First I was out for a walk on a beautiful sunny day here today. I had to get some veggies, fruits and milk but before that I needed some sustenance.
On my way to the local diner, I decided that the pigeons made a pretty sight sitting in various formations on the telephone poles.
I took several photos against the beautiful blue sky.
Snap, snap, snap ...
Each time I took a new photo, the birds had made yet another formation.
They move around so fast.
I'm wondering what they are chirping about up there.
Do they watch us like we watch them?
Do they look for dropped food perhaps?
So they can swoop down and pick up the crumbs?
For all the pigeons I've seen over the years, I realize I know so little about them.
So I read more about them here.
I even learned that there is a group called People for the Preservation of Pigeons who are dedicated to the protection of the oldest domestic bird, the "gentle and loyal pigeon".
I think most people have seen pigeons because they are distributed all over the earth, except in the driest parts of the Sahara, Antarctica and the high Arctic.
This last photo is my favourite one of the day.
What the pigeons seem to want to tell me and you is that they are not so bad. They brighten our days like they did mine today and they are gentle birds. They give a sense of joie de vivre (joy of living) to the cities when you walk about or sit at a sidewalk cafe and enjoy your cafe au lait. They were even instrumental in transmitting war time messages.
I guess I've always been of two minds about the pigeons myself. I love to watch them but sometimes I just feel there are too many splattering up the sidewalks and awnings in the apartment buildings. But they do bring joy to so many people and there are even those who raise and train them. The most high profile one I know of is Mike Tyson, the champion boxer. I've always been fascinated that he would raise pigeons as a hobby.
What are your thoughts on pigeons?
Addendum: I just thought of something. If I asked instead whether you like doves, would that change your answer? In fact, doves are related to pigeons. I believe they are a smaller form of pigeon and they are mostly white (maybe always white, lol). Most people see the dove as a nice bird representing purity, peace, the Holy Spirit, etc. and have no problem using doves in a wedding setting. Makes you think about it a little more ;-)
Happy Blue Monday!
Join Smiling Sally and the others here.
