This racing pigeon somehow managed to get themselves into the room above my mother’s garage last week. We still can’t quite work out exactly how or why! Despite their familiarity with humans they refused to hop down to my hand, flew to another rafter if I got too close and were too high in the rafters to throw a towel over. I also couldn’t see its full ring number in order to contact its owner.
So with dusk fast approaching we decided to leave it overnight.
The following morning I was up bright and early to see how the pigeon was getting on. It looked okay. I re-opened a velux window but the weather was horrendous. I didn’t actually expect it to venture outside, but it was worth a try.
I checked in again early afternoon, and it looked at me with an expression that indicated it wasn’t going anywhere and it also seemed to be asking if could I shut the window as the storm was getting worse! So I shut the window, and left it some seed and water. It would be fine for another night. As Mum said racing pigeons must spend most of their life just sitting around! However both of us were getting concerned. If it didn’t leave the next day what were we going to do?!
On its second morning with us I awoke early as I usually do, and headed out to the garage before 6am. The storm had passed and it felt like it might be a nice day, so fingers crossed the pigeon would want to leave. As I climbed the stairs I was relieved to see that it was on a rafter opposite the window. It had eaten all the seed I had left the day before, and by the looks if it had also drunk some water. I began to feel optimistic.
I walked slowly over to the window, and opened it. It didn’t fly out but nor did it move away. However I guessed it wouldn’t help if I stayed around.
Two hours later Mum happened to look over towards the garage and spotted movement near the window. I looked up and I could see it on the window frame. Then suddenly it went – but which way?!
We agreed to leave it a while before we checked. A few hours later . . . . .
Yay, it had gone home, and I had a rather fun ‘overhead‘ for Debbie!
You did have a fun overhead for the weekend. I loved your story. Glad it left on its own 😀
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I’m so pleased it did, too, and hopefully made it home safely 😊
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And I’m guessing it probably didn’t win the race, either.
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😄 I did wonder how far behind the leaders it ended up being, if only I could have read the full ring code.
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I’ve seen a couple here and have no idea where they came from or where they were supposed to be going to.
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Ooh interesting, between islands maybe?
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I would think so. There’s not a lot of options out here!
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Handsome pigeon. We have doves. They all look alike except some have red feet and others have black feet — more or less randomly. Your guest was very handsome.
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Handsome indeed 🙂
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Fingers crossed you’ve not got yourselves an (unofficially) airbnb for pigeons 🤣
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The pigeon poo problem would have been my first thought too! Glad it wasn’t too bad.
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One of the reasons I didn’t attempt to chase it!
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And me I would have freaked as I dislike wild birds in close proximity to me!
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My mum feels the same as you which is why she sent me up there to deal with it!
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A happy ending, and I’m sure your visitor appreciated the facilities in your ‘hotel’ 😃
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I hope so – although I am also hoping they don’t tell all their mates!
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I think Racing (or homing) Pigeons have much more sense than we give them credit for. Tough weather, hungry , wet… les take a break to recharge to batteries. 🙂
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The way he/she looked at me when I opened the window during the storm made me realise I was the one being daft!
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Let us know if it has checked back at Hotel Becky. 😀
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hee hee – you’d think it would at least leave us a review!
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Food excellent quality although they could work on the presentation. Room facility: spacey but lacks coziness.
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🙌 🐦⬛😀
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Not exactly an unwelcome house guest but one you were happy to see go on its way.
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My mother’s thoughts exactly
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Obviously a wise bird waiting for better weather.
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Wise indeed, as also waited for me to feed it!
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You were so nice to him/her I’m surprised she/he went!
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That’s what Mum was beginning to think!
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😊
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Annoying fun 😁
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Exactly 🐦⬛
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Not much pooh to clean up?
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A bit but it’s a room that is full of spider webs, hibernating ladybirds and dust so didn’t really need to worry!
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👍😂
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I was getting worried there. Thought you might end up with a racing pet.
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I was also worried!
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