Blog - Page 23 of 39 -

November 7, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Palomacy’s Calendar Photo Contest!

Palomacy’s Calendar Photo Contest!

We are very excited to be hosting Palomacy’s first ever calendar photo contest and fundraiser!

Your photo entries and votes support Palomacy and count you among an amazingly caring network of people committed to our culture-changing work. Thank you for helping celebrate these incredible, under-appreciated birds every day of the year! We know how special pigeons and doves are and we are showing the world!

Please vote for your favorites ($1/vote)! Submit your photos ($5/entry)! Share for family and friends to vote! All proceeds will help Palomacy to help more birds. You are literally shaping Palomacy’s future with your support.

Built in buttons make it easy to share your entries with your friends and family and invite their votes in support of your beloved birds and Palomacy! It’s easy and fun! Already entered? Find yours here. Ready to get started, it’s easy here.

You can also elight your loved ones- birds or people- by reserving a day in the calendar especially for them.

And you can pre-order Palomacy 2017 Calendars as great gifts for those special bird-lovers in your life.

Together, we are making the world a kinder place- for pigeons and doves and everyone else. Thank you for being ambassadors for compassion. Thank you for supporting Palomacy.

Your help inspires ever-growing appreciation for pigeons and doves and raises life-saving funds for the birds! Please join us in making 2017 a truly wonderful year for these very special birds!

Enter and vote today! The contest ends 9 PM PT on 11/13/16.

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Thank you! You are making every day a better one with your compassion.

October 18, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Dove Love!

Dove Love!

On August 29th, Palomacy volunteer Ellie transported Novie & Limabean from their foster aviary at Andy’s Pet Shop in San Jose to Emily’s Monterey home so she could foster and potentially adopt them. Happy news! It’s official- they are home! We love getting updates about our birds and we especially love this wonderful video created by Emily in honor of Novie & Limabean! They are so in love! And so lucky! And so are you because we have lots of adorable, adoptable, easy to care for doves who can bring the same joy to your home! (Please see 53 Pet Doves Need Help! and learn more about fostering or adopting here.)

Emily’s mom Shannon sent this video disclaimer: “I promise Novie is not allowed to play with the blind cord nor is he allowed to gorge himself in the safflower bowl. Just showing off his adorable mischievous side!”

Novie & Limabean are welcomed to their new home!

Novie appreciated the special welcome!

Limabean and Emily connected right away

Emily with her adopted doves Novie & Limabean

Emily, Novie & Limabean

Novie, rescued, healed, adopted, home!

Ringneck dove Novie had been found injured and stray in Sacramento and was taken in to Wildlife Care Association where, rather than being turned away as a domestic as sometimes happens, they cared for him until Palomacy could make room. Limabean was one of nine doves whose people could no longer keep them. Thanks to our partnership with Andy’s (Rescue) Pet Shop and with lots of help from Palomacy volunteers Jill and Leda, we were able to rescue and care for Limabean and her flock. When Novie joined them, he won Limabean’s heart and so, when Emily applied to adopt him, the devoted couple were a package deal. Congratulations to Novie & Limabean and their adopter Emily and thank you to all the kind, compassionate people along the way who helped these little birds. It makes a difference.

October 17, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Home Along the Lanes of the Skyway

Home Along the Lanes of the Skyway

Guest Post by William O’Neill

A pigeon going about the daily routine.

There are over three hundred species of pigeons and doves! The most ubiquitous member of their family is Columba livia– the Rock Pigeon. You most likely refer to them simply as pigeon. They’re the enigmatic little citizens you pass by on a daily basis. Pigeons are commonly associated with cities, and often referred to as cosmopolitan species or urban wildlife. Their affinity for our cities is no fluke. Humans domesticated pigeons, at least five thousand years ago. They originated in North Africa, Southern Europe and Western Asia. They can now be found in urban areas on most continents, following human introduction. In the wild, pigeons prefer to nest and roost in the nooks and crannies of cliff faces and other protective, rocky areas. Our buildings act as the perfect surrogate. Their relationship with humans has shown to be quite beneficial for the species, with current global populations estimated to be two hundred and sixty million (still far short of the global human population). However, their success and intimate relationship with human civilization has resulted in the attribution of some onerous and undeserved reputations for being dirty, diseased, native-bird displacers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pigeons are intelligent, emotional, loyal and amazing animals.

There are many housing options for this discerning tenant.

More than half of the world’s population lives in urban environments (UN, 2014), so it is no surprise that any one person’s daily routine comes with a shortage of wildlife interactions. Depending on where you live, urban wildlife may consist of dogs, cats, raccoons, rats, coyotes and birds. Surprisingly, twenty percent of the approximately ten thousand bird species on the planet live in cities (Aronson MFJ et al, 2014). Among those, the most cosmopolitan and readily identified is the pigeon. Many people don’t give pigeons the time of day, unless they happen to be “in their way” on the sidewalk. Taking a closer look at our avian neighbors would reveal their interesting and endearing lives. On any given day, you can observe pigeons: courting their life-long mates; gathering materials to build their nests where they will raise many generations of children; maneuvering through the air to avoid predators; engaging in social interactions and much more! Like you and I, pigeons are just trying to get by in the world the best they can. Taking notice of their lives can be extremely enriching to our own.

Some colleagues grab a bite to eat.

Non-native species get a pretty bad rap for destroying ecosystems and displacing native species. This is not true of all non-natives. Pigeons are one of the many introduced species that has been incorrectly labeled as a usurper of native bird’s habitat. As previously stated, pigeons do so well because they make use of the vastly altered landscapes produced by humans. Pigeons now occur in eighty percent of cities globally (Aronson MFJ et al, 2014). This might lead you to believe they have a great effect on the native bird populations. This is not the case. In cities, non-native bird species, including pigeons, account for less than five percent of the bird population. The observed dearth of native bird species is a result of anthropogenic forces (Aronson MFJ et al, 2014). It is the alteration of habitat to urban use by humans, which poses a strong threat to native birds.

Even while courting a mate, pigeons must be vigilant

Despite some commonly held stereotypes, generally speaking, animals do not enjoy being dirty and take steps to ensure their cleanliness. Pigeons are no exception. In fact, birds are fastidious in their hygiene, due to the importance of keeping their feathers in good shape. Bird feathers serve many functions such as flying, keeping the individual warm or cool, and employment in mating displays. Birds have devised a number of methods for feather upkeep. Birds preen by using their beak to straighten out their feathers. Each feather has smaller parts called barbs, which can become tangled and askew. Birds use their beaks much like a human might use a brush or comb. Birds also take sunbathes, ant baths, bathe in water, and preen socially. So, when you see a pigeon out on the street and they aren’t looking their best, it isn’t for lack of effort. As it turns out, humans and our cities aren’t the cleanest. With all the time it takes city pigeons to find their food; dodge cars, buses and bikes; avoid human foot traffic; and elude predators, access to clean water and time to preen can be scarce. This is compounded by the amount of waste and pollution humans spread about.

Pigeons trying to keep clean in the seedy city.

As a great person once did not actually say, “I cannot tell a lie”. Pigeons, like all animals (including humans) carry disease. However, the risk to humans has been inflated, possibly as a precaution (possibly for monetary gain), with negative consequences for pigeons. From 1941 through 2003, there were only 176 cases of transmission from feral pigeons to humans (Haag-Wackernagel, 2004). Pigeons have been shown to harbor sixty to seventy human pathogens, but only seven have been transmitted to humans (Haag-Wackernagel, 2004). The most likely method for transmission is through respiration. This is because the pathogens most often implicated are breathed in with old, dry droppings. The majority of people affected are workers cleaning up droppings and people with compromised immune systems. Acquiring these pathogens can be easily avoided by taking proper precautions. Workers in close contact with droppings can wear masks to prevent inhalation. Persons with compromised immune systems can avoid encounters with pigeons and their droppings. As is often the case, prevention works.

If anyone has ever called you a bird-brain, I hope your response was, “Thank you very much!” Birds are among the smartest members of the animal kingdom. Most of the recognition goes to the Corvids: crows, ravens and jays. If Corvids are the Einsteins of the bird world, then pigeons are the Teslas. Numerous research has been done into the intelligence and abilities of pigeons. They have solved the old “box and the banana” test (Steinissen, 2010). A treat is suspended just out of the pigeon’s reach and a box is placed in the room, but away from the treat. The pigeon successfully figures out how to use the box to gain the necessary height to obtain the treat. Pigeons have been shown to have self-recognition on par with that of three-year old humans. They are able to view two video feeds and determine which video is of them and which is a recording of another pigeon (Keio University, 2008). Pigeons are also capable of discerning between two sets of objects based on their characteristics and selecting them accordingly (University of Iowa, 2014).

These images taken from video of the Banana-box experiment show the subject figuring out to move the box to obtain the banana.

A well-known behavior of pigeons is their homing ability. Humans have taken advantage of it for thousands of years, in different ways. Humans drive pigeons away from their homes and “race” the pigeons to see who gets home first (this is a major no-no as many do not make it back at all). Pigeons have also served in the armed forces as messengers, often rescuing humans from death and earning medals in the process (see Cher Ami). Pigeons accomplish these amazing feats in multiple ways. Studies on pigeon homing abilities have shown that the birds possess a compass that relies on both the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. When the sun is obscured, they switch to using the magnetic field and vice versa. They also employ landmarks. Pigeons use rivers, roads, buildings and other features as paths and markers in their own mental map (BBC Earth, 2014). Pigeons are real home bodies, so it is no wonder they have developed all of these extraordinary skills for finding their way there.

Pigeons enjoying their native habitat.

The reason pigeons are so inclined to get back to their home is that they likely have a family waiting for them. Pigeons mate for life. Once the courtship is complete, the pair locates a nesting site. There, the male will retrieve the materials and the female will design and construct the nest (and sometimes reverse roles). Typically, pigeons will lay two eggs at a time. Both parents feed the young by producing a substance in their crop, commonly referred to as “milk”. This is the reason that pigeons grow up so fast. The mated pair will stay together and reuse the same home they have built for many generations, rebuilding it stronger each time. Unfortunately, the city life takes it toll on them and many pigeons live short lives of three to four years. Pigeons, like many birds, mourn their deceased. These intelligent and emotional beings lead full and incredible lives.

A mated pair show affection.

Two pigeon babies.

It is no wonder that with all of these qualities, pigeons make great companions for us humans. Wild pigeons should be just that: wild. But, many pigeons are bred and raised as domestic for various purposes. These individuals will find it hard to survive in the wild, if they ever get there. If they are able to escape their fate (often as food or racers), and lucky enough to be rescued, they will make themselves right at home in ours. Just like the more common companions-cats and dogs-they are loyal and endearing.

Christmas made merrier by a pigeon companion.

On your way to work or school in the morning, you might cross paths with some pigeons just starting their day as well. We will all be navigating the same crowded city streets through out our day. While we sit in a restaurant eating our meals and staring out the window, you’ll probably see some pigeons pecking about the ground, doing the same. When you drive home from the store with supplies for your next home improvement project, you may notice a pigeon cruise by with some new materials for their nest. The next time you encounter a pair of pigeons walking side by side and never straying too far from each other, perhaps you’ll wonder, “How long have they been together?” These intriguing little lives are all around us. If we take the time to notice them, ours just might be a little better.

William O’Neill grew up in Santa Rosa, CA and now lives in San Francisco, CA with his wife, dog and cat. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from San Francisco State University. There he researched climate change and Lyme disease ecology. He enjoys walking his dog Squirrel, relaxing with his cat Lola, observing the pigeons at 22^nd Ave and Irving Street, and volunteering with Palomacy. His answer to “What is your favorite…” will always be Jurassic Park.

References

Title “Home along the lanes of the skyway” lyric from Elton John’s “Skyline Pigeon”

Aronson MFJ et al. 2014 A global analysis of the impacts of urbanization on bird and plant diversity reveals key anthropogenic drivers. Proc. R. Soc. B 281: 20133330.

BBC Earth, 2014. How do homing pigeons get home? – Extraordinary Animals – Series 2 – Earth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl0Ii29XmNk

Haag-Wackernagel D, Moch H. 2004. Health hazards posed by feral pigeons. J Infect. 2004 May;48(4):307-13

Keio University. (2008, June 14). Pigeons Show Superior Self-recognition Abilities To Three Year Old Humans. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 12, 2016 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613145535.html

Steinissen, Geert. 2010. Insight learning: Pigeon Solves the Classic Box-and-Banana Problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtHYyfDdSUg

United Nations 2014. World’s population increasingly urban with more than half living in urban areas.

http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/world-urbanization-prospects-2014.html

University of Iowa. (2014, April 2). Pigeons share our ability to place everyday things in categories. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 12, 2016 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140402095107.html

September 27, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on 53 Pet Doves Need Help!

53 Pet Doves Need Help!

We need fosters & adopters for 53 beautiful rescued doves like Lucky LaRue who is feeling so much better already! Please click the image to apply.

On September 9th, Palomacy received this message:

I am reaching out on behalf of my Grandfather who lives in Pacifica. He has had pet doves for several decades now and due to his age and situation, he can no longer manage caring for these birds. I need some options on what to do with 40-50 domesticated, healthy doves. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Palomacy volunteer and Pacifica resident Cheryl went to meet Andy and his doves and assess the situation on September 11th.

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Andy and his doves

Andy had started out with a single pair of doves 40 years ago but with their breeding uncontrolled, now had 53 doves that he couldn’t properly care for. (Please- do not allow your birds to breed! There are too many captive birds literally dying for lack of homes. How to Prevent Breeding) The doves, though loved, were living in very rough conditions. They were stressed, overcrowded, living in a too small coop in air that burned with ammonia from years of accumulated poop. Cheryl assessed the situation, checked for eggs and young (there were none- the doves had become too stressed to breed), took photos so that we could collaborate to figure out a rescue plan, and reassured Andy that we would do our best to help him and his birds.

The following week, Palomacy volunteers Jill and Liese went to meet with Andy, rescue two bachelor doves we had openings for and talk about how Palomacy might be able to help. We were in a tough spot. Already overfull with 126 birds in our stretched-to-the-max foster care, Andy’s doves were in urgent need of rescue. They couldn’t be released to live wild- they are all domestic, with no survival skills, and predators, including crows, ravens, cats, hawks, gulls, etc. would massacre them. Andy was unwilling to surrender them to an animal shelter and, with a surrender fee of $25 each, doing so was cost prohibitive even if he had been. As rescuers, we often feel as if we have no choice but to somehow, someway, help those who no one else will.

Jill picks up the story: I was glad to help and asked my friend and fellow Palomacy volunteer, Liese, to come along with me. On September 18th, we went to meet Andy and his flock. We have two single lady doves in need of mates, Fava and Cathy, and wanted to rescue a couple of bachelors from this flock. Neither of us were prepared for the filth we experienced upon entering the aviary. The smell of ammonia was overwhelming. The birds were dirty and had given up any normal behaviors one would see in doves. There was no cooing, no laughing, no courting, no nesting, no defending their nests. They all seemed to be stunned and just surviving on what little seed was being thrown on the floor (which was covered in many years worth and hundreds of pounds of their own waste). They only had one small bowl with an inch of dirty water in it.

Trying to sex them was very difficult. They didn’t act like normal doves. They were too crowded and stressed to interact with each other. Liese and I felt the pelvic bones of a bunch, doing our best to determine gender that way. The last thing I would ever want to do was take a mate away from his beloved but I brought home two doves that didn’t seem attached to anyone and whose pelvic bones felt like males’.

Rescued Ringneck dove in loving volunteer's hands

Rooster’s rescue day

We named the white one Oliver and the fawn dove Rooster. So far, no love match for Fava but she’s enjoying the dove company and it is adorable to see Oliver and Rooster coming back to life. They seem amazed to have so much space, choices, possibilities…

Rescued doves perched together on a curtain rod

Oliver & Rooster, exploring

Fava, Rooster & Oliver are becoming friends

On September 23rd, Cheryl, Liese and I went back to the aviary to clean it out as best we could and pull as many doves as we had been able to inspire foster homes for. We caught all of them, placed them in carriers for safe-keeping and tackled cleaning the aviary. We wore masks and gloves. We hauled out hundreds of pounds of dove poop, along with rotten plywood. We hammered rusty nails that were sticking out of the shelving and walls. We scrubbed the walls and shelves.

Selfie of 3 volunteers, sweaty & masked,

Liese, Jill & Cheryl cleaning out Andy’s aviary

We scraped the nest boxes. We put new boards along the floor. The smell was gone, the birds were all assessed and Palomacy took 24 more doves into our foster care, including the three medical cases (Bailey, Madison & Reese). We are straining to fit these doves into our care and we had to leave the remaining 27 there for now, (their circumstances greatly improved). Cheryl is fostering three, Liese is fostering two (Avery & Lucky LaRue), we’re housing four in our foster aviary at Andy’s Rescue Pet Shop in San Jose, Marin Humane Society in Novato is taking a pair to adopt out from their lobby, Elizabeth is fostering two, Kristi in Sacramento is taking in six, and I’m fostering five.

Volunteer Jill with two of her foster doves

Jill with fosters Bailey & Madison

Smiling volunteer holding a lucky to be rescued Ringneck dove

Liese & her new foster dove Lucky LaRue

Cheryl & Captain, one of her three new fosters

Three sick and/or injured doves being transported to rescue in a pet carrier

Medical cases- Madison, Reese & Bailey

Avian vet with white dove perched on her hand

Dr. Murphy is helping us treat the sick & injured

Four new foster doves have joined our fosters in San Jose. (Click on the photo to see & hear our live BirdCams including these doves.)

Foster doves Mouse, Bix, Chief & Blizzard, shy upon arrival

Happy dove, wings, raised, on the edge of a water basin

Chief exults in the possibility of a bath

Cute photo of two doves sitting cozily together

Given room to move, the doves are developing relationships. Mouse & Bix are becoming a couple.

Our work is not done. We need to find homes for all of these beautiful doves- the 26 in our foster care as well as the 27 ‘sheltering in place’ in Andy’s now clean and well stocked aviary (which we will continue to visit and help care for).

The good news is despite their difficult predicament, these doves are super sweet and very adoptable. They are so responsive to attention and really appreciate all the loving care they’re getting. Please- help these little birds. Foster or adopt a pair or a flock! (We include a pair of fake dove eggs and directions on how to prevent breeding with every pair adopted! Learn more about Doves as Pets.) Apply here.

And please, donate to support Palomacy. Without your help, we can’t help the birds who need us. They are the innocents, at risk through no fault of their own.

We will keep you posted on this flock. We still have much work to do.

Rescued dove Bailey says Thank You!

September 14, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on A Coo-ture Flight of Fancy to Benefit Palomacy

A Coo-ture Flight of Fancy to Benefit Palomacy

Created by Christiana Reed

Photo of Christiana & Talma by Elisabeth Millay

The work of animal rescuers (and the humans who love them) can be very un-glamorous. Totally worth the effort, but very humble and messy. Palomacy’s volunteers shine brightly through it all, though, their generosity and compassion radiant through the endless pij pants changes, cleaning of aviaries, hours in cars crowded with cages, and fatigue at the end of long advocacy events.

Volunteer Christiana Reed wanted to find a way to show the world how beautiful the spirit of Palomacy is, and got inspired to learn the art of tutu making to this end, with all sales benefitting the cause of the pigeons. This endeavor took on a life of its own, and Christiana’s coo-ture is now showcased in all manner of settings, from tea parties to Burning Man.

To help with the cost of some Palomacy’s recent large vet bills, Christiana is now offering her entire inventory of tutus and matching corsets at tutu-good-to-be-true prices! 100% of proceeds are donated directly to Palomacy, and you have the opportunity to score one-of-a-kind creations just in time for Hallowe’en.

Photos and information on the items for sale are below. Please contact Christiana at christianadove13@yahoo.com to place an order or ask any questions.

Christiana also gladly takes custom orders all year round, for people and pets (including pigeons), and as always, 100% of proceeds are donated to Palomacy.

Ensemble fit for a Hallowe’en Queen

Start with a reversible floor-length tutu skirt, wearable with black or or a peachy orange as the predominant color.

The waistband is wide, soft, light-as-air black crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 28 to 43 inches.

Black and orange tutu skirt alone: Was $50. Now just $36 + shipping!

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Two corsets to match the orange and black skirt, or to complement any other item in your own wardrobe.

A peachy-orange and black flocked brocade pattern corset, which closes at the front with a busk and laces seductively up the back with black ribbon. Includes an attached back modesty panel, and will fit a natural waist up to 32 inches.

Orange and black corset: Was $32. Now just $20 + shipping!

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A black and gold brocade corset with steampunk clasps to close the front, and sexy black ribbon lacing up the back. Includes an attached back modesty panel, and will fit a natural waist up to 32 inches. Also comes with a matching brocade thong (plastic packaging seen pinned to corset back in photo).

Black and gold brocade corset: Was $35. Now $22 + shipping!

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For a spectacularly head-turning combination, pair the black and orange tutu skirt with either corset!

Special combination pricing:

Tutu skirt + black and orange corset: $50 + shipping

Tutu skirt + black and gold corset: $52 + shipping

Tutu skirt + both corsets: $70 + shipping

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Gothic Double-Delight

Another tutu skirt certain to get you noticed at any Hallowe’en gathering, in the club, or at any artsy occasion!

This knee-length skirt is reversible.

On one side, the skirt is purple and deep plum with a slightly longer black bustle.

On the other side, the skirt is black with a slightly longer burgundy bustle.

The waistband is a wide purple soft, light-as-air crochet which can comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 28 to 45 inches.

Gothic Double-Delight tutu skirt: Was $38. Now just $26 + shipping!

Please note, the tutu appears see-through in the photos due to the background sunlight, but in fact it offers dense coverage.

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Plum Pleasure

A knee-length tutu skirt perfect for gothic cosplay or any artistic evening occasion.

This tutu is reversible, and can be worn with either black or deep plum as the predominant color.

The waistband is wide, soft, light-as-air black crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 26 to 43 inches.

Plum Pleasure tutu skirt: Was $30. Now just $22 + shipping!

Please note, the tutu appears see-through in the photos due to the background sunlight, but in fact it offers dense coverage.

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Plum Pleasure Bustle

For those who want to gently ease into the tutu-wearing experience, or to spice up an existing outfit!

This bustle is deep plum purple with accents of black, and covers the backside and hips. The waistband is wide, soft, light-as-air black crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 27 to 43 inches.

Plum Pleasure bustle tutu: Was $22. Now just $14 + shipping!

Please note, the bustle appears see-through in the photos due to the background sunlight, but in fact it offers dense coverage.

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Beauty Ablaze

A mid-calf-length bustle-only piece that perfectly showcases your fiery spirit!

The waistband is wide, soft, light-as-air black crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 36 to 60 inches at present. This can easily be reduced to a smaller size if desired.

Beauty Ablaze bustle: Was $28. Now just $20 + shipping!

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Se-tux-ion

There’s just something about a tux, especially when it’s also a tutu!

This ensemble consists of a tux-styled corset and an above-the-knee length tutu skirt.

The corset is elaborately trimmed with ribbons, lace, and bows. It closes with a front busk, and laces sexily with black cord up the back. It includes an attached back modesty panel, and can accommodate a natural waist up to 34 inches, and comes with a matching blue satin thong.

The tutu skirt is black, with a waistband of wide, soft, light-as-air black crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 27 to 46 inches.

Corset alone: Was $30. Now just $20 + shipping!

Tutu skirt alone: Was $25. Now just $18 + shipping!

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Corset + tutu skirt: Was $50. Now just $35 + shipping! screen-shot-2016-09-14-at-3-02-06-pm

Goth Meets Vegas

Who knew that a showgirl-worthy bustle skirt would go so well with a skulls-and-roses corset?

Each piece is gorgeous alone, and together they’re an absolute show-stopper.

The corset combines a skulls, chains, and roses fabric pattern with feminine black ribbon trim and bow detail. It closes with a front busk and laces seductively up the back with black ribbon. It includes an attached back modesty panel and can accommodate a natural waist up to 30 inches. It also comes with a matching satin thong (plastic packaging seen in photo of corset alone pinned to inside back).

The bright magenta tutu is a knee-length skirt with a big floor-length bustle. The waistband is made of wide, soft, light-as-air magenta crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 25 to 44 inches.

Corset alone: Was $25. Now just $18 + shipping!

Vegas-style tutu skirt: Was $50. Now just $36 + shipping!

Corset + tutu skirt: Was $70. Now just $50 + shipping!

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The Greatest Adventure

An ensemble designed to make a wedding or any cosplay event into the beginning of a tremendous adventure!

A full, flouncy floor-length tutu skirt in pure white is accented by a train bustle with hints of glimmering gold. The waistband is soft, light-as-air white crochet, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist 26 to 38 inches.

The accompanying corset is white with a shimmering gold and silver compass-rose emblem covering the front. The front closes with a busk, and the back laces up beautifully with white ribbon. It can accommodate a waist up to 32 inches, and comes with a matching white satin thong.

A regal necklace of crystal and pastel stones is Christiana’s gift to the lucky party who purchases this ensemble!

Corset alone: Was $25. Now just $18 + shipping!

Tutu skirt alone: Was $100. Now just $60 + shipping!

Greatest Adventure corset + tutu skirt + free necklace gift: Was $120. Now just $70 + shipping!

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Cabaret-dorable!

This is a tutu skirt designed to showcase your inner cabaret singer.

It’s a full, knee-length black skirt with a sparkly silver sequin waistband that will comfortably fit a waist 34 to 54 inches.

Cabaret-dorable tutu skirt: Was $35. Now just $22 + shipping!

Please note, the tutu appears see-through in the photos due to the background sunlight, but in fact it offers dense coverage.

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Cupid’s Ambassador

This seductive little number will bring out your inner Cupid for sure. It’s also great as part of a sexy Santa’s helper ensemble!

The tutu is mid-thigh length and has an iridescent white sequin waistband that will comfortably stretch to fit a waist 26 to 42 inches. The back has a knee-length bustle and a sassy large, sparkly mesh bow.

Cupid’s Ambassador tutu skirt: Was $26. Now just $17 + shipping!

Please note, the tutu appears see-through in the photos due to the background sunlight, but in fact it offers dense coverage.

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Cupid Jr.

An adorable little girl’s tutu for the holiday season or Valentine’ day. Delightful alone, or as an accompaniment to a grown-up wearing the Cupid’s Ambassador tutu!

Red covers a white under-layer in this girls’ knee-length skirt, with a soft, light-as-air white crochet waistband, which will comfortably stretch to accommodate a waist up to 20 inches. The back has a sassy large, sparkly mesh bow, trimmed with a silk flower with a large rhinestone center.

Cupid Jr. girls’ tutu skirt: Was $20. Now just $14 + shipping!

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Sparkling Sweet Pea

A little girl’s springtime dream!

This girls’ size tutu skirt is a knee-length confection of pink and lightly-glittered lavender, with a pink and purple mid-calf length bustle accented with three silk flowers with large rhinestone centers. The waistband is iridescent lavender sequins, and will comfortably stretch to fit a waist up to 21 inches.

Sparkling Sweet Pea tutu skirt: Was $23. Now just $16 + shipping!

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Pink Princess

A little girls’ tutu designed for limitless flouncing and flights of fancy.

This girls’ size tutu skirt is a knee-length confection of white and light pink, with a deeper pink mid-calf length bustle accented. The waistband is iridescent pink sequins, trimmed in the front with five silk flowers in white and pink with large rhinestone centers, in the back with a single pink rhinestone-center silk flower, and will comfortably stretch to fit a waist up to 21 inches.

Pink Princess tutu skirt: Was $23. Now just $16 + shipping!

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Holiday Baby Dress

A creation to showcase the cuteness of your little bundle of joy at all of your holiday affairs!

The top is woven red tulle and crochet, with a large red and green ribbon bow in front. The skirt is cheerful red petal cuts with a layer of white underneath. The bodice is 4 inches from waist to top, and will comfortably stretch to fit a belly up to 20 inches.

Holiday baby dress: Was $35. Now just $20 + shipping!

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Versatile Girls’ Tutus

Simpler short tutu skirts which can be worn on their own, or to enhance existing costumes.

Magenta petal-cut tulle, with a tiny rhinestone bow trim in front. Can stretch to comfortably fit a waist 18 to 21 inches

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Red tulle of a softer variety, with a tiny rhinestone bow trim in front. Can stretch to comfortably fit a waist 18 to 21 inches

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Blue tulle with a soft, light-as-air blue crochet waistband. Can stretch to comfortably fit a waist 22 to 34 inches.

This piece could also work as a adult runners’ tutu!

Tutus for your holiday tree, or for yourself!

These billowing tutus are the perfect length to grace a holiday tree, or to be playful knee-length party skirts.

They have elastic waistbands, and close in the back with adorable ribbon ties. Each can stretch to comfortably fit a waist up to 30 inches.

Holiday tree/party skirt tutus: Were $27 each. Now just $18 each + shipping!

Please note, the tutus appear see-through in the photos due to the background sunlight, but in fact they offer dense coverage.

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Please contact Christiana at christianadove13@yahoo.com to place an order or ask any questions.

Christiana also gladly takes custom orders all year round, for people and pets (including pigeons), and as always, 100% of proceeds are donated to Palomacy.

Please feel free to tell your friends about this sample sale. It’s simple to share with the button below.

Thank coo so much for looking!

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September 13, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on What pigeon diplomacy means to me, or how I learned to stop worrying and love birds

What pigeon diplomacy means to me, or how I learned to stop worrying and love birds

Guest Post by Liese Hunter

Whit King pigeon snuggled on his back in the arms of a volunteer

Feisty foster pigeon Jerry (wearing pants) sublime in Liese’s embrace

My friend Elizabeth asked me to write something about my relationship with pigeons. I thought about it for a long time and wondered where to begin? Begin at the beginning.

In late 2011, I had a passing conversation with a co-worker about chickens, basically she said she liked them and I said I didn’t like them, and she couldn’t believe I didn’t like them since I like animals and hens are so lovely, et cetera. As I tend to do, I thought about this conversation (maybe too much), and examined the question of why I didn’t think I liked chickens. I had never actually had chickens, or hung around with chickens, and as I explored my memory, I realized my entire frame of reference was based on a crazy rooster that my grandparents had who used to chase us around and try to attack us with his spur when we were kids. Time for a perspective shift.

On my next trip to the local library, I wandered up to the non-fiction area to investigate the bird section, which was surprisingly large. I looked around for a book that appeared accessible, which to me means clean, readable, and easy to carry around. I found Sy Montgomery’s book Birdology, which seemed inviting enough and pretty new. Each chapter in her book investigated a different species of bird – not as a biological or scientific study – but merely as she experienced the birds personally and in conversations with others, adding interesting facts along the way. (Sy has an appealing sense of humor, which led me to read another of her books, The Good Good Pig, which also includes chickens.)

Reading Birdology was the beginning of opening my mind about birds. Sy’s book introduced me to several different families of birds, including racing pigeons. While I am not a fan of humans racing any animal, it was fascinating to read about the studied intelligence and history of pigeons. I have to admit, my experience with this book was the first time I ever considered birds in general, or pigeons in particular, and it was only an academic interest, not one that included actual birds.

I borrowed more library books, read more about birds, including Alex the parrot, Cher Ami the famous WWII pigeon, Wesley the owl, and continued to be enthralled by these personal accounts of human relationships with birds. I have certainly loved all the animals who have ever shared my life, especially my heart cat Simon, and it was at this time that I realized perhaps I had more to offer our animal population. I signed up to become a volunteer cat socializer for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley.

Life got busy, as it does, but in January of 2013, I attended the Bay Area Pet Expo with some dear friends. There were cats, dogs, exhibits, demonstrations, the famous Shorty Rossi, adoption events – it was a really busy, noisy place with many things happening concurrently, which, as a hard-core introvert, is not really my comfort zone. As we passed through the last building of the expo, I was already mentally preparing to leave, when we passed a fascinating booth with clothing and outfits for rats (wow!), and then suddenly found ourselves in front of the Palomacy booth (then MickaCoo). The booth was full of happy people and beautiful birds. Someone asked me if I wanted to hold a pigeon and I think I said, Uh…

And then Elizabeth Young put a pigeon in my hands.

Liese holds a pigeon, Santino, for the first time

At that moment, I didn’t know Elizabeth. I didn’t know this would be the beginning of a different chapter of my life. I didn’t know that I had finally found my tribe. It took me a while to know those things. But I can tell you, I will never forget holding that first pigeon.

That pigeon’s name is Santino, and in my hands, he felt light and heavy and warm and relaxed all at the same time. And in some way, I was transformed.

Elizabeth says that to meet a pigeon is to love a pigeon. Elizabeth is right.

Meeting these birds was the highlight of my day. But it would be a while before I held my next pigeon.

To be continued…

Liese is a volunteer cat socializer and pigeon cuddler. When she is not out hiking the local trails, she is the service provider for three senior cats, two rescued pigeons, and her most formidable boss Miss Lily Belle, a chihuahua she adopted from the Humane Society of Silicon Valley.

September 9, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Kit & Caboodle

Kit & Caboodle

Rescued pigeon cradled in volunteer's arms

Caboodle- safe in loving arms

Can you imagine how it feels to be an injured pigeon dropped off at a busy animal shelter? Dogs are barking, the people are hurrying past… You’d wonder, What now?

On August 18th, two young Roller pigeons were brought in to Oakland Animal Services as “strays” by the person we suspect is actually breeding them. (See What’s Wrong with Roller Pigeons?) Both suffered from malnutrition and have crippling bone issues and wounds as a result. (Often pigeon hobbyists will cull- kill- imperfect or unwanted birds so we are grateful that they were at least surrendered to the shelter.) Through the network of volunteers, we were alerted to their situation. Once pigeon rescue expert Jill saw them at the shelter, we knew that, without our help, these birds would be euthanized as unadoptable. So, somehow, overextended as we are, we had to fit them in. So we have. We’ve named them Kit and Caboodle. Both are tiny and adorable and, despite their issues, full of life.

Caboodle & Kit at Oakland Animal Services

Kit is very young- not even two months old. She came in very thin and with her left foot so damaged that the tissue had died and soon fell off.

Kit’s left leg was swollen, infected & the foot dead

Caboodle & Kit on their way to the vet

Kit’s dead, detached foot

Kit’s infection is clearing & her stump is healing

With the help of antibiotics, pain relief and loving care from her foster mom, Kit is healing up beautifully. She’s gained weight and strength. She stands up proud, hops to get around and has even started testing out bearing weight on her stump. (We don’t think she’ll need a prosthetic foot but if she does, we’ve got the ability to provide one!) Kit has a happy life ahead. She will make some lucky adopter an amazingly dear pet.

Kit enjoys getting love and scritches from her foster mom Jill

Ringneck dove Fava & Kit are pals

Kit thanks you for helping Palomacy help her!

Caboodle is only slightly older at about 6 months of age. His legs too are bowed from malnutrition and his radiographs show old breaks in both. His left leg is so bowed that it has knuckled his foot completely under and he needs corrective surgery to prevent further damage to both legs. His ability to stand and walk at all are at risk.

Caboodle’s weak bones are crippling him

Caboodle’s legs are deformed & x-ray reveals prior healed breaks

I fall in love with all of our birds but Caboodle has stolen my heart in his own special way. He is such a tiny but fierce and feisty little bird! He is full of confidence and opinions and not at all shy about expressing himself! He is full of attitude and has a dramatic eyebrow marking over one eye that makes him look extra angry (and cute)! Check out this video of him scolding his foster mom Jill.

We have been hit with a landslide of vet bills recently and we’re already struggling in the red but how could we say no to Caboodle? It’s just not an option to euthanize a bird so full of life. Our only choice is inspire more donations and to somehow raise the funds we need to fix his legs. Please help us!

Little Caboodle shows me his sweet side

But then watch out- angry bird!

Caboodle is currently hospitalized at Medical Center for Birds in preparation for corrective surgery. They are studying his radiographs and strategizing about how best to save his foot and the use of his legs.

Avian vet sits on the exam room floor watching crippled pigeon walk

Dr. Olsen assesses how best to help Caboodle

Portrait of a beautiful little rescued Roller pigeon

Caboodle says Thank You!

9/12 UPDATE: We are thrilled to tell you that after more evaluation and discussion, Dr. Speer has recommended that we postpone surgery (possibly indefinitely) and see how well Caboodle can tolerate a shoe and whether or not it can improve his functionality and posture. So far, he’s doing great! (We do have lots of birds receiving vet care so if you donated towards Caboodle’s surgery, other birds such as Kendall, Bug, Perry & Reble.)

Caboodle’s shoe is working great so far!

Your generous support is what enables us to save the lives of birds like Caboodle and Kit. Please, if you can, donate today.

Thank you for making Palomacy possible!

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July 20, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on “$1 for Gimpy” (Bjork’s Story)

“$1 for Gimpy” (Bjork’s Story)

Crippled pigeon offered for sale on craigslist for $1

This is the craigslist ad that saved Bjork

On July 4th, I received an email from Cindy, a pigeon lover who regularly flags prohibited ads selling animals on craigslist. She had come across this ad seeking to find a home for a crippled pigeon youngster before she was “put down”. It hit me hard. We cannot keep up with all the rescue requests we get. We’re overfull with more birds than we have homes for and struggling to pay the bills we’ve already incurred but we had to try. I reached out to some of our volunteers in the area and, within a couple of hours, we had a plan in place for Palomacy adopter Alyx to meet the breeder and take in this little pigeon.

Safe in Palomacy’s care

Alyx met with the breeder the next day to get the little pigeon. I was very relieved to have her in our care. Alyx texted me, “She relies on her wing a lot for balance. Her wing feathers are messed up because her wonky leg sticks through them. She moves kind of like a bat. I don’t know why I’m calling her she, I have no idea. But she seems like a Bjork to me. And so the little bird became Bjork.

Bjork’s bad leg was splayed & rotated, her good leg swollen & infected

Alyx lovingly cared for Bjork for the next couple of days until handing her off to Kristi who is her long term foster volunteer and vet appointment chauffeur.

Alyx loving on Bjork

Bjork has another flap-fest after flying (awkwardly & mostly sideways) around Alyx’s apartment

Kristi and her family welcomed Bjork with loving arms. Though doing pretty well overall, Bjork’s good leg was infected, hot and swollen and we were all relieved when she arrived at Medical Center for Birds to be treated and assessed as a candidate for corrective surgery.

Bjork in Kristi’s daughter Kadence’ loving arms

On Tuesday, July 19th, Dr. Speer operated on Bjork both to surgically correct her splayed and rotated bad leg as well as to clean out the deep pocket of infection built up in her good leg. The procedures went very well and she’s recuperating in the care of the amazing Medical Center for Birds team.

Bjork, post surgery on the operating table. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Speer)

Plugs of pus removed from Bjork’s good leg (Photo courtesy of Dr. Speer)

Bjork waking up after surgery (Photo courtesy of Dr. Speer)

Bjork will remain hospitalized for a couple more days and then, once again, Palomacy volunteer Kristi will make the long drive to Oakley to pick up Bjork and bring her back to her foster home. We are cautiously optimistic that these surgeries will enable Bjork, for the first time, to stand upright on her feet, to walk, to be up off her belly and have a healthy, happy life.

Update from Dr. Speer 7/20/16:

This morning, Bjork looks good. The derotated left leg is still in proper position, and there is some degree of weight bearing. The right leg is less swollen, but still the more painful of the two legs. I have a scattered amount of possibly Staphylococcus species growing from inside the joint space in that right leg at present time. We have moved Bjork into a surfboard type of splint to help facilitate uniform weight bearing on both feet, and I have a light pressure wrap on the right leg now. I can easily see a few more days of tweaking and nursing care before he can go home, for sure.

We will need to inspire a lot of donations to cover Bjork’s approximately $1600 medical expenses (after generous discounts). Please, if you can, make a tax deductible donation today!

See also Sugar’s Story about a splay-legged baby pigeon left by the breeder at San Francisco Animal Care & Control.

And please, help Cindy, the pigeon lover and animal advocate who saved Bjork, to flag prohibited pigeon ads on craigslist! The people who buy and sell pigeons in quantities for cruel reasons have been meeting up through craigslist but through flagging, we can make it harder for this to happen.

Cindy writes,

Pigeon shoots are like going deer hunting in a petting zoo. I don’t approve of pigeon shoots which is why I got started flagging ads. Killing harmless little creatures should not be condoned as appropriate entertainment. Hunters could shoot stale bagels or clay pigeons instead of live birds. I also disapprove of the way some racing enthusiasts sell off unwanted birds or “cull” their birds by cutting off their heads, or just fly them in numbers only to let the nonwinning birds just suffer, hurt and lost, many attacked by predators and unable to feed themselves when they do not return. Nor do I approve of the releases of white pigeons and doves who are lost and also suffer. Nor do I approve of businesses such as gas stations putting nets over pigeons’ young and even the parent birds and let them starve and die, trapped and afraid, because they want these wonderful animals which they consider flying rats to disappear, rather than considering putting contraceptives in their food. Or people who advertise they will come to your barn and night and shoot unwanted birds for fun with air rifles. Pigeons are special and have a right to be here. Any way we galvanize people to can stop this cruel and callous treatment of pigeons would be great. It just takes a few minutes per day.

–Cindy

Reasons for Flagging Pigeon Ads on craigslist & How to Flag craigslist Pigeon Ads by Cindy

craigslist is a valuable resource for people seeking to rehome animals including pigeons. We have obtained three wonderful pigeons from people wanting to rehome pigeons, through craigslist, and love them dearly. Sadly, however, some disreputable people use craigslist to buy and sell pigeons for cruel, inhumane reasons. When several people flag an ad as prohibited (and buying and selling of live animals is prohibited), the ads are then removed by craigslist and people who want to harm pigeons cannot easily contact each other.

Sale of pigeons for $5 or less each predicts a bad outcome. People rehoming fancy pigeons or really trying to find pigeons a good home will charge at least $10 or specify a decent “rehoming” fee. They will describe their birds as special types or have photos of a few birds. People seeking to harm pigeons are looking usually for a lot of birds and don’t care what kind of bird they are (they will take pigeons, mallards, pheasants, quail, chukars…they aren’t picky and don’t care about them or their fate). Nefarious people look for pigeons for edible squab, use them for dog training, hunt them, kill them with air guns for fun (“sport”), or catapult truckloads of pigeons into the air by the thousands where they are shot in a “pigeon shoot.’” Just a few minutes per day by several people making a concerted effort could save the lives of a lot of poor pigeons by keeping these people from meeting up with one another. Pigeons are not safe, loved, cared for, or have quality lives when they are regarded as cheap and expendable. Flagging craigslist ads can help put a stop to these uncaring people seeking to give away, buy or sell quantities of pigeons for bad reasons.

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People buying and selling pigeons are in violation of craigslist rules for buying and selling live animals. Within PA, KY, TX, NJ, and OK, ads are especially suspect because PA is the only remaining state where pigeon shoots are legal (even though most people in that state –I have read as many as 80%–oppose the shoots) but in other places, the pigeon shoots still go on in secret. People place ads for large “orders” of pigeons because they are sold cheaply then often shot to death when a large quantity are obtained. Some “brokers” drive around from state to state buying cheap pigeons and collecting quantities of feral pigeons before scheduled shoots and have even netted and kidnapped pigeons from New York’s Central Park to take to PA for the pigeon shoots there. Legislation has been proposed repeatedly in PA to stop this animal cruelty but the NRA always defeats it. Pigeon shoots are criticized and are publicized thanks to PETA, SHARK, and the Humane Society of the United States but are carried out clandestinely when unscrupulous people manage to sell and buy pigeons through craigslist and various hunting magazines. Sadly people gamble on who will shoot the most… as many as 5,000 to 6,000 poor harmless birds may be killed at one shoot, with more than $50,000 reportedly changing hands. Their wings may be trimmed so they turn certain ways and are easier targets. They may be kept crammed in large numbers in tiny cages for days without food and water before they are catapulted into the air and shot by the thousands over a two day period, and as defenseless creatures, unable to escape their cruel fate.

Pigeons used for dog training generally have their wings clipped… ads say things like “get that pup ready for summer!” Dog trainers claim it doesn’t hurt the birds but think about it. The pigeons are taken from their homes and families, are terrified, even if the dogs don’t bite down on or kill them immediately (which happens). People who use pigeons for dog training tend to be those who also use pigeons, quail, pheasants and other birds for hunting and shooting the birds. They are just using the pigeons to train their dogs to retrieve the birds later, after they have been shot. Pigeons are bought and sold in quantities through craigslist ads, often ferals caught in barns with nets at night. But many birds shot in pigeon shoots also have been observed to have bands on their legs because they are domestic racers and homers who are unwanted when their owners have too many birds. The unwanted, excess pigeons and race “losers” are sold off away from their mates and young, are stolen, or are gathered up cheaply from craigslist because people who sell to pigeon shoots aren’ t picky and if they can’t buy ferals, they have written in hunting journals that homers and racers are just as useful for shooting. Anything that is a high flyer is a good target, to them. They are bought and sold essentially to be killed… are kidnapped and kept crammed in tiny cages without food and water until they are released, shot, and blown to bits by the truckload and by the thousands, so at the end of the shoot, thousands are dead and thousands are flopping, quivering, and dying and are gathered up, in pain but alive, and dumped as trash or just buried in trenches or a few are taken home and eaten. There are very sad videos of pigeon shoots posted on sites by SHARK. Sometimes the unscrupulous pigeon shoot suppliers even net and kidnap pigeons from locations such as Central Park to the chagrin of those who feed, treasure and love pigeons; some of the pigeons kidnapped or purchased have had names and have been pets. Other people sadly love to train their falcons to kill pigeons; they also use craigslist to find pigeons for their hobby. Others just like to shoot pigeons with air rifles and look for people seeking to rid their barns of pigeons and offer to visit and rid the barns of the “problem” pigeons. It doesn’t just happen in the US. People in other countries such as Spain are even trying to stop pigeon cruelty too. As a civilized society, we should not allow such mistreatment to continue.

These people who buy and sell pigeons in quantities for cruel reasons have been meeting up through craigslist but through flagging, we can make it harder for this to happen if we work together.

How to Flag craigslist Pigeon Ads

It is easy and takes just a few minutes per day. Go to Google or whatever your search engine is. Type in “craigslist” but don’t put a location, so ads pop up from all around the country. It is easy and takes just a few minutes per day. Use various search terms. My starting search term when I engage in flagging is “craigslist WTB pigeons,” for example. Don’t search just in “Pets” because a lot of pigeon ads are in “Farm and Garden” or “Wanted to Buy” or “For Sale by Owner.” I just type in “craigslist” then try a variety of search terms: “WTB pigeons” (which means “wanted to buy” pigeons), “ISO pigeons” (“is seeking out” pigeons), “pigeons for dog training,” “pigeons for training,” “free pigeons,” “barn pigeons,” “feral pigeons,” “wild pigeons,” “pigeons for events,” “taking orders pigeons,” “large quantities pigeons,” “cull pigeons,” “culling pigeons,” “live pigeons,” “free pigeons,” “white pigeons for weddings and events,” “pigeons falcons,” “pigeon removal,” “pigeon extermination,” “pigeon launcher for sale,” “common pigeons,”… use your imagination). So when you type in “craigslist pigeons for dog training,” for example, a lot of entries will pop up. The next step is to skim the ads and see if they are rehoming ads or cruelty related ads. You try out your search entries, one at a time, look over the ads that pop up, flag them, use the back button, and try the next search entries until you exhaust your list of search terms. If you use the back button, you can do this very quickly. Just looking at the dollar amount in the ad will suggest to you whether the ad is a legitimate rehoming of a pet or fancy pigeon or whether the pigeon is a commodity to be exploited.

Skim the ad titles and flag the offensive ads as prohibited so the ads will be removed. Flag any ads where pigeons are “free” and people want to unload them in quantities or being sold for tiny fees such as $5.00 or less, or for dog training, squab, wedding releases, “removal” from barns, and obviously for pigeon shoots. Just flag all the obviously nefarious ads you can find, using the back button of your computer or iPad or whatever, systematically flagging ads until you exhaust that search term and move through all your regular search terms. Such ads are in violation of craigslist rules for buying and selling live animals. If the ad looks legitimate, leave it alone. Some people for example are trying to rehome fancy pigeons or pet pigeons. I do not flag those ads as I want kind, honest people to be able to rehome their pigeons. After a while, you will notice that the same ads tend to pop back up however looking for pigeons to buy and sell for bad reasons, from the same areas. The ads you have already flagged will show up as flagged because they tend to be highlighted in a different color on your browser (mine uses blue and purple). Sometimes when you click on an ad category, a location will pop up and when you click on that, you will get a whole list of entries; just type in “pigeons” if there are several ads listed and the ads you want to see (e.g., a list of “pets” might open so you type in “pigeons” so the list becomes smaller). You can then flag that are obviously by people not trying to rehome pigeons but to just profit from them and their demise. After a while, you can do this very very quickly.

I don’t flag ads that seem legitimate, e.g., people rehoming fancy pigeons or homers or even racers (e.g., fan tails being rehomed for at least $10.00.). You may also encounter people trying sincerely to rehome one or a few special needs pigeons, including situations where they have found a lost or hurt pigeon. You can reply to their ad and suggest to the ad poster ways to find a home or to get help for the pigeons, e.g., through Pigeon Talk adoption forum or Facebook or Palomacy or other rescue groups. You can even ask a poster looking to rehome a lost or hurt pigeon if they mind if you copy the ad and post it on Pigeon Talk or elsewhere, to help them help the pigeon. Most people are good people who sincerely care about their pigeons.

Just 20 minutes per day or every few days of flagging would get the illegal ads removed and hopefully save thousands of poor pigeons, quails, mallards and chukars from a terrible fate. (People buying and selling pigeons for shoots also advertise through their ads that they are also looking for quail, mallards, pheasants and chukars because they are easy to shoot too.) We all know pigeons are loving, intelligent, sensitive creatures who have mates and offspring, are kind parents, and deserve better than this cruel disregard. Societies are judged by how they treat their children, elderly, the disadvantaged and those who cannot advocate for themselves including harmless little animals like pigeons. craigslist provides a valuable service by helping people adopt animals in need of homes when there is an adoption/rehoming fee and people looking to rehome those animals are willing to carefully screen potential owners. If we work together, and people flag the undesirable ads as prohibited, we can keep the pigeon abusers from meeting up with each other through craigslist. Please help if you can! Thank you!

–Cindy

June 13, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Sunshine- A Pigeon’s Tale of Life, Love & Beating The Odds

Sunshine- A Pigeon’s Tale of Life, Love & Beating The Odds

Guest Post by Laura Lee

Sunshine invites you to help pigeons & doves today!

Please donate to support Palomacy here now for +50% Bonus Match & more!

Sunshine first introduced himself to Palomacy during last year’s big GlobalGiving Bonus Match fundraiser. Sunshine wanted to find a way to say thank you to the kind man who rescued him. Sunshine hoped that if more people learned about pigeons, then even more birds would be rescued. And Sunshine dreamed that somehow and some way, his rescuer Bob, would know how thankful a tiny yellow squeaker was to be saved. Sunshine was rescued during an ice storm on a frigid Canadian 2014 winter morning. Bob is the reason Sunshine just celebrated his second birthday. In fact, without Bob, there would have been no Sunshine at all. Sadly, Bob passed away soon after saving the tiny yellow baby. Bob never had the chance to see the result of his rescue. Sunshine joined Palomacy’s GlobalGiving fundraiser last year to say thank you to Bob and all the other courageous, dedicated birdie lovers and rescuers. And supporters of Palomacy made Sunshine’s wish come true! (See Sunshine Makes a Difference!) Sunshine wants to continue to pay forward the love and friendship of his rescuer Bob and his wife Debbie- by once again joining Palomacy’s GlobalGiving fundraising campaign Wednesday 6/15. Sunshine hopes this year the supporters of Palomacy will continue to prove ‘one pigeon can make a difference’.

Please mark your calendar & set your alarm for 6AM PT Wed. 6/15/16!

Please set your alarm for 6AM PT Wed. 6/15! First 45 donors get a special thank you from Sunshine & friends!

A lot has happened in this last year. Sunshine took up a new hobby of collecting colourful zipties. And Sunshine celebrated a special milestone in every pidgie’s life… Sunshine fell in love. This is an unlikely love story but it follows true that the most unexpected painful trials in life can lead to beautiful things.

Sunshine Henny Penny by Laura Lee image_3

Sunshine in love

Henny Penny defied great odds of survival. She was a tiny white dove found laying in her own blood with clumps of red splattered feathers carelessly strewn about the cold, hard, and still wet-from-the-rain ground. Was she even breathing? Her legs were in that all too familiar ‘stiff’ pose. Her eyes were partially closed. There is a point at times when a bird rescue mission slips with heavy silence into the ‘just keep her comfortable’ reality. Henny Penny was clearly mauled by a predator. A helpless domesticated white dove, she had no business being outside alone and unprotected. I am ashamed to even be human at times like this. To know it is always people letting animals down. I took Henny Penny home expecting the worse but hoping for the best. Heartbreaking.

Henny Penny took up residence in my hospital room. My home has a constant din of dove cooing and canary song. And I have one pigeon. Henny Penny started to perk up when she heard the company of my other birds from her isolated hospital room. Especially one bird in particular… Over the next month, Henny Penny basked in the sun of my window sill healing more and more each day and exchanging gusty coos with the most unlikely of birds: Sunshine.

Henny Penny recovering with a friend

After a month, Henny Penny was ready to join my soft bird aviary of retired breeder birdies, doves with special needs and cheerful canaries. I opened the door for her to fly in herself but instead she scooted backwards, scampering into the room Sunshine calls his own. This would of been the first time Henny Penny ever saw Sunshine in person. Before that they just knew each other from exchanging coos. Henny Penny acted like she knew Sunshine and continued to scamper towards him- but I quickly whisked her away because it is too dangerous to have a super-sized pigeon around a tiny white dove.

During the week, Henny Penny managed get into Sunshine’s room three times while I was changing waters and cleaning up. After the third time I decided it was no coincidence. Henny Penny deserved some supervised visits with Sunshine. It was visably noticeable how happy Henny Penny was when she was with Sunshine. Her coos became softer and she gently preened Sunshine’s feathers.

Sunshine Henny Penny by Laura Lee image 2

Sunshine & Henny Penny, in love

I feel it was the exchanging of romantic coos behind the walls that placed the motivation in Henny Penny to fight beyond her injuries. Once Sunshine and Henny Penny met it was love at first sight from the way these two cooed and greeted each other.

Henny Penny with her Sunshine

Our friend Bob rescued Sunshine against all odds in 2014. Sunshine rescued Henny Penny with only a promise of love and birdie-snuggles from behind the walls in 2016. Even years after Bob rescued Sunshine, his dedication to helping birds is paying forward. And I am confident this will always continue as Palomacy’s supporters reach out to help more and more pigeons and doves. One pigeon can make a difference thanks to the tireless efforts of bird rescuers & advocates such as Bob, his wife Debbie, Elizabeth and all the many big hearted people. Sunshine sends many feathery-helicopter spins and coos to all the generous donors of Palomacy.

My flock has an active presence on Palomacy’s Facebook page. And it seems there is special birdie that has a lots of fans … Sweet Potato! Sweet Potato has a genetic condition caused by crossed genes of selected breeding. Double Fizzle, Porcupine Bird and Super Silkie are some names of the condition Sweet Potato has. I read once it was something to do with the S1 and S2 genes but I don’t know what that means. What I do know is birds like Sweet Potato are euthanized because of their appearance and by misinformed people seeing them as unhealthy or suffering. Nothing could be further than the truth. Sweet Potato was adopted into my family in 2012. He is a bundle of energy, confidence and affection. No one plays with their jingle bells like Sweet Potato!

Sweet Potato says Hi!

Sunshine and Henny Penny and Sweet Potato have inspired a big surprise for Palomacy supporters during their GlobalGiving Bonus Match Fundraiser this Wednesday, June 15th. We have teamed up with an actual Marvel artist! Supporters who donate while Bonus Match funds last will be entered in a raffle to win either this super portrait of super Sunshine by Marvel comic book artist Veronica O’Connell or this hand-painted plaque by artist Shane McCormack and the first 45 donors will each receive a very special Thank You from Sunshine & his friends!

Sunshine by Veronica O’Connell

Sunshine by Shane McCormack

Special Thank You postcard from Sunshine & Friends

Sunshine worked very hard on his special Palomacy thank-coo-coo card!
It features a double sided full colour postcard of Sunshine & his friends.
The first 45 donors will receive his beautiful keepsake postcard.
Your address will be written on the tummy of a white dove!

Sunshine’s gift included all printing and postage expenses.
Donations made to Palomacy go 100% to the birds!
The artwork was created and donated by Veronica and Shane and shipping costs will be covered by Sunshine!

Sunshine took a photo of his thank-coo-coo postcard to keep everybirdie a sneak peek!

A huge round of big wing hugs to our professional artist friends for donating their time and talent to help the pigeons and doves! Sunshine has crossed international waters by having artwork created by an Irish professional photographer and artist – Shane McCormack, and Marvel professional artist Veronica O’Connell originally across the pond as well. Sunshine is proud to be the first Canadian Pigeon Palomacy Ambassador. Love of doves and pigeons knows no boundaries!

Each person who makes a Bonus Match-earning donation to Palomacy will get their name in a raffle draw! Sunshine will pick the winners!

Sunshine and his friends want to express our love and appeciation for everybirdie who supports Palomacy’s pigeon and dove rescue. This all began with our friend Bob who rescued Sunshine during a frigid Canadian ice storm in March 2014. And now even more people from all over North America and beyond are celebrating their love and appeciation of pigeons by helping Palomacy inspired by Sunshine’s story! Thank-coo for helping Sunshine’s wish come true. Thank-coo for proving one pigeon can make a difference. Special birdie kisses for Bob’s wife Debbie as Sunshine expresses his gratitude for him and all other birdie rescuers and advocates. And an extra big wing hug to Elizabeth at Palomacy! We are so thankful to be included in Palomacy’s fundraiser. Thank-coo for teaching the world about the love pigeons and doves! So many birdie lives have been saved because of Palomacy. And so many people adopted and share joy with unreleasable pigeons and doves because of Palomacy’s presence in the global community.

Thank you!

Laura Lee & Sunshine & Henny Penny & Sweet Potato

Please donate to support Palomacy here now for +50% Bonus Match & more!

June 13, 2016
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Pigeon Appreciation Day 2016

Pigeon Appreciation Day 2016

We appreciate pigeons every day- for their gentleness, their loyalty, their courage. Let’s share our love of these birds with everybody on Pigeon Appreciation Day- June 13th, 2016! Pigeons are the angels among us and they deserve a lot more appreciation than they get! You can always make a donation in support of pigeon rescue here. Please use #PigeonAppreciationDay in your tweets, Instagram & Facebook posts!

Happy Pigeon Appreciation Day from Holly Conrad & Feathers!

Pigeon Appreciation Day by Leda Chung

Pigeon Appreciation Day 2016 by Elsa Chang

Christiana Reed Pigeon Appreciation Day 2016

Here’s what Christiana did to celebrate International Pigeon Appreciation Day with her work colleagues – pijucational material, sweetened with cupcakes, brownie bites, and homemade vegan shortbread pigeon cookies.