190418 2731 2.5 Homer shares with a Cardinal

So proud of my beautiful 2.5 Homer Pigeon. I put out her treat, she was rushing toward the seeds when this Cardinal landed and ate. 2.5 stopped and waited until the Cardinal was finished. Intentional ?

2.5 was "barking", she knew there was an owl lurking nearby

WHY was she "Barking" on the railing next to the house I wondered? Something was wrong for sure. . . . 2.5 Homer Pigeon saw what I could not. I dismissed it.
Later a neighbor called to alert me that there was a Great Horned Owl near our back fence. 2.5 knew she should not fly to the Aviary. The Chickens were unsuspecting and in the yard as usual.
2.5 is So smart and intelligent... later, she did make her way safely to the aviary.... All is well, no birds lost. No birds loose tomorrow though.

Threesome nude bathing

Threesome nude bathing... Birds are just like people.

Khufu (F) wants to join 2.5 and her husband. 2.5 was not interested in sharing.

Actually, all Khufu wanted was to take a bath ~:<)

                                         Khufu wants to join 2.5 and her husband Newbie

                                          2.5 notices Khufu

                                Khufu advances

                                2.5 protests

                               2.5 forces a retreat.

                                          Khufu plans a new approach.

                      Khufu lands on Newbies back... 2.5 promptly chased Khufu away.

Como music Rachel Ries Dead Pigeon

Rachel Ries - 170128
Hi, I spoke with you briefly after your performance at Como Conservatory 1/22/17 about your "Dead Pigeon" song... Homing/Cardinal.  I mentioned to you that I raise Pigeons. Actually not raise them, I have them as pets... actually they're not pets, they are members of the family. I currently have five, they are my children and I love them dearly, and they love me SOooo much. I also have Chickens and sweet gently loving Doves (and cat and dog). .



A love story >Your song really moved me because of one of my dear sweet Pigeon named Velcro (she sticks to me ... a 7yo female Voorburg Shield Cropper).
 100312c.jpg

Video - Velcro loved to be with me.




A few years ago, Velcro had "died" on several occasions with very very serious injuries (interesting stories), but somehow she survived each time. I spent many many hours and days and days cradling her semi-conscious body in my arms hoping she'd recover, and each time a miracle, she did recover.

. . Another of my Pigeons, 2.5, a pure white now-10yo female Homer, lost her first 3 husbands to hawks and cats.
And then I got Velcro. At that time 2.5 did not have a partner, so the two females Velcro and 2.5 decided to become a couple. They fell MADLY deeply in love, they were inseparable... the ultimate love story.  They'd cry when they were apart. It was beautiful to see how much they loved each other, 24/7 constant hugging and kissing.

10420d.jpg

They were lovers for five years, THEN .....
. . . One day Velcro was flying from the aviary to the deck to visit me when a hawk swooped down and killed her in mid-air, broke her neck. Dead, she was laying on the ground with her "head next to her heart". I was devastated and still am... I cried for days. She is now buried at my farm up north. She was such a happy care-free soul, she just seemed to love life so much ... and she loved to be with me. I took it very hard, like losing a part of me. I cried, and cried, and still do... I miss her.

 140526d

Velcro's partner, 2.5 was also devastated. I had never seen a depressed Pigeon before. She'd sit near the aviary window day after day motionless all day, just staring off into space, waiting for Velcro's return home (Homing). 140612a

After that, 2.5 rarely left the aviary, always waiting for Velcro to come home. It took about 1 year for her to start a new life... 2.5 was alone now but she'd still come in the house and call and call for Velcro, searching the house for Velcro. They had spent many happy hours together in our house. It made me so sad seeing how desperately 2.5 wanted to be with Velcro again. It was easy to see that 2.5 was hurting ... so ...
. . So now it was just Newbie, a male 2yo Modena Pigeon, ...  and 2.5.



151224b

But, 2.5 resented Newbie and would not let him near her, she only wanted Velcro back. It took 2.5 many months before she finally accepted Newbies presence and then many more months before she reluctantly accepted Newbie as her new partner.
. . They've been together a few years now, but it's kinda sad though because it's just NOT the same. 2.5 finally accepted Newbie as a partner, but the love just isn't there. I never see those signs of deep affection like with Velcro. ... they just kind of live together. I know 2.5 still wants Velcro back.
. . Anyway... your song made me think of Velcro... I miss her so much.
.
.
I never think of them as birds... they are just like us, tiny feathered humans, and they have  *exactly* the same feelings and emotions that we do... love, fear, compassion, sadness, happiness, joy, loneliness, anger, jealousy, contentment, etc etc... I've seen them all. 
.
Over the years I have posted many many times about events in the Pigeons lives... tragic, funny, cute, humorous, emotional (Will make you cry), clever, and very sweet behavior. I have learned so much about life from my birds. I don't train them,... they train me - to do what they want me to do (food, water, in/out, hugs needed, etc), they speak very clearly if you stop to listen, all animals do.
. . . On my farm I had many hundreds of pets, domestic and wild. In town I can only have traditional pets plus Chickens, Pigeons and Doves (and cat and dog). I teach classes at various cities "The Art of Keeping Chickens"... Super efficient Solar coops, always above freezing for less than $5 per year, and super easy maintenance, VERY happy Chickens. 
.
. If I was a writer, I could easily write many books about the lives and adventures of birds and animals. My pet Seagull, Diddy,  deserves a book of her own, extremely intelligent and clever creature... SO many funny, unbelievable and amazing stories. She was the boss of the barnyard over my 140 dogs, 30 cows, 9 horses, sheep, goats, 9 cats, etc, and a pet fox. Diddy was wise and very intelligent.

. . Maybe you can meet Simon someday? He's famous.

                                         141013.jpg
Simon is a 16yo pure white Modena Pigeon.. he goes EVERYwhere with us.. camping, hiking, visiting, vacations, into stores, visiting relatives in the hospital, ...nursing homes (a therapy Pigeon)... we're never apart.      160830.jpg

He LOVES to ride on the dashboard. Maybe the most held by strangers, and most photographed Pigeon in the world, even been in a wedding.

131004a# Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse
151012au 

151011aa - - - Simon questions the "Foot Travel Only".

Since he's so old, he is now a House Pigeon... every evening about 10pm he comes to find me to get his good-night hug. Again many Many MANY humorous and sweet stories about Simon Pigeon and his adventures... another book ~:<)  Simon has his own FB site too.
. . Anyway, mostly just wanted you to know about how your song affected me.

Les Larson (Ace or "Bert Larson" on FB (Profile is head Bert Rooster).

160816 Hawk attacked birds on railing

THE HAWK skimmed  one foot above my shoulder like a missile yesterday... aimed 6 feet in front of me at my 4 pigeons sitting peacefully on the deck railing. There was an explosion of birds flying to escape the hawk and in 1/4 second the hawk had vanished thru the lilacs... not a bird left on the railing It was over in an micro-second. I ran down to the patio, where my white Homer Pigeon 2.5, had smashed herself into the house trying to get away and she  got wedged into some folded lawn chairs and was stuck... I picked her up, no blood, she was ok, just very frightened. I looked for the other three. Newbie and Sue-ez had flown away but had quickly returned to the railing, they were ok too.
. . BABY Khufu however, was nowhere to be found. It appeared that the hawk had snatched him right off the railing and flew away with him. Over and over we searched everywhere, all the tiny hiding places, etc... and searched the neighbors yards. Khufu had vanished. We searched and searched for 3 hours. . . . . Khufu had been having so much fun, flying repeatedly to my arm, shoulder, and head... I love that little bird. Now it was clear that he was gone. I gave up the search and sat on the couch and cried...
. . But then, more than 3 hours later, Karen discovered Sue-ez (Khufu's mother) sitting on the playhouse in the far back of the yard, with another bird... I ran out and yes, it was Khufu, looking as good as usual.
. . Apparently Khufu DID fly away, far away? but even at 7 weeks old he managed to find his way back home. Khufu followed me to the deck, then onto my arm and we went inside and I hugged him for a long time . . He/She's fine ~:<)
.
 . It appears that the white Homer, 2.5, had been the target, but 2.5 has been attacked many times and is experienced at not getting killed.
. .
Just two weeks earlier the same happened but we were not home to witness it... baby Khufu was hiding in a window well and the others were gone. Sue-ez eventually returned an hour later, but Cleopatra did not... That's when I lost my sweet loving Cleopatra Egyptian Swift.
.
C:\Personal PICS AND VIDS +2000\-J Pics 2016\160726 2731 Pigeons Egyptian Swift Cleopatra Suez Khufu Tuna Cat
Pic = 160726e Sue-ez, Khufu, Cleopatra, Newbie
Pic = 141111c Cleo

160613 Homer PIgeon 2.5 very sick... vet hospital

 She came to  me for help, she knew she was in big trouble.  She was SO sick I thought she'd die on the way to the hospital. She was foaming from the mouth, eyes closed, thought it was the end. She threw up 3 times. I've had this beautiful bird for 10 years.
. .  She's 2.5, my dear beautiful Homer Pigeon. I have the greatest respect for her, so very wise, stately, and intelligent.... a magnificent amazing bird.
. . They kept her overnight at the vet hospital in an incubator, shots, infusion, medication, etc. Next morning 6:30am they called, she survived and didn't need to stay another day (would have been $700).  Not sure what the problem was, suspect something she ate?

. . BUT she's fine now and is in the house with me... free to go outside if she wants.  Now I'm happy ~:<)



Pic 160609a 2731 Pigeon on PB roof 2.5.JPG
160613a 2731 Pigeon sick getting medicine Les 2.5.JPG
Video 160612 2731 Pigeon flying to Les hands food 2.5.MP4
FB link = https://www.facebook.com/BertTheMensaChicken/posts/10154121772690295

150513 Pigeon 2.5 on roof chimney

Surveying her domain.

2.5, a Homer Pigeon 9yo. She is amazing and beautiful. I have great respect for her.
Exceptionally wise - 2.5 has survived several cat and hawk attacks that killed those standing next to her.
. . She stands on the deck railing everyday and begs to come in the house for a visit. A majestic bird. I admire her.
Pictures =150512d 2731 Pigeon chiimney surveying her domain 2.5.JPG
150512e 2731 Pigeon Chimney 2.5.JPG
FB Link = https://www.facebook.com/BertTheMensaChicken/posts/10153227791940295

150510 Pigeon 2.5 hot bath

THIS is how 2.5 (Homer Pigeon) tells me she wants to take a bath in WARM water... (95 deg always, winter/summer).
. . She stands there staring into the house until I notice her and take warm water out for her. Then she bathes.
. . HAVE I spoiled my birds?

Pic = 080605 2731 2.5 on birdbath a.jpg
FB link - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153158531920295&set=a.10151252769390295.516518.752165294&type=1

150128 An example of Jealousy in animals.

150128 JEALOUSY.  Velcro and 2.5 (both female) had been an inseparable loving "pair", ... madly in love with each other for 8 years.  Then along comes Newbie (Male).  2.5 makes it clear Newbie is not welcome.
 
. . Four months after this video, Velcro was killed by a hawk on 5/20/14 as she flew to the deck to visit me.  2.5 became totally depressed (me too), withdrawn, she mourned for months, day after day staring out her window for hours, desperately waiting for Velcro to return. 2.5 would come in the house and call and call to Velcro hoping she'd answer. It was so sad to see. They had spent much time being in love in the house. 
. . Eventually, many months later, 2.5 finally slowly accepted Newbie as her new partner, but... It's - just -  not - the same. The intense loving and non-stop hugging and kissing is just not there with Newbie. There is NO doubt that 2.5 still continues to mourn the loss of Velcro (me too).

2.5 is a Homer Pigeon now 9yo.
Velcro was a Voorburg Shield Cropper 8yo
Newbie is a Modena 3yo.

2.5 and Velcro on hutch. They'd come in the house and spend most of the day enjoying each others company.

 

 2.5 attacks Newbie  2.5 makes it clear she doesn't welcome Newbie's interfering.

2.5 finally accepts Newbie.


141103b 2731 Pigeon Bird Bath 2.5 Newbie

FB link = https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152991877645295

150102 White Homer Pigeon Camouflage in snow

Camouflage.
. . . . 2.5 is a 9yo Homer Pigeon. She comes to the patio door everyday and begs to come in the house. I let her in for a few hours... some treats, a nap, then she asks to be let out again.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152914303325295&set=a.10151252769390295.516518.752165294&type=1&permPage=1

Birds are people too, just smaller. 2008

I have learned that all animals have deep feelings and emotions, the exact same feelings as humans. I have seen them get upset, they love, they have joy, sadness, anxiety, fear, jealousy, frustration , anger, rejection, lust, urges, maternal instincts, fairness, manners, depression, compassion, etc, all the emotions that we have. They are just little people.

                           Lizard (dark) and 2.5 (white)

When Lizard (2.5’s husband) got killed by a hawk a few weeks ago(Video link Lizard and 2.5 in love), 2.5 became very despondent, lethargic, and was in deep depression. She just sat around grieving with no expression, no movement, just staring straight ahead not noticing anything around her… so sad, you could almost see the tears in her eyes. She lost weight. So Ace felt sorry for her and went out and bought two more pigeons, a male Arch Angel (Archie),

 
and a female Arabian Trumpeter (Edith).

Archie has iridescent feathers that have all the colors of the rainbow when in the sun. Edith also has iridescent feathers. They are beautiful birds.

Then 2.5 came back to life again, but she was not happy with the "intruders", Archie and Edith.  She wanted Lizard back again, she was bitter. 2.5 did not get along very well with Archie and Edith. So 2.5 tolerated the intruders for a week or so, but then one day I watched 2.5 fly away as usual, but her flight was UNusual in that she stayed very low, weaving thru the trees as she left as if she was hiding her exit.
I knew it was a bad sign. Her life had been shattered. I knew I’d never see her again, she was leaving forever and would not return. Tame pigeons are not very good at surviving in the wild so I knew it was the end for her.  I waited for days, but she did not return.

But then, a miracle, on the 4th day and never expecting to see her again, 2.5 finally came back home. When I saw her this morning I ran out on the deck. She saw me and instantly flew to me and landed on the railing next to me.

She walked right up to me expecting breakfast, which I happened to have in my hand. She seemed so happy to be back, she was excited… I think she was smiling? We sat and talked to each other for a while until I froze in my bathrobe and went inside. She finished eating and taking a bath, then flew to the coop where she is now resting…. back home again. It’s so nice to see her back, I missed her. I hope the three will now become a family, even though each is from a different ethnic background.

UPDATE: Archie and Edith were both killed by a neighborhood cat several weeks later. 2.5 managed to survive by hiding in the rafters. Again 2.5 became depressed and motionless.  So I got her yet another partner, then she was very active and happy once again.
But then... more tragedy in her life.  With her new partner, Ringo the Dove (Spot Dove's ex-husband)... 2.5 was again madly in love now with her tiny husband Ringo.  See link below for the rest of the story.
(Link disabled ) = I heard a loud thud as a bird hit hard on the window.
BUT, ... (update)
that's not the end of the story... there was more intense love, another new partner for 2.5 and again she fell madly in love with her new female partner, Velcro. For 8 years they were inseparable, hugging and kissing constantly ... SOooo madly in love.

Then, tragedy again. While flying to the deck to visit me, Velcro got killed by a hawk. 2.5 went into withdrawal.. for a whole year she just stood in her aviary window gazing out hoping Velcro would return.  2.5 would come in the house and call to Velcro over and over, hoping Velcro was in the house, where they had spent many days together. It was painful to watch...
 
(update)  . . . Eventually yet another partner, Newbie. It took many many months but eventually 2.5 accepted Newbie, but.... It's just not the same. They are partners, but none of the intense emotional love, hugging and kissing. It's not hard to see that 2.5 still wants Velcro back ~:<( ... ... (me too).