about I shot you just because I don't like you in my shelter. The guywas really taken back and they left pretty quick after that. I was so mad.I really hate people some days !!

How sad Barb. But the saddest part about that is he didn't even think that what he did was wrong or he wouldn't have mentioned it. Good for you for speaking up. At least they were smart enough to know you wouldn't adopt to them after a statement like that. I hope he recalls what took place every time he sees a pigeon and feels ashamed.

Barbra I appreciate you asking me if you can use something I have posted, but there really is no need to, if you feel it will help you in your quest to help others understand, then please...."use it"...
Second Chance Bird Rescue has reached out to the Dove & Pigeon, for this I will forever be grateful..."they need you so badly".
Peace
Arty