150615 FB Post - Passenger Pigeons are not extinct.

This is when Simon is the 2nd most happy... when riding in the car.
The 1st most happy is when he is being cuddled and loved (that's most of the time).
Pigeons are very temperature tolerant ... comfortable at -30 to 110 or so.
 
Video = 150614 Stillwater Blvd Elmo to Oakdale Pigeon on dash Simon.MP4
FB Link = https://www.facebook.com/BertTheMensaChicken/videos/10153311694025295/
MY FB COMMENT:
I never go anywhere without Simon except on those summer days when  I can't leave him in the hot car ... but then I usually take him in the car anyway if visiting, or I take him into stores with me (not where there's food or medical).  He just waits on the counter while I pay.  He is quite welcome most everywhere I go.  This is the hospital waiting room. The entire staff held him.

Pic = 150220a boutwells Gables Simon Pigeon in waiting room.jpg

150517 Simon walks down hall to be hugged

The most wonderful thing just happened that makes me very happy. I'm sitting at my computer and I hear footsteps coming down the hall. I look down and there's Simon looking up at me with those big brown eyes that very Clearly tell me he really needs to be hugged.
So that's why I'm typing slowly,... I'm hugging him with one hand while he nibbles on my face. Now he's napping.
Actually, he does this quite frequently. He's my BFF - (Bird Friend Forever).

Pic= 101231b 2731 Fireplace SimonPigeon  - Copy.jpg
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150513 VALET PARKING at the nursing home.

 150513 VALET PARKING at the nursing home.
Actually, it's a senior apt building where my Mother lives. When the residents ride arrives they often leave their "vehicles" behind.


Pic =  150510 Boutwells foyer valet wheelchair parking.JPG
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You KNOW you have bonded when you yawn and then so does your pet (Simon Pigeon)

150513 You KNOW you have bonded when you yawn and then so does your pet (Simon Pigeon)
(13 second video) Such an ENTHUSIASTIC yawn
(Warning, will make you smile or yawn or both).

Video = 150512a  2731 Pigeon YAWN 10th speed Simon 1.avi
FB Link = https://www.facebook.com/BertTheMensaChicken/videos/10153227392340295/

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

150413 Newbie attacked by hawk

150413 Newbie attacked by hawk
He survived 3 attacks. He's still alive and well.
AS WE WERE watching, a hawk swooped down on the deck just 2 feet from the patio door and tried to fly off with Newbie (2yo Modena Pigeon). Newbie broke free but the hawk attacked again. Again Newbie broke free and he tried to fly away but the hawk attacked the third time..
. . We were just inside the door and watched this happen so immediately opened the door and the hawk flew off.  Feathers everywhere. Newbie's wing was apparently injured a bit as he kept trying to hold it in position. There was a spot with feathers missing but I could find no blood.
. .
The Picture... Most of the feathers had blown away by the time I took this picture. There were many.  The attack took place at the edge of the green mat.
. . After a few minutes it became apparent there was no permanent damage. A short time after, Newbie was able to fly to the top of the hutch. Later he flew to the Aviary.  As far as I can tell, he's ok.
Pic = 150413 2731 Pigeon attacked by hawk Newbie.JPG
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I ADDED 2 COMMENTS
1) So lucky... Minutes before, my sweet dear Simon was laying in the same spot. Simon (14yo) wouldn't have stood a chance against a hawk.
. . Just before the incident, I noticed NO Chickens or Pigeons were in the yard. very unusual.  So Karen went looking for them. They were all far back in the yard under some bushes... that seemed ok?  BUT now I know the Chickens had seen the hawk and were hiding.  Otherwise they would have been the victim, not Newbie Pigeon.
. . I keep the deck furniture arranged so as to provide cover for the Pigeons when they are on the deck, but THIS hawk dropped down from straight above.
2) Likely, the hawk will hang around knowing there are Chickens and Pigeons. Therefore I'm keeping them in the aviary for a few weeks until the hawk moves elsewhere.

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
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