I share space with a pigeon. I didn’t set out to live with a pigeon, never even crossed my mind. In fact, I have never been interested in birds as a companion animal. I have always thought that they were pretty, or funny, or obnoxious (blue jays).

Almost 5 years ago, we had a very intense thunderstorm. This particular storm knocked out power, broke trees in half, wrecked bridges & some roads. It was epic wind and heavy rain.

Little White Bird

The next day I discovered a little white bird sitting on the woodpile on my back porch. He actually scared the shit out of me. I was on the porch & I noticed something moving…startling me. He hopped up higher on the logs when I looked at him. Rommel’s presence didn’t seem to phase him. I took a couple pics of him, thinking that this was cute and how odd that he wasn’t flying away.

My, then, neighbor has a homicidal cat. A bird killing machine type cat. This cat is clever, adept, sneaky. He has claimed the lives of countless squirrels, mice, moles, and birds. This cat has an unquenchable bloodlust for little furries and feathers.

I had gotten closer to the little bird and noticed a rusty color that was speckled and staining his white feathers. Blood….ahhh. Perhaps this little guy was a tad more clever that the jack the ripper cat? Escaped with claw or teeth injuries? Regardless of how he was injured….my heart immediately went out to this injured bird. I wanted to give him a little help at life. We made a makeshift house, caught him and voila. Safe bird.

Since I knew jack shit about birds, bird health, how to care for an injured bird, etc….I did what most anyone would do. I called rommels vet. No luck, but they did advise me to contact fish and game, and that they had a bird rehabber I could call.

Pigeon Friendly Zone

Readers digest version? Got him a cage, seed, a toy, gave him a cute pillow…..brought him to the bird rehabber and found out that he was NOT wild. He didn’t, however, have any bands or identification. She said take him home….enjoy him.

His name is BB. He is an absolute joy to be around. His intellect is impressive. He is funny. When I found him he was less than 20 days old.

Since pigeons are flock birds, I can only assume he is lonely. He free flies from morning to evening and let’s me know he is ready for bed with long, deep coos. I have wanted a mate/friend so he wouldn’t be lonely. He plays like a puppy, rough and pushy & he is sweet and affectionate. I bought him a plush pigeon ( life size) that he naps with during the afternoon.
I would never ‘buy’ a pigeon…so, I’ve been checking for rescue opportunities. Yesterday, an opportunity opened.

2 states away a baby pigeon was found and is being fostered. I’ve been in contact & next Saturday we will pick him/her up. I am over the moon for BB.