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## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/blog/)
- [Pigeon Ambition: To Love and Be Loved](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/07/01/pigeon-ambition-to-love-and-be-loved/) - Palomacy's founder and retired Director, Elizabeth Young, pulled out all the stops and brought so many people together for a celebration of 19 years of pigeon diplomacy! Old friends, new friends, art, music, birds, and love filled the room as we honored and celebrated pigeons and doves and those who care for them. And between
- [The Rescue of Hydrox and Rainbow Bob](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/07/05/the-rescue-of-hydrox-and-rainbow-bob/) - In early June, a call came in from an elementary school principal in Richmond. Two pigeons were hanging around the school yard. The children, ages 4 to 12, were picking up the birds and carrying them around, and the principal was concerned that this might not be good for the birds or for the kids.
- [Pigeon Story Time at the Berkeley Public Library with Pickles, Peck, and Mardi Gras!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/06/30/pigeon-story-time-at-the-berkeley-public-library-with-pickles-peck-and-mardi-gras/) - We sat in the front of the room with Emma Coleman, the marvelously talented librarian at Berkeley’s central location. On our knees sat three pigeons: Peck, Pickles, and Mardi Gras. One small, one medium, one party-sized! We looked out into a sea of 134 eager and curious faces, all there to hear pigeon stories
- [GlobalGiving's July Bonus Day Is July 15, 2026](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/06/30/globalgivings-july-bonus-day-is-july-15-2026/) - Mark your calendar! GlobalGiving's 2026 July 15 Bonus Day is just around the corner. July Bonus Day is a 24-hour crowdfunding campaign designed to celebrate high-dollar donors ($100 or more). Eligible donations between $100 and $1,500 will receive a portion of GlobalGiving's $150,000 bonus pool (up to $2,000). The more we raise, the more matching
- [2027 Calendar Contest Starts 7/1/26](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/06/30/2027-calendar-contest-starts-7-1-26/) - Get ready to submit lots of pictures! Palomacy’s 2027 Calendar Photo & Art Fundraiser runs July 1st through the 31st. Your photo entries and votes support Palomacy and our culture-changing work. We appreciate your help celebrating these incredible, under-appreciated birds every day of the year! We know how special pigeons and doves are and we
- [Backpack Pub Crawling with Francis and Beacon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/06/24/backpack-pub-crawling-with-francis-and-beacon/) - Guest Post By Bryan Lester "I think someone has a chicken in here! What kind of bird is that?!" My Palomacy-adopted fantail pigeons, Francis and Beacon, love a good outing in their backpack, especially when they can get a little time to relax and take in the surroundings. As both a bar-industry worker and patron,
- [More Than “Street Birds”: Palomacy’s Fight for Rescue Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/06/11/more-than-street-birds-palomacys-fight-for-rescue-pigeons/) - Nicole Borman of medium.com met with volunteers at Palomacy — and plenty of pigeons — and she writes about their fight to rescue domestic pigeons and doves.
- [Let's Ban the Retail Sale of Animals in SF (and Everywhere)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/06/09/lets-ban-the-retail-sale-of-animals-in-sf-and-everywhere/) - Palomacy's Co-Director recently sent a letter to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, urging them to outlaw the sale of retail animals in San Francisco. Dear San Francisco Board of Supervisors, My name is Cynthia Bardouka-Large and I'm the co-director of Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions. I'm grateful to you for considering this ban on
- [Recent Rescues & Adoptions](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/01/15/recent-rescues-adoptions/) - As of June 8, 2026 [table id=7 /] As of May 12, 2026 [table id=6 /] As of April 13, 2026 [table id=5 /] As of March 13, 2026 [table id=4 /] As of February 12, 2026 [table id=3 /] Between December 15, 2025 and January 15, 2026, Palomacy has placed 12 pigeons in loving
- [What's the Difference Between Pigeons & Doves?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/09/06/whats-the-difference-between-pigeons-doves/) - Guest Post by Nina Bohn Pigeon and Dove – the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and often incorrectly. Both comprise the order Columbiformes, with over 300 species. Rather than delve into the technical and scientific names, let's focus on the domestic species that Palomacy primarily serves, why it’s important to distinguish them, and how they
- [Help Spread the Word: "Dove Releases" Kill](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/06/15/please-help-spread-the-word-dove-releases-kill/) - White doves are symbols of love and peace across the world so "dove release" businesses breed and use white homing pigeons for weddings, funerals, memorials, graduations and other events while do-it-yourselfers make the mistake of buying and releasing white Ringneck doves and King pigeons (neither of which have any homing abilities or survival skills). Many birds are lost, injured or
- [60 Minutes — The Pigeon Mafia: A Review](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/05/15/60-minutes-the-pigeon-mafia-a-review/) - By Cynthia Bardouka-Large Tom Van Gaver’s prize racing pigeon Finn was stolen. We discuss whether Tom Van Gaver is the victim — and how you can help set the record straight. Many members of the Palomacy community watched the 60 Minutes piece about “The Pigeon Mafia” like we’d watch a horror movie, peeking out from
- [Palomacy Party: Pigeon Ambition, to love and be loved](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/04/18/palomacy-party-pigeon-ambition-to-love-and-be-loved/) - Pigeon ambition? A pigeon's ambition is to love and be loved! Celebrate 19 years of pigeon and dove diplomacy! Humans and birds are all invited Delicious vegan food, drinks, music, raffle, birds! We gather everybirdy together — avian and human — volunteers old and new, adopters, friends and fans and we bird nerd out with
- [More Than a Hunch](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/04/18/more-than-a-hunch/) - Paige is a survivor of the inhumane "sport" of pigeon racing. Seven years ago, she landed in Elizabeth Young's backyard — that's a VERY smart pigeon who self-rescues to the Palomacy founder's patio! That was in the summer of 2019. We adopted Paige a couple of months later, and she married our rescued King pigeon
- [How to DIY Make an Easy, Safe Pigeon or Dove Aviary](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/10/03/how-to-diy-make-the-easiest-safe-pigeon-or-dove-aviary/) - How Do I Get an Aviary? So many beautiful, unreleasable pigeons and doves need homes! Rescues like Palomacy develop homes for hundreds each year and, if the birds are to live outside, they need a big, predator and rodent-proof aviary. Getting one can be challenging. Adopters can: Build their own: Great option if you have the
- [Welcome to New Board Members and Gratitude to Those Retiring](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/04/18/welcome-to-new-board-members-and-gratitude-to-those-retiring/) - Palomacy is excited to be welcoming some new members to our Board of Directors! When she retired as Director of Palomacy, founder Elizabeth Young said, "I'm leaving the job but not the work." She is making good on that promise by stepping up to serve on the Board, bringing with her all the wisdom,
- [Coo Coo Achoo! What to Know About Air Purifiers](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/03/15/coo-coo-achoo-what-to-know-about-air-purifiers/) - # Let's talk about air purifiers! Any pet can trigger allergies, and birds are no exception. Pigeons and doves can be dusty, and clean air is important -- for you and your bird! A lot of what you need to keep a pigeon or dove happy can be picked up at a thrift store, but
- [We're Here, Where Are You?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/03/14/were-here-where-are-you/) - Hello, I'm Swan and this is Cooper, my husbird. We're a very happy, loving and mellow couple. When you see one of us, the other will be close by. I'm a half Homer and half German Owl pigeon who came to Palomacy's foster care in 2020 when I wasn't even a year old. I'm very
- [The Winter Pigeon Aviary](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/11/03/the-winter-pigeon-aviary/) - As the days get colder and shorter, we are often asked about how to keep pigeons warm. The short answer is that in most climates no special care is needed. They keep themselves warm very successfully with just their fluffed feathers and body heat! In fact, using supplemental heat creates far more risk than benefit.
- [Palomacy's Worldwide Online Pijama Party!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/10/24/palomacys-worldwide-online-pijama-party-2/) - Wow! What a party we had!!! Palomacy's cherished tradition of annual celebration- Flocktoberfest in 2017, COO-CHELLA in 2018, Mascoorade in 2019- was threatened this year by the pandemic but we, like the pigeons we so admire, adapted and with incredibly generous help from Twitch.TV stars Holly Conrad and Kayla Cline of We Crowing Hens,
- [Every Day is Valentine's Day in the Ploughshares Aviary!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/02/13/its-valentines-day-at-the-ploughshares-aviary/) - Pigeons run on love – it’s what fuels them every day. They flirt, pursue, court, marry, and settle down with the mate they will (generally) stay with for life. And, if they are parted by death or circumstance, they are open to re-marrying. That’s one remarkable thing about pigeons – the window for love
- [End-of-Year Fundraising a Success!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/01/15/end-of-year-fundraising-success/) - A big thank you to all of our amazing supporters who so generously donated to Palomacy at the close of 2025. Donations for the month of December plus GivingTuesday totaled nearly $27,000! We are so grateful for you. Your support has made a real difference in so many birds’ lives. THANK YOU!
- [Palomacy's Holiday Giving Tree](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/12/12/palomacy-giving-tree/) - A big thank you to all our amazing supporters who so generously donated to our birds’ Holiday Stocking fundraiser. We raised $1,295 for Rummy, Gideon, Cornell, Babka, Coral, Garbo, and Foxy — they, and we, are grateful. Your support has made a real difference in so many birds’ lives. THANK YOU! Your support has
- [Craig Newmark Foundation Grant](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2026/01/13/craig-newmark-foundation-grant/) - By Cynthia Bardouka-Large For his recent birthday, Craig Newmark announced that he had signed the Giving Pledge. He wrote, “Seems like a good way to enter my mid-seventies, which I have done today.” On the Giving Pledge website, his letter reads: To the Giving Pledge – I learned early on in Sunday school, from Mr.
- [Therapy Pigeons & Why They Should Be A Thing](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/04/26/therapy-pigeons-and-why-they-should-be-more-of-a-thing/) - Guest Post by Sandy Briggs The notion of such a thing as a Therapy Pigeon is difficult to explain to someone who doesn’t know pigeons but it’s obvious to those of us who know them. Ozzie is my second pigeon. My first was Paz. My friend rescued Paz from a park in late October, here in
- [Pigeon Face & Art For the Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/05/02/pigeon-face-art-for-the-birds/) - Last August, a little pigeon child was in trouble. Luckily for Pigeon Face, Allison, a kind person, artist and the owner of Float Gallery, scooped her up and brought her home for care. Allison found Palomacy and we emailed back and forth about how to help the foundling. Thanks to Allison, Pigeon Face improved rapidly
- [Palomacy Party 2018: COO-CHELLA!!!!!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/10/01/palomacy-party-2018-coo-chella/) - Wow! Wow wow wow! Our COO-CHELLA party Saturday 9/22 was awesome! We had so many amazing people and birds all gathered together in a big love fest! (Here's our party playlist, courtesy of Ellie Paterson!) We were maxed out with more than 120 guests and together we all had great fun, learned a lot, made new
- [COO-CHELLA! Palomacy Party 2018](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/05/03/coo-chella-palomacy-party-2018/) - Palomacy Party 9/22/18! Have you RSVP'd yet? Space is limited & going fast! Join us to celebrate eleven years of unique, culture-changing, life-saving pigeon & dove rescue! Great company- Volunteers, Adopters, Experts, Newbies & lots of Birds! Special Celebrity Guest Commander Holly & First Officer Feathers! Book Signing & Slideshow Presentation by The New York Pigeon:
- [Blossom's Ordeal](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/09/02/blossoms-ordeal/) - On August 12th, I was contacted by WildCare regarding a scalped racing pigeon that had been brought in. (A predator had caught and begun to eat her before she miraculously escaped.) Because she was a banded racing pigeon, she was not eligible for vet care and needed transfer and help ASAP. Thanks to the help
- [A Perfect Pair of Pet Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/06/24/a-perfect-pair-of-pet-pigeons/) - Have you ever wished for a magical friend? A special little sprite that just seeing made you smile? What about a special pair of magical friends whose devotion to each other is a joy to witness? That's Kit & Iris! These two little married pet pigeons are extra cute, gentle, sweet, loving and just all
- [The Story of Homie the WunderBird](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/04/30/the-story-of-homie-the-wunderbird/) - Guest Blog Post by Adina Olivares Early in November 2013, while sitting in our truck parked at the grocery store, I noticed a crowd gathering around a woman. I saw that she was holding a bird- a pigeon. She was throwing her arms up, whilst holding the bird, as if to throw it up in
- [Garbo — a One of a Kind Pigeon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/12/17/garbo-a-one-of-a-kind-pigeon/) - By Jill Shepard Sweet Garbo was rescued by someone who called the Palomacy Help Line. We rushed into action due to the severity of her injury. Her wonderful rescuers drove her from Stockton to Medical Center for Birds in Oakley. She stayed there for a week while the doctors decided on a plan for how
- [How to Choose a Cage for Pigeons or Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/09/30/is-this-a-good-cage/) - If I had my way, there would be no pet pigeons or doves. They would all be wild and free. I don't believe that birds should be domesticated, bred and used by people for any reason. But, because people do breed, use and lose unreleasable pigeons and doves, there are a great many in need
- [Why "Dove Releases" Are Cruel](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/07/21/why-dove-releases-are-cruel-2/) - Warning: Includes graphic photos showing what happens to "released doves". When you hear about a "dove release" or "wedding doves," it usually means that Homing pigeons, selectively bred to be all white, small and dove-like, were rented so as to be ceremoniously released. (For some reason, they don't call them "wedding pigeons". They exploit the
- [Reflections on 2025](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/12/17/reflections-on-2025/) - By Cynthia Bardouka-Large Dear friends, Looking back on 2025 as the year draws to a close, what really stands out to us is…YOU. Palomacy began when one compassionate heart saw a need and did something about it. The movement Elizabeth started has grown because of compassionate people like yourself. So much happens behind the scenes,
- [Millie and Henry — A Rescue and Adoption Story!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/12/16/millie-and-henry-a-rescue-and-adoption-story/) - Guest post by Courtney Miller In late September 2024, during a rare extreme heat wave in Mill Valley, my friend called me up to tell me her next door neighbor told her there had been a white bird in the middle of their street for 2 days. It was 113 degrees outside, the
- [A Life Worth Saving: Moose's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/02/26/mooses-story/) - Guest Post by Jenna Close “Human beings are a part of the animal kingdom, not apart from it. The separation of "us" and "them" creates a false picture and is responsible for much suffering.” ― Marc Bekoff, Animals Matter: A Biologist Explains Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect “When animals express their
- [Fighting for the Pigeons of Las Vegas ](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/11/18/fighting-for-the-pigeons-of-las-vegas/) - Guest Post by Erin Mavromatis It started with a simple Facebook notification. A friend posted a video from the local news channel here in Las Vegas on my Facebook page about a resident that was feeding pigeons in her backyard, and the neighbors were upset. She captioned the video saying, "Erin, is this you?", laughing
- [Pigeons & Doves Are Not HPAI/Avian Influenza Carriers](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/19/pigeon-doves-not-hpai-carriers/) - Guest Post by Jenna Close This is Palomacy’s official statement on HPAI / Avian Influenza / Bird Flu as of 1/19/25. We have been getting a lot of questions about this lately and have consulted with trusted avian vets and wildlife rehabbers to provide the following answers. HPAI - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or Bird
- [Updated Volunteer Opportunities!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/06/12/updated-volunteer-opportunities/) - We Need YOU! We need people to help birds. Our volunteers come from all walks of life to generously donate their time and talents to helping pigeons and doves. Some help one day each week, some give one or two hours most days, some help out on specific tasks or projects and others give even
- [Garage Sale Fundraiser (#7!)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/04/25/garage-sale-fundraiser-7/) - On Saturday, April 25th, 2015, Cheryl hosted her seventh Garage Sale Fundraiser for Palomacy! Since the first one held in April 2012, she has collected, stored, organized, sorted, stacked, displayed, sold, repacked and transported donated treasures that have raised $7000 for the birds! Each Garage Sale involves mountains of stuff and hours of work and
- [Order Your 2015 Palomacy Calendars Here!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/11/21/order-our-2015-calendar-here/) - Our all new 2015 Wall Calendar - introducing Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions- is here. (See What Is Palomacy? for more info about our name change.) It is our best ever! Each month features a special inspiring rescue story about one (or more) of our birds helped in 2014. While supplies last, you can order:
- [Thank You, Craig!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/02/25/thank-you-craig/) - I am so happy to tell you that we are the proud recipients of a $10,000 grant from the craigslist Charitable Fund! This grant helps us so much! Every month, despite the generous support of our donors and our extreme frugality, we teeter on the edge of being in the red. Every bird we help
- [Dress for (Pigeon) Success!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/02/26/dress-for-pigeon-success/) - Becoming Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions has been an awesome experience. We hatched in 2007 nestled under the loving wings of Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue and we will always cherish our first years as MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue (and we'll always be MickaCoogars!) but it has been invigorating to transition from our accidental (and
- [Pigeon Appreciation Day 6/13/15](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/06/12/pigeon-appreciation-day-61315/) - 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, 2015! Artists have shared their pigeon appreciation imagery with us and we encourage you to share them far and wide. Pigeons are the angels among us and they deserve a lot more
- [Remembering Gurumina](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/08/05/remembering-gurumina/) - Hatched ? Rescued 9/7/07 Adopted 10/21/07 Died 7/23/15 Gurumina is the bird that started all this. My first memory of Gurumina is that she was hopping up and down in a stainless steel cage at the San Francisco Animal Care & Control shelter (SFACC) where I was a newbie volunteer in the "Smalls Room". She
- [The Palomacy Report: December 2015](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/12/01/the-palomacy-report-december-2015/) - There is so much happening in the world of pigeon and dove rescue (and so much that needs to happen) that I'm starting a new feature- a monthly report to help keep you informed about what's happening in Palomacy. Palomacy Wishes You & Yours a Very Happy December Jacob, our featured pigeon for December, is doing great! Though 23 years
- [Craig Newmark: Our Biggest Supporter!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/01/01/craig-newmark-our-biggest-supporter/) - I am so happy to tell you that we are the proud and very grateful recipients of a $10,000 grant from the Craig Newmark Philanthropic Fund! Once again (this is the second year that Craig has invested $10K in our work), Craig's support ensures that we are able to continue this unique effort. Every month, despite
- [Freedom Thanks You, Craig!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/03/09/freedom-thanks-you-craig/) - On February 25th, 2023, Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions applied for an emergency funding grant from bird-loving super-philanthropist Craig Newmark. We wrote: This grant will be used to advance Craig’s drive for pigeon positivity through Palomacy’s ongoing work rescuing hundreds of pigeons and doves; educating thousands of people about their plight and potential; and reducing
- [The Next Chapter](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/09/17/the-next-chapter/) - For 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the founder and executive director of Palomacy. This is a hard post for me to write: I am retiring at the end of this month. I am happy and sad both. Long-time, high-impact volunteer Cynthia Bardouka-Large is joining our amazing and heroic Jill Shepard as
- [Palomacy's New Bird Care Coordinator!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/06/01/palomacys-new-bird-care-coordinator/) - Update September 17, 2025 Jill has been our heroic Care Director since 2020, helping so many people rescuing and rehoming so many birds! With Elizabeth's retirement, she has now become Co-Director along with Cynthia Bardouka-Large. Together they will be leading this ever-growing, always learning, life-saving project forward. Update December 1, 2020 A Special Message from
- [For Enzo](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/12/17/for-enzo/) - By Margaret Brooker What is that slight, soft, white-and-gray missile That flies above my head, in work Zoom meetings Just when I’m about to say something important? He has boundless energy Eyes half-red, half-black, A gray face and little black beak That hangs down over a white breast With three and a half small black
- [Elizabeth's Leave of Absence](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/13/leave-of-absence/) - 4/16/25 Update: Thank you so much to all those supporting and covering me for three months of leave! It has been incredibly helpful. I am truly so grateful to you. I hope that you won't mind overmuch that I am extending my return date from 4/20 to 5/1. I look forward to rejoining you then!
- [Serafina & Norm](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/06/12/serafina-norm/) - Editor's note: Serafina passed away on May 20th just as her surgery was finishing. This is a sad but beautiful story that I feel deserves to be shared. Guest post by Nicole Smith, excerpted from Serafina's Surgery GoFundMe Originally Posted 5/19/24 by Nicole Smith, Organizer My name is Nicole. I am urgently fundraising on behalf of
- [Pigeons, the pandemic, and a word that should only be used in Scrabble](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/06/11/pigeons-the-pandemic-and-a-word-that-should-only-be-used-in-scrabble/) - Reprinted from No Mushrooms Bird Lady on Line One By Leslie Smith It was a spring evening four years ago and the grim reality of COVID and life under lockdown was fully sinking in. As were the effects of a double martini, which pretty much explains how we came to think that constructing a
- [For This One](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/03/19/for-this-one/) - With your support, she is who Palomacy helps. Exactly a year ago, we were contacted by a young man named Jimmie in Modesto, CA about a badly injured little pigeon who he found waiting for him at the door to the gas station where he worked. When he opened the door to go inside, she limped
- [How & When to Feed a Pigeon (or Dove) Who Isn't Eating](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/10/30/how-when-to-feed-a-pigeon-who-isnt-eating/) - Guest Post by Ashley Dietrich Most pigeons and doves, when rescued, are dehydrated and starved (and often injured). Many will immediately drink and eat given the opportunity. If they don't, that is a serious signal that expert help is needed. PLEASE connect with a pigeon-friendly rehabber or rescuer to help the bird you've found. It
- [VIPs: Very Important Partners!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/11/18/vips-very-important-partners/) - Life-Saving Partnerships "May I come to visit the birds?" Thanks to three very special partners — Kibble's 'n Gifts in Half Moon Bay, Andy's Pet Shop in San Jose and Ploughshares Nursery in Alameda CA — the answer is "Yes!" Palomacy depends on so many volunteers, supporters, donors, and partners to help the birds
- [San Damiano's Aviary: In the Spirit of St. Francis](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/02/19/san-damianos-aviary-in-the-spirit-of-st-francis/) - This incredible life-saving aviary resulted from the learning moment of an innocent but misguided plan to include a "dove release" at San Damiano's Blessing of the Animals Fair on October 5th, 2019. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, responding to an invitation to participate in the event, declined, writing: "Lindsay Wildlife Experience does not attend events that include
- [Mascoorade! Celebrating 12 Years of Palomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/10/23/mascoorade-celebrating-12-years-of-palomacy/) - Wow! What an incredible Mascoorade Party! We had such a wonderful time flocking with so many amazing people- human and avian! We reunited with friends from the past, we met our social media friends IRL, we snorgled and loved and appreciated each other and it was really awesome to spend a few rare, precious hours
- [A Tale of Two Fledglings](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/06/07/a-tale-of-two-fledglings/) - Guest Post by Sky We have always had an abundance of birds at the barn- barn swallows, blue jays, crows, geese, etc. It was no surprise when a mated pair of pigeons started building a nest in our hay loft. However, it was a surprise when I walked into one of my horse’s stalls and
- [What Can Really Happen To 'Wedding Doves' After They Fly Away](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/12/15/what-can-really-happen-to-wedding-doves-after-they-fly-away/) - Reposted from The Dodo "The reality is very different from the fantasy." BY SARAH V SCHWEIG PUBLISHED ON 12/07/2018 A white homing pigeon recently needed a lot of help to arrive home safely. He was covered in lice and had worms, and seemed to have few instincts for survival. It’s believed that Lucky Lue is
- [Alfred & Pirate: Honored with Holiday Donation Match!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/12/28/alfred-pirate-honored-with-holiday-donation-match/) - Dear Palomacy Supporters, Thank you for being essential members of our small but powerful Palomacy team! Together we are saving the lives of pigeons and doves who would otherwise be killed. Your support for our groundbreaking work turns donations into rescue missions, bird healing, aviary building, humane education and adoptions! Together we are closing a deadly
- [Featured Foster: Flapjack](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/11/14/featured-foster-flapjack/) - Guest Post by Heather Hohlowski We started fostering Palomacy pigeons in the fall of 2019. My stepdaughter Kyla had lobbied for months for two pigeons. Her dad, Kevin, said OK, but also said, "Two is the limit." So our friend Jamie built us a beautiful aviary in our backyard (that, to me, seemed like it
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Aviary Cleaning and Foster Flock Care in Alameda and San Jose](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-aviary-cleaning-and-foster-flock-care/) - Alameda, CA: Join our amazing team of weekly volunteers at the Ploughshares Nursery in Alameda, a 16’ x 8’ aviary that houses 30 pigeons in foster care. Each volunteer visits the aviary for one shift per week (for 1 to 4 hours depending on your preference) to: Sweep, scrape and hose down the floor Change
- [Three Days With Liberty](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/07/07/three-days-with-liberty/) - Guest Post by Shae Irving On a clear morning in May, Elizabeth sent an email to a group of Palomacy volunteers in the North Bay: A woman had unexpectedly passed away leaving a flock of doves with no one to care for them. Palomacy was too full to bring them into foster care, so could somebody
- [2017: Palomacy's Breakthrough Year?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/02/03/2017-palomacys-breakthrough-year/) - Thanks to all of your very generous contributions, large and small, personal and financial, Palomacy stayed aloft another year, continuing our work of simultaneously responding to the constant, high demand for pigeon and dove rescue while also building the organizational capacity we need to be sustainable. We are, though, struggling right on the edge- we
- [Baby I'm a Star! The Story of Prince](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/05/31/baby-im-a-star-the-story-of-prince/) - On Saturday, April 23rd I got a frantic call for help. A vet tech named Tania, who loves animals, was desperately searching for someone to help a badly injured baby pigeon. He was barely three weeks old and had somehow survived being attacked by an animal. He was beat up, his beak was broken (top
- [In Loving Memory of Jim Stone](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/08/12/in-loving-memory-of-jim-stone/) - Heather Hohlowski is an amazing bird lover & rescue volunteer who has been supporting Palomacy from Day 1, way back when we started as MickaCoo in 2007. And while you may not know her, you know her work very well. Heather donated her skills to create both our beloved logos! When Heather's best friend
- [Sunshine- A Pigeon's Tale of Life, Love & Beating The Odds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/06/13/sunshine-a-pigeons-tale-of-life-love-beating-the-odds/) - Guest Post by Laura Lee Please donate to support Palomacy 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,
- [The Story of Elma, Sole Survivor](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/09/16/the-story-of-elma-sole-survivor/) - Guest Post by Xavier Heydt Xavier warms & comforts rescued baby pigeon Elma On Monday, September 7th I received a message from Palomacy’s founder, Elizabeth Young. She was asking for help to find and rescue six baby King Pigeons that had been abandoned at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park and I happened to be just minutes away. It
- [Seeing the Beauty](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/07/31/seeing-the-beauty/) - When Natalia saw the nervous, hungry white pigeon looking so lost on a busy San Francisco sidewalk, she knew that the bird needed help. It wasn't until after the fact that she learned the King Pigeon she rescued and named Snezhok (snowball in Russian), was only four weeks old, a survivor of both the squab
- [Home Along the Lanes of the Skyway](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/10/17/home-along-the-lanes-of-the-skyway/) - Guest Post by William O'Neill 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,
- [Pigeon with a Broken Neck Recovers at WildCare](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/07/pigeon-with-a-broken-neck-recovers-at-wildcare/) - I have seen a lot of pigeon rescue stories and this is one of the most amazing. The incredible staff & volunteers of WildCare treat thousands of sick & injured wild animals including more than 600 pigeons every year (the vast majority of whom are saved & released back to their wild lives). Palomacy, created
- [53 Pet Doves Need Help!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/09/27/53-pet-doves-need-help/) - 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
- [Violet (Or What's Wrong with Roller Pigeons?)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/07/14/violets-journey-or-whats-wrong-with-roller-pigeons/) - Violet is a strikingly beautiful, gentle, petite Birmingham Roller who is trying really hard to recover from a devastating injury. She was taken to WildCare in January, unable to walk or stand. She still cannot unless she is flapping her wings to generate lift. Her legs aren't paralyzed but they lack the strength and control
- [Global Giving PHOTO CONTEST 2014!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/08/18/global-giving-photo-contest-2014/) - OFFICIAL CONTEST RESULTS: After an extensive audit of votes, the final results are in and MickaCoo's photo of Homing pigeon Gracie rescued from a lab placed 7th out of of 75 stunning entries. So the bad news is we didn't win. The good news is, we were honored as finalists in this contest; highlighted the
- [Community@PigeonRescue.org](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/03/14/communitypigeonrescue-org/) - This famous photo of a lonely pigeon who befriended an orphaned rhesus macaque* speaks to the strength found in friendship. MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue also finds great strength in the support of our friends and together, we are doing what we could not alone. We are accomplishing life-saving and culture-changing work. And now we
- [The Story of SUPER Dovee!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/10/14/the-story-of-super-dovee/) - Do you know the legend of SUPER Dovee? In 2009, I received an email seeking help. It said, “I’m trying to find a loving home for Dovee, a white pigeon I have in my bathtub in Pacifica, CA.” And that is how the story of Cheryl and SUPER Dovee began. Cheryl was new to birds
- [What To Do If You Can't Keep Your Bird(s)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/10/25/what-to-do-if-you-cant-keep-your-birds/) - Rehoming Birds by Elizabeth Young with Cynthia Zhou, Ashley Dietrich & Rose Jensen Perhaps your life circumstances have changed or maybe you've rescued a bird that needs a permanent home. Unplanned things happen sometimes, and unforeseen circumstances can lead to difficult decisions. One of the most challenging is the decision to give up a vulnerable
- [A Pigeon Tale](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/05/31/a-pigeon-tale/) - Guest Post by Heather Hohlowski Why the *$@# Do They Call it A Sport? The so-called “sport” of pigeon racing began more than 200 years ago, in Belgium. The racing breed of pigeons is selectively crossbred and trained, with the goal being a bird that gets back to its often very-far-away destination as fast as
- [For the Special Guys](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/12/22/for-the-special-guys/) - They are all special guys. Your amazing support- as volunteers, adopters, donors- makes a profound life and death difference for so many birds! Here's the story of one of them. Foster volunteer Nicole writes, “A local animal hero and veterinarian reached out to Palomacy looking for a spot for a splay-legged feral pigeon child. I
- [Friends of SFACC Grant Sustains MickaCoo's Work](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/03/06/friends-of-sfacc-grant-sustains-mickacoos-work/) - For the fifth straight year (and in the very nick of time), Friends of SFACC has awarded MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue a generous grant "for expenses related to the care and medical procedures for animals placed with our organization from San Francisco Animal Care & Control". In 2013, MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue cared
- [Little Bell's Big Recovery](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/03/11/little-bells-big-recovery/) - Little Ringneck Dove Bell (along with her healthy mate Reed) came in to our care in December with a big problem- torticollis (a neurological movement disorder characterized by a twisted neck and tilted head) so severe that it triggered violent tumbling panic attacks resembling seizures. Her terrible fits battered and bruised her little body, breaking feathers,
- [Baby Lucy: The Joy & the Sorrow](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/09/01/baby-lucy-the-joy-the-sorrow/) - On Saturday August 8th, I was contacted by a radio producer doing a story about the project to bring Passenger Pigeons back from extinction. She wanted to record sounds of pigeons and interview me and was on deadline to do it that day. I changed my plans and arranged to meet her in the lobby
- [Lovey Dovey Birdhouses](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/03/08/lovey-dovey-birdhouses/) - Guest Blog Post by Jean Getsi, Creator of Lovey Dovey Birdhouses Jean has generously donated two Lovey Dovey Birdhouses to MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue to sell as fundraisers. $45 + shipping for each and all proceeds benefit MickaCoo! Comment below to buy yours. Birds have always been a joy in my life and it's
- [The Car Lot Kings](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/06/10/the-car-lot-kings/) - Guest Post by Andrea Crebassa Once upon a time, but not really that long ago... five white King pigeons escaped the butcher. Somehow, they safely made it to, of all places, an auto body repair shop. When employees arrived, what to their wondering eyes should appear, but five white "doves" on top of one of
- [Flocktoberfest! Celebrating 10 Years of Palomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/11/03/flocktoberfest-celebrating-10-years-of-palomacy/) - On Saturday, October 21st, thanks to the amazing generosity of a whole lot of Palomacy friends and supporters, we came together at Flocktoberfest to celebrate ten years of life-saving, culture-changing, pigeon and dove rescuing! It was a wonderful party and I'm going to try my best to recreate it here for everybody to enjoy! We
- [MickaCoo Earns Top Rated Great Nonprofit Award 2013](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/11/08/mickacoo-earns-top-rated-great-nonprofit-award-2013/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue is extremely proud to have earned Great Nonprofits' Top-Rated Award again for 2013 (fewer than 1% of nonprofits nationwide are eligible). Thank you for making our work possible, for endorsing our efforts and for adding your voice in support of the birds. Here are excerpts from a few of our
- [Accidental Pigeon People: A Guest Post by Jane Shaffer](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/10/05/accidental-pigeon-people-a-guest-post-by-jane-shaffer/) - It all began in mid-August of 2011. Annye and I were standing out on our back porch, enjoying a beautiful San Francisco day, when we saw neighbor Ana walking slowly up the backstairs toward us. The way she was walking...so careful, holding her hands in front of her...I thought she had been shot or stabbed.
- ["Puppy Training" Pigeons Rescued](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/08/29/puppy-training-pigeons-rescued/) - Warning: This post is about cruelty and while no graphic images are included, it may be upsetting. Reader discretion is advised. "Dog Training Birds" Heartbreakingly, pigeons are used to train hunting dogs. Sometimes they are "planted" out in fields (with severely clipped feathers or tied and staked by a leg or "dizzied" to keep them
- [Holiday Party 2013](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/12/10/holiday-party-2013/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue joined in with our big sister parrot rescue Mickaboo's big annual Holiday Party again this year and we had a wonderful time AND we earned over $1600 for the pigeons and doves! Thank you for all of your support and compassion and generosity. I like to think that we live
- [MickaCoo Thanks You for Your Generous Support](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/05/01/mickacoo-thanks-you-for-your-generous-support/) - We are deeply touched by the kindness and generosity so many of you have shown in response to our financial challenge. Thank you for supporting MickaCoo and this work that we do. We're still a couple thousand dollars shy of meeting our $6K goal by May 1 but we are encouraged and hopeful and working
- [The Difference a Grant Makes](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/10/14/the-difference-a-grant-makes/) - Last winter, "in celebration of National Bird Day and in support of those organizations providing sanctuary or rescuing and re-homing homeless pet birds" the ASPCA issued a call for proposals to improve the welfare of birds at risk and to save more lives. The ASPCA awarded a total of $30,000 in avian rescue grants nationwide
- [Pigeon Self-Rescues Through the Cat Door](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/04/30/pigeon-self-rescues-through-the-cat-door/) - Last October, an exhausted racing pigeon limped into Laurie's kitchen through her cat door. Laurie was quite surprised to find him there. But Laurie is an animal lover who rescues cats and has volunteered with wildlife rescue and she knew that this brave little bird needed help. She delivered him to WildCare (who kindly took
- [Your Donations Are Saving Lives!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/10/14/your-donations-are-saving-lives-now/) - Guest Post by Cynthia Bardouka-Large We are so lucky here in the Bay Area to have talented, compassionate, pigeon-and-dove informed veterinarians. But specialty care takes training and experience, and it doesn’t come cheap. It’s only the 13th and we’ve already passed our monthly average for medical costs. We can only say “yes” to birds with
- [Saving Coral](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/10/14/saving-coral-2/) - Guest Post by Jill Shepard and Heather Hohlowski I sat down with Co-Director Jill Shepard to talk to her about a recently rescued pigeon, brought to Palomacy with a unique beak injury. Heather: How did Coral make his way to Palomacy? Jill: Coral was brought to Ohlone Wildlife by someone who feeds a feral cat
- [The Myth of Ethical Breeding](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/10/15/the-myth-of-ethical-breeding/) - Guest Post by Sammy Mikus You may have heard pigeon owners discuss ethical breeders. These are pigeon breeders who supposedly have healthy, friendly birds who they care about and only sell to people who will take good care of them. While this sounds good on the surface, the truth is that the majority of pigeon
- [Pigeons & Leg Bands](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/04/03/pigeons-leg-bands-2/) - What Do Leg Bands Mean? The vast majority of pigeons with leg bands are domestic birds, unable to survive on their own, that are bred, sold, exploited and endangered for "sports" such as racing and roller flying and businesses such as "dove release". If a banded pigeon is hanging around or catchable,
- [Craig Newmark Is a Pigeon Guy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/19/pigeonguycraig/) - February 10, 2025 Update: Palomacy visited Craig and his wife, Eileen, to thank them for their recent donation. We had fun being bird nerds together and he and Eileen got their annual pigeon snuggles in. We so appreciate the support they provide our feathered friends. Nessie (blind homer), Marjoram (available for adoption) and Belinay (hospice
- [Shelters' Guide to Pigeon Rescuing & Rehoming](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/03/28/shelters-guide-to-pigeon-rescue-rehoming/) - Why can't rescues rehome all the pigeons? We rescuers wish we could! We wish the size of the problem was manageable but it is not. The number of fanciers & hobbyists who breed, use & lose domestic pigeons far exceeds the rescue resources helping them. Most of these beautiful birds, when they get lost &
- [Helping Animal Shelters to Help Pigeons & Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/01/30/helping-animal-shelters-to-help-pigeons-doves/) - I'm sorry to say that the animal shelters in the San Francisco Bay Area used to routinely kill domestic (unreleasable) pigeons rather than place them with adopters. The birds weren't named or socialized by volunteers, their profiles weren't posted online, they weren't included in outreach and adoption events. Not surprisingly, very few were adopted and
- [Healing the Broken: Aurora's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/07/11/healing-the-broken-auroras-story/) - If Aurora could write this post, I imagine it would go something like this: Thank you for helping me! My name is now Aurora. As a young racing pigeon on one of my first flights, I got injured and grounded. The people who found me were well-intentioned but uniformed and they kept me in an
- [Awesome Blossom, Guest Post by Alice Finney](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/07/31/awesome-blossom-guest-post-by-alice-finney/) - Blossom came to my house by way of suggestion from MickaCoo volunteer Cheryl Dickinson. See, one of my pet pigeons, Mr. Stinker, whom I love very much, had been without a mate and very sad and lonely since his girlfriend, Pearl, a large Show King pigeon, passed away. I was looking for a special needs
- [Dylan's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/10/13/dylans-story/) - Usually squab producers "harvest" the nestling pigeons at 28 days old. I think Dylan must have hatched a little late or been pulled from the nest a little early because when I met her, she was still very young. Rather than being butchered as most squab are, Dylan was sold live and "released" (either in
- [Reaching Out](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/10/31/reaching-out/) - In order to find great homes for domestic pigeons, we have to get the word out about them. When we started helping pigeons get adopted, there was no awareness that these birds were even in the shelters, let alone how smart and personable they were. We've done a lot of outreach since 2007. Lots more
- [Little Bell's Big Problem](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/12/21/little-bells-big-problem/) - Bell is a little dove with a big problem. She has torticollis, a neurological movement disorder characterized by a twisted neck and tilted head. (There are many potential causes of torticollis including brain trauma, poisoning, spinal damage, vitamin deficiency, viruses, bacterial infection, tumors, etc.) Bell's is so profound that the disorientation triggers somersaulting panic attacks
- ["Domestic Pigeon in Need of Medical Care" (Aries)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/12/22/domestic-pigeon-in-need-of-medical-care/) - We were contacted by SFACC shelter staff on December 9th about a "domestic pigeon in need of medical care". The notes went on to say, "SURRENDERED DUE TO THE FLOCK BEATING UP ON HER. BIRD IS BANDED AND WAS BRED TO BE A RACING PIGEON BUT IS JUST A PET DUE TO HER DEFORMITY. SHE
- [Palomacy Loves My Mutt Poster Program!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/01/26/palomacy-loves-my-mutt-poster-program/) - Donate $250 to Palomacy and Pet Food Express’ My Mutt Program will send a pro to photograph your pet and display the poster! Pet Food Express, with 54 stores located throughout California, is one of the country's leading independent pet food and supply retailers. As part of their commitment to animal welfare, they have helped find homes
- [Jimmy- Feral Ringneck Dove with Head Trauma](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/02/09/jimmy/) - On Friday, January 30th, animal lover and Palomacy supporter Charlene found a dove grounded and helpless in the gutter. His panic at being handled and the flocks of feral Ringnecks living wild in the area suggest he was living free rather than anyone's pet. That evening his cocked head turned into full blown torticollis (a
- [Feather & Bone](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/04/27/feather-bone/) - This young pigeon, now named Vivian, is extremely lucky to be alive. She was bred to be used for pigeon racing. Taken miles from her home and "tossed" to her fate, she tried her best to fly home. But she failed. And she very nearly died because of it. I checked on Vivian at the
- [Pigeon Appreciation Day 2016](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/06/13/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
- [Pearl's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/12/23/saving-pearl/) - Guest Post by Cynthia Bardouka-Large My name is Cynthia and I am a volunteer for Palomacy, a small nonprofit project that saves the lives of at-risk domestic pigeons and doves, educates the public, and finds homes for rescued birds 365 days a year. This is the story of a little girl, a little bird, and
- [Palomacy: Independent, Nonprofit Public Charity!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/03/02/palomacy-independent-nonprofit-public-charity/) - Today, March 2nd, 2023, Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions is, after being fiscally sponsored for 15 years (three by Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue & twelve with Community Initiatives), now the independent nonprofit public charity that we have always aspired to be! THANK YOU FOR LIFTING US UP! What's New, Changing and Staying the Same with
- [A Letter from Cynthia, Palomacy's New Co-Director](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/09/17/a-letter-from-cynthia-palomacys-new-co-director/) - To the Palomacy Community, In early 2017, my child turned her laser focus to birds. We spent long hours at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, drawing and playing with the ravens. One day I said to her, “Ravens are smart and ravens are funny, but ravens are wild and will always be wild. If you
- [2026 Wall Calendar Winners](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/09/17/2026-wall-calendar-winners/) - We received so many amazing entries for this year's calendar fundraiser - 127 to be exact. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped us raise close to $8,000. Please check out our Top 10 vote-getting entries, which combined to raise nearly $4,500. And treat yourself to seeing everybirdy here. 2026 Palomacy Wall Calendars can
- [Gentle Kings Need Help to Escape Cruel Fate ](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/07/20/gentle-kings-need-help-to-escape-cruel-fate/) - Originally published in the Marin Independent Journal on 7/16/2011 By Elizabeth Young There is an epic but almost invisible drama at work in the San Francisco Bay Area. Every week, unbeknown to most, local animal shelters get in a couple of beautiful, smart, all-white birds called King Pigeons. Most arrive as babies, only four weeks
- [How Pigeons Changed Our Lives](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/09/17/how-pigeons-changed-our-lives/) - Anonymous Guest Post Our older two kiddos are AuDHD and struggle with anxiety. While it looks different for both of them, pigeons have been an incredible support to our family. For our oldest, who "got us into" pigeons, it was initially a special interest, which broadened to birds generally, vegetarianism, food systems, and education/advocacy as
- [Sugar's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/07/16/sugars-story/) - On Thursday, June 12th, when SFACC shelter veterinarian Dr. Chris Anderson called asking for help with a splay-legged baby pigeon surrendered to them the day before, I almost burst into tears- not for Sugar, but for the impossibility of the situation. We are asked to help more birds than we have resources. We couldn't help
- [Buy MickaCoo 2014 Calendars & Help Birds!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/11/20/buy-mickacoo-2014-calendars-help-birds/) - We had a wonderful year knowing 32 of our supporters had their MickaCoo 2013 Calendar proudly displayed in locations all around the world! We'd love to sell 100 this year! Cost is $20 each (plus postage for shipping) and $10 from each supports MickaCoo and helps saves birds' lives! We have two versions. (They are
- [Angel: Standing Tall](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/10/23/angel-standing-tall/) - On September 26th, I received this Email: "Hello, My name is Dr. VanGilder and I have a patient named "Angel" presented to me at Four Seasons Animal Hospital who is in need of your help. She is a wonderful, bright, spunky bird who has an angular limb deformity of the left leg, limiting her mobility. Her
- [Tootsie the Splash](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/09/26/tootsie-the-splash/) - Tootsie is what's called in the "dove release"* business a 'splash' meaning that she has a splash of color mixed in with what were supposed to be her pure white feathers. She's a little Homer pigeon youngster and her breeder "set her free" in a park (splash birds are typically culled one way or another).
- [Your Support Helped Baby Rumi](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/06/07/1923/) - MickaCoo is changing the way the Bay Area responds to domestic pigeons like Rumi. In the past, they were routinely euthanized. Now they are treated with compassion, just as every creature should be. This adorable baby king pigeon, barely 4 weeks old and bought from a live poultry market as "squab" wound up at San
- [911 Pigeon Rescue](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/03/19/911-pigeon-rescue/) - When the Good Samaritan arrived at my house on Friday night, he had two boxes taped shut with a total of ten pigeons inside. SFACC shelter staff had tried their best to persuade him to bring the birds to them the night before but nothing they said could convince him that they would help rather
- [Ms. Mina: A Rememberance of Gurumina](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/08/05/ms-mina-a-rememberance-of-gurumina/) - Ms. Mina: A Rememberance of Gurumina By Her Adopter Shaf K I first laid eyes on Gurumina on Mickaboo’s website in 2007. This was before MickaCoo became a reality. I had a white homing pigeon growing up, and thought that it would be nice to adopt another, similar looking bird. I had also lost a
- [2026 Calendar Contest Top 10 Fundraisers](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/08/06/2026-calendar-contest-top-10-fundraisers/) - Wow!!!! So many amazing images of such wonderful birds! It is truly extraordinary to be part of such a loyal community. Treat yourself to seeing everybirdy here. 2026 Palomacy Wall Calendars can be pre-ordered here and will begin shipping 12/1/25. We love our rescued and adopted pigeons and doves every day, 365 days a year.
- [Sassafras Starlene](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/08/14/sassafras-starlene/) - Guest Post by Michelle Norman & Heather Hohlowski In early July, the Palomacy Phone Team answered a call from a person who noticed a domestic pigeon with a serious chest wound. We asked them to catch her, which they did, and then asked if they could take her to Medical Center for Birds, in Oakley, California. And
- [Cornell's Journey](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/08/14/cornells-journey/) - Guest Post by Nicole Smith Cornell is one of Palomacy's "long timers." He has been loved and cared for by Palomacy fosters for more than seven years. In his time with Palomacy, he has never taken a mate, but he has made lots of friends. Cornell is a quiet, gentle, distinguished bird. He is easy
- [2025 Summer Auction](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/08/01/2025-summer-auction/) - Announcing Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Rescue & Adoptions’ 2025 Summer Auction. This year's theme is Pigeon Diplomacy! Right now is the time to donate items to the auction. Items can be added any time before or even during the auction. Bidding opens AUGUST 15 at 12 PM PST and ends AUGUST 25 at 6 PM
- [2026 Calendar Contest Starts 7/1](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/06/12/2026-calendar-photo-art-fundraiser/) - Mark your calendars! Get ready to submit lots of pictures! Palomacy’s 2026 Calendar Photo & Art Fundraiser runs July 1st through the 31st. Your photo entries and votes support Palomacy and our culture-changing work. We appreciate your help celebrating these incredible, under-appreciated birds every day of the year! We know how special pigeons and doves
- [Get Ready for the U.K. Pigeon Advocacy Conference](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/07/05/get-ready-for-the-u-k-pigeon-advocacy-conference-9-20-25/) - Guest Post by Susan Joyce, Little Green Pigeon Happening Saturday 20th September in Staffordshire, England and on Zoom Little Green Pigeon C.I.C., the National Pigeon Advocacy Association, Advocacy for Pigeons and Shakira Free Miles present The UK National Pigeon Advocacy Conference The world's first event promoting the health and wellbeing of all pigeons aimed at helping
- [Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/07/05/seven-a-most-remarkable-pigeon/) - Guest Post by Sandra Nickel People often ask: "What inspired you to write Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon?" The quick answer is, “Pigeons. And also, my daughter.” But there’s more to the story than that. I was sitting at my desk, thinking about kids who feel different from other kids. Kids like my daughter, Olivia.
- [UV Lighting for Companion Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/02/26/uv-lighting-for-companion-birds/) - Guest Post by Jiu Z Why do your indoor birds need special lighting? Birds need access to direct, full-spectrum UV (ultraviolet) light to be happy and healthy. Ideally, they'd get this through safe, protected outdoor time straight from the natural sun for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week (more is better).
- [July 16 Is Bonus Day](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/06/12/mark-your-calendars-july-bonus-day-2025/) - Please mark your calendars! GlobalGiving's 2025 July 16 Bonus Day is just around the corner. July 16 Bonus Day is a 24-hour crowdfunding campaign designed to celebrate high-dollar donors ($100 or more). Eligible donations between $100 and $1,000 will receive a portion of GlobalGiving's $125,000 Incentive Fund (up to $2,000). The more we raise, the
- [2025 Pigeon Appreciation Art Contest Results!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/06/13/2025-art-fundraiser-results/) - WOW! We are blown away by the talent and creativity of Palomacy supporters. We received so many amazing entries to our Art Fundraiser celebrating Pigeon Appreciation Day. Our donor's offers was $25 per entry, up to a total of $1,000, which meant we needed 40 entries to receive the entire amount. We tripled that —
- [History of a Pigeon Bromance](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/06/13/history-of-a-pigeon-bromance/) - Guest Post by Heather Hohlowski EVERYTHING BEGAN WITH SUNNY Sunny was a German Owl pigeon, surrendered to Palomacy in 2022. She and her husband Slim came to us as temporary fosters for about a month. About five weeks after settling into their new long-term foster home, Sunny was attacked by other pigeons in the aviary
- [My Man, Twinkie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/06/13/my-man-twinkie/) - Guest Post by Heather Hamilton Since rescuing my first pigeon in 2019, I have come to realize that pigeons are much like people, in that they each possess their own unique personality – exhibiting likes and dislikes, engaging in habits and hobbies, and developing distinct ways of interacting with the world around them. Today, I
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Rescue & Transport Assistance](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-rescue-transport-assistance/) - Palomacy receives emails, messages, and phone calls every day from people who have found a pigeon or dove in the park, their backyard, under a car, in a store… birds who are lost, injured, scared, often all three. We need help getting them to safety, whether that is to WildCare in San Rafael, a foster
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Adoptions and Placements Development](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-adoptions-and-placements-development/) - There are so many beautiful, amazing, sassy, sweet pigeons and doves in need of homes! We need more people power helping to inspire potential adopters, to coach and support applicants and to develop placement partnerships with sanctuaries, wineries, shelters, and other rescues. These birds need more adopters and we need you to help us make
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Graphic Design Assistant](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-graphic-design-assistant/) - We are always looking for help with the creation of online announcement graphics about fundraising campaigns, birds in need of homes, outreach events, flyers, and more. A few examples are shown below. Frequency: Commit only to the projects you choose Skills needed: Self-starter, team player, Adobe, Canva Location: From anywhere Want to do this? Please
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Social Media/TikTok Wrangler](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-social-media-tiktok-wrangler/) - We have lots of compelling photos and powerful stories and we post to social media every day but we need someone who can help us level up our profiles! We have 42K followers on Facebook, 15K on Instagram and only 300 on TikTok. TikTok is especially great for pigeon rescue and adoptions and we need
- [Volunteer Opportunity - WordPress Guru](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-wordpress-guru/) - Palomacy’s website lives on WordPress and while we know the basic basics, we also know that WP offers many features we should be taking advantage of (Forms and SEO are two important ones). We also want optimal integration with Plugins, MailChimp, FundRazr, ASM, etc. We need to keep the site easy to manage for those
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Foster Home/Aviary Provider](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-foster-home-aviary-provider/) - Our foster care providers are the heart and soul of Palomacy. We don't have a shelter facility or sanctuary. All of our birds depend on foster care. We can only say Yes to rescuing a bird when we have a foster home for them. Currently we have 40 volunteer foster sites (stretching from Santa Cruz
- [Volunteer Opportunity - Community Outreach](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/01/volunteer-opportunity-community-outreach/) - Join us at outreach and adoption events to talk about rescued pigeons and doves and introduce people to birds. (No prior experience required, we train. Use our birds as ambassadors or bring your own.) This is a really amazing experience - people light up when they hold a pigeon or dove and learn how sweet
- [Live Market Scrutiny in SF](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/03/09/live-market-scrutiny-in-sf/) - Last month, the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control & Welfare shared its recommendations on ways to address animal cruelty in the City's live markets. In addition to receiving numerous complaints from residents about the markets' treatment of animals, the Commission also asked Animal Outlook to present the findings of its investigations into live markets.
- [Palomacy's Alameda Foster Pigeon Aviary at Ploughshares!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/12/21/palomacys-alameda-foster-pigeon-aviary-at-ploughshares-nursery/) - Thanks to a lot of help from a lot of supporters, we continue to make remarkable strides on behalf of pigeon rescue! On Saturday December 19th, we finished building and introduced the first lucky pigeons into our brand new foster aviary located on a wonderful site generously provided by Ploughshares Nursery of Alameda. It is
- [Petal & Wyatt](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/05/23/petal-wyatt/) - On August 29th, 2012, Petal, a young king pigeon found stray three weeks earlier in Golden Gate Park, had developed neurological issues and was scheduled for shelter euthanasia. MickaCoo picked her up and took her into our foster care instead. While there are good arguments to be made for triaging in rescue, MickaCoo has chosen
- [Foster & Forever Homes Urgently Needed](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/06/12/foster-forever-homes-urgently-needed/) - Our largest foster aviary, the Wulf Aviary, always housing 24 pigeons and sometimes surging to 28, has been an incredible, life-saving asset to Palomacy for almost five years. Foster volunteer Linda, who was new to pigeons when she began and who has lovingly and successfully cared for our largest flock (see her story Why I
- [Captain Jack's Amazing Rescue Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/06/11/captain-jacks-amazing-rescue-story/) - Guest Post in 2 Parts by Mallika Upadrasta & Melne Murphy PART 1 Mallika Upadrasta: I was getting out of my friend's car in a hurry to catch the train at Ashby BART station. I saw him land on one of those huge concrete flower planters on the side walk. Even as he was flying down
- [You Can Help Palomacy in All Kinds of Ways!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/31/you-can-help-palomacy-in-all-kinds-of-ways/) - Did you know there are many different ways that you can help Palomacy to help the birds? Palomacy needs volunteers to help with projects, transport, aviary bird care, fostering, outreach events and more! Here are just a few of the opportunities available... Aviary Bird Care Volunteers Palomacy is currently seeking Aviary Bird Care Volunteers in
- [Call of the Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/05/18/call-of-the-doves/) - Friends, you're used to hearing from us about the incredible pigeons we rescue & rehome. Well, we also help so many doves! They are a smaller portion of our caseload & their public image is happily positive so they don't require the same level of full court press our rescued pigeons do but they still
- [Palomacy's 2025 Calendar is Here!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/10/30/palomacys-2025-calendar-is-here/) - Palomacy 2025 Calendar Cover Photo: Will Feral by Adrienne Palomacy is honored to present our 2025 Wall Calendar! Much has changed since the first issue was published in 2013 - our name from MickaCoo to Palomacy; our team has tripled in size from one to three; the birds showcased and the photographers contributing have changed
- [Picasso's Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/04/17/picassos-pigeons/) - Guest Post by Elizabeth G. Macalaster When Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a young boy in Malagá, Spain, all he wanted to do was draw or cut out animals from paper. The only way his parents could convince him to attend school was to let him bring along one of the family’s pet pigeons. While the
- [Saving Skye](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/04/17/saving-skye/) - Skye is a racing Homer pigeon — bred for the so-called "sport" of pigeon racing. These innocent birds are tossed into the sky at 4-5 weeks' old and many, like Skye, get lost and/or struck by a hawk, hit by a car, and/or starve to death in a field or on a road. It's possible
- [Featured Fosters](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/04/17/featured-fosters/) - Meet Smidge and Oriole. Each of these female Ringneck doves found their way to the same rescuer, although not at the same time. But when they met, it was a match, and they are now in foster care with the amazing Jill, Palomacy’s Care Director. I recently sat down with her to find out a
- [Listening With All His Senses](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/03/09/listening-with-all-his-senses/) - Rev. Robert Ryugen Doshin Yamada Animal Liberation Temple (Dōbutsu Kaihōji) A cow named Penelope was the inspiration behind Reverend Robert Yamada’s founding of the Animal Liberation Temple, a refuge for a variety of animals, including four Peking ducks, one Pit Bull, three Sulcata tortoises, two turkeys, one guineafowl, two former lab rats, one Ringneck dove,
- [Lessons in Sharing](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/03/09/lessons-in-sharing/) - Rule #1: Abby’s in Charge. Rule #2: Abby’s not in charge. Meet Abby: Abby is a survivor of the cruel “sport” of pigeon racing. Hungry, tired, and lost, he knew he needed help and wandered into a backyard and walked fearlessly up to a big dog - he knew he needed a human’s kind hand,
- [Palomacy Awarded $10,000 Grant from Summerlee Foundation](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/03/09/palomacy-awarded-10000-grant-from-summerlee-foundation/) - Palomacy is excited to announce that we are the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Summerlee Foundation, to be used for veterinary expenses for our rescued domestic pigeons and doves. The Foundation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, provides grants for animal protection and for the preservation of Texas history. The Foundation's mission includes making grants
- [Global Giving's Little x Little 2025 Matching Campaign](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/02/12/global-givings-little-x-little-2025-matching-campaign/) - Together, we are helping each other to help domestic pigeons and doves who too often are turned away or overlooked. Little by little, we are making a big difference! This year’s Global Giving Little x Little match opportunity begins earlier than usual – March 25th, at 6AM. All eligible donations up to $50 per unique
- [@TheCooBox](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/02/14/thecoobox/) - Guest Post by Heather Hohlowski This Wood pigeon was the inspiration behind @theCooBox, a pigeon-centric Instagram account run by Zoltán, a native of Budapest, Hungary, and a lifelong friend to pigeons. One day, his boyfriend lent him a Canon 400D camera (“with a crappy lens” according to Zoltán) to see if he was into photography
- [To Love Pigeons in Love](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/02/14/to-love-pigeons-in-love-guest-post-by-kyla-iudicello/) - Guest Post by Kyla Iudicello Sprocket, a Roller pigeon, stood out easily from the average feral pigeon thanks to her tiny size and all black feathers with white-edged bell bottoms. She was rescued and adopted in 2018. She found love with another black Roller who unfortunately passed away, and in 2021, she returned to Palomacy’s
- [Dr. Lang’s Flying Nurses](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/02/14/dr-langs-flying-nurses/) - Guest Post by Elizabeth G. Macalaster Editor's Note: Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions appreciates this unique story as part of pigeon history but opposes using pigeons and doves for business, sport, or hobby. Dr. Charles Lang, a country doctor in upstate New York at the end of the 19th century, had an idea—commission his flock
- [Project for Awesome 2025](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/02/11/project-for-awesome-2025/) - Project for Awesome (P4A) is an annual event whose aim is to raise awareness of charities that make the world a better place. It's sponsored by The Foundation to Decrease World Suck, which, since 2012, has made grants of more than $10 million to dozens of charities. Palomacy hopes to be one of the recipients
- [Eggs & Feggs: Hatch Prevention](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2025/01/21/eggsandfeggs/) - Guest post by Sammy Mikus (with extra stuff from Elizabeth) Egg-laying & Fake Eggs When bonded, a female pigeon will usually lay two eggs approximately every four weeks. Year round. If fertile but not removed and replaced with fakes (feggs), the eggs will hatch in 18 days, and the babies will leave the nest (fledge)
- [kiersten’s Birrb Blog #1,277 | April 2022: Punky is his name-o](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/12/02/kierstens-birrb-blog-1277-april-2022-punky-is-his-name-o/) - Guest post by kiersten stein ◦Safeway Manager calls Jill: “There’s a pigeon running wild in the parking lot!” Jill texts kiersten: “Hey. Domestic pigeon at Safeway Livermore needs rescuing. Can you help?” First Attempt - kiersten arrives armed with a cage, a large towel, seed, and a growling stomach; - The agile, artful dodger was
- [Rescuing Cosmo](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/11/27/cosmo/) - Guest Post by Jazmine Hernandez This is a story about Cosmo, he's a king pigeon that I found near my office. I decided to go feed the pigeons by the beach during my lunch break and I was enjoying my time when I noticed a white pigeon emerge from the rocks. He seemed extremely unsure.
- [Pigeon on a Shelf Holiday Auction 2024](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/11/18/pigeon-on-a-shelf-holiday-auction-2024/) - Palomacy volunteer Heather Hamilton writes, First, I want to express heartfelt gratitude on behalf of myself, Palomacy, and each and every bird whose life was saved and enriched by the work of Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions. Palomacy's life-saving organization is sustained by supporters like you, and we cannot thank you enough for supporting our
- [Bluesky & Leroy Jenkins](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/11/18/bluesky-leroy-jenkins/) - On 11/8/24, I received this message: Good morning. I recently joined Bluesky which is a very welcoming and kind version of Twitter, similar to how Twitter works. I saw several animal rescues over at Bluesky and thought of Palomacy. Just thought you might like to check it out to get more exposure for the rescue.
- [Pigeons Deserve Better! Trust me. I fed one.](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/10/11/pigeons-deserve-better-trust-me-i-fed-one/) - By Anna McLean, Reprinted from the The Michigan Daily, Oct. 8, 2024 Pigeons deserve better! Trust me, I fed one. Anna McLean, The Michigan Daily, Oct. 8, 2024 Pigeons: we know them, but do we love them? Historically, yes. Currently, no. In the 21st century, pigeons are colloquially referred to as “the rats of the
- [Honoring Hero Heather Ho(lowski)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/10/03/honoring-hero-heather-holowski/) - Scroll to the bottom for October 26 Update Friends of Palomacy know that it takes an incredibly dedicated, generous flock of volunteers to do all the rescuing, healing, rehoming, educating, coaching and caring that we do to help so many birds! There are lots of superheroes in our flock, and then there are a few
- [Donovan](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/09/27/donovan/) - Guest Post by Liese Hunter On September 2nd, we lost our beloved Donovan and I want to (share a little bit) of his story. Donovan first arrived at my home in July 2020. Jill McMurchy had spent much effort persuading his owner to surrender him to Palomacy, as he had been living outdoors in a
- [Brad and Madeline Mardelle](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/10/01/brad-and-madeline-mardelle/) - Guest Post by Patti Delaney This is Brad and Madeline Mardelle’s story. Pictures help to tell their relationship and life during their time with me. On August 11, 2020, I received a text from the Bradshaw Animal Shelter with a picture of a very cute pigeon. It said he was injured and needed immediate veterinary
- [Pigeon Wants String Off of Her Feet](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/08/13/pigeon-wants-string-off-of-her-feet/) - Stringfoot is the cause of much pain and suffering in pigeon flocks, and without treatment results in the loss of toes, feet or legs. Stringfoot occurs when pigeons get human generated detritus such as hair, string, fishing line or thread wrapped around their feet. The more they walk, the tighter it gets. Blood circulation eventually
- [Palomacy 2025 Calendar Photo & Art Contest!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/06/12/palomacy-2025-calendar-photo-art-contest/) - Palomacy THANKS, CONGRATULATES, & CELEBRATES our TOP 10 Fundraiser Photos for Calendar 2025!!! # 1 Adrienne's Heihei @heyheiheipigeon San Jose CA # 2 Arianna's Donut Fort Lee NJ # 3 Zanian's Mr. & Mrs. Pigeon Wellington New Zealand # 4 Cam's Russet & Snow Fair Oaks CA # 5 Stefaney & Andrew's Deandra Everett WA
- [Lights & Siren Rescue for Patter](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/07/08/lights-siren-rescue-for-patter/) - When Palomacy Care Director Jill got the late night text about a "very malnourished pigeon" found lying unmoving in a yard, she knew rescue was urgent. When she saw the failing bird's photo, she immediately grabbed her keys and went to pick her up, "lights and sirens" as we call it. Little Patter was so
- [Spencer's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/07/07/spencers-story/) - Warning: Graphic wound photo included Palomacy received this message on 5/20/24: "We received a pretty injured racing pigeon on 5/16. The finder ended up tracing the leg band on their own and got into contact with the owner. The owner got into contact with us and made an appointment to get the bird back
- [All That Crouton Was](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/01/16/all-that-crouton-was/) - Guest Post by Anonymous I don’t know how to share all that Crouton was with you. In mid-December, I started writing the story of my foster bird, Crouton. While writing the story, I realized that Crouton’s story was inextricable from those of her best friend Sprout, me and my partner, and the community that supported
- [FREE Palomacy BirdADay Desk Calendars!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/06/12/free-palomacy-birdaday-desk-calendars/) - FREE Palomacy BirdADay Desk Calendars! While Supplies Last Just Pay $7 Shipping (US Only) Our over-supply is your good fortune! We still have more than 100 of these amazing, gorgeous, informational, inspirational, wonderful 365 page 2024 BirdADay desk calendars & they can't fo to waste! Order yours now & just pay $7 shipping (US only). Note:
- [Donate Now for Pigeon Appreciation Auction June 1-13!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/05/17/pigeon-appreciation-auction-june-1-13/) - Guest Post by Heather Hamilton What better way to celebrate pigeons than giving and getting treasures in Palomacy's Summer 2024 Celebrate Pigeons! Online Auction? In honor of Pigeon Appreciation Day, Palomacy is raising funds for our feathered friends. Pigeon lovers can support Palomacy's life-saving work by donating treasures to the online auction and/or bidding on
- [Nomad Middle School Partners with Palomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/04/05/nomad-middle-school-partners-with-palomacy-pigeon-dove-adoptions/) - Nomad School GreatNonprofits Review for Palomacy Rating: 5 stars 04/05/2024 I'm the Curriculum Director and STEM teacher at Nomad, a project-based middle school in San Francisco, and we're on our third year of fostering pigeons with support from Palomacy and it continues to be a real highlight of our year and an enriching experience
- [Darling Clementine: Safe and Loved Forever](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/03/06/darling-clementine-safe-and-loved-forever/) - Guest Post by Marla Erickson Boyd It was one of the rainiest Februaries on record in the Sacramento Valley, and residents of the small semi-rural community of Rio Linda were bracing for the arrival of yet another “atmospheric river.” On the neighborhood social network Nextdoor, residents posted images of recent storm damage and urged one
- [The ‘underbird’ no longer (Reprinted from Chicago Tribune)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/02/12/the-underbird-no-longer-reprinted-from-chicago-tribune/) - The ‘underbird’ no longer: Chicago pigeon owners, enthusiasts say it’s time to see the city dwellers as a ‘symbol of beauty’ Reprinted from Chicago Tribune February 12, 2024 By Rebecca Johnson Chicago Tribune "Pigeons can ber very polarizing, but it's very heartening how many people love pigeons, and see them as a symbol of resiliency,
- [Palomacy Is Here Saying Yes...](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/02/13/palomacy-is-here-saying-yes/) - Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions is so thankful to be here saying, Yes, we can help! Palomacy helps birds every day by assisting the confused good Samaritans, concerned bird guardians, busy shelter staff, stretched wildlife rehabbers, and virtually anyone seeking to save a pigeon or dove in trouble. Through our phone line, Email, online Help Group,
- [Winsome Winning Winnie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/02/06/winnie/) - Guest Post by Jill McMurchy Winnie is a breed called an Oriental Frill (OF). These poor birds are in the class of breed called Owls. Owl pigeons have been bred to have large eyes and small beaks. Most owl pigeons can feed their babies. OFs, however, have been selectively bred to have an almost non
- [What Happened to the Bird of Peace?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2024/01/13/call-to-pigeons-2023-2024-what-happened-to-the-bird-of-peace-art-project/) - What Happened to the Bird of Peace? CALL TO PIGEONS 2023-2024 Guest Post by Elodie M. Richard My name is Elodie Richard, I am a French artist based in Central Florida. I am a mother of four rescued pigeons, Sada, Hugo, Mathis (diamond doves) and Juju (Rock Pigeon). Pigeons have thousands of years of history
- [Street to Sweet: Esther's Rescue and the Power of Compassion](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/12/20/street-to-sweet-esthers-rescue-and-the-power-of-compassion/) - Guest Post by Dion Campbell Spotted huddling alone in a dreary doorway in bustling downtown San Francisco, a tiny, speckled pigeon faced an uncertain fate. Most of her delicate pink toes were being painfully strangled by tightly wound human hair, and her feet were bound together so inextricably by the same debris that she could
- [Puff Berry Rising](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/12/19/puff-berry-rising/) - Puff Berry's story begins on August 11th as Madame Puff Ball and you can see part one of her journey here. On November 10th, I took over her foster care and she told me her name was actually Puff Berry so that is what I call her. When Puff first came to Palomacy, she couldn't stand
- [Madame Puff Ball](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/09/25/madame-puff-ball/) - Guest Post by Jill McMurchy Madame Puff Ball was found as a helpless stray and turned into Oakland Animal Services (OAS) unable to walk. While OAS accepts pigeons, has a beautiful, life-saving aviary, and helps a great many (unlike most shelters), they don't have the staff or resources to provide avian vet care so they
- [A Message from Our Treasurer](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/12/18/a-message-from-our-treasurer/) - Six years ago, a pale little dove (now named Killer) flew down from the telephone wire outside my house and landed on my arm. He was tame and I was clueless. After feeding him on my front patio for three months, I found Palomacy. Fast forward to today: Killer and his wife in one aviary,
- [These Birds Need Us](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/11/24/these-birds-need-us/) - Birds like Sky Puppy and Ace and Opal and so many more really need us. All of us. We are working nonstop to rescue and care for the constant flood of lost, injured and displaced pigeons and doves. They need rescuing, many need vet care (averaging $9K/month). All need foster homes and adoption services. Every single
- [I'm Ace](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/11/21/im-ace/) - Content Warning: Injury photos included I'm Ace. I'm one of more than 400 birds you have helped Palomacy to rescue this year. I had been struggling along on string-tangled feet about as long as I could. One foot was actually gone- it had dried up and fallen off after a long, painful string entanglement- and
- [Palomacy's 2024 Calendars & Contest](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/10/19/palomacys-2024-calendars-contest/) - Scroll down to see the images chosen for our 2024 wall calendars! Order your calendars here! We love our rescued and adopted pigeons and doves every day, 365 days a year (366 in 2024). And we love honoring your birds in our Palomacy calendars, shared all over the world! Your support for this special fundraiser
- [Opal](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/10/15/opal/) - Guest Post by Jill McMurchy Opal came to Palomacy through a local parrot store. From time to time people bring them pigeons and they immediately call me. They told me she seemed healthy, was eating well and active. But upon examining her, I found four puncture wounds hidden underneath her feathers. Wounds and injuries are
- [Feathers & Fashion: Celebrating Cooture!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/10/05/feathers-fashion-celebrating-cooture/) - Party Post Script Wow! Our Celebrating Cooture party was awesome! Very well attended with guests coming from San Jose to Sacramento and everywhere in between. Thank you so much to all our guests who were such good sports despite some chaos, lots of dear old friends and dear new ones. I think many who came
- [Art for the Birds: Ajax Made Me Do It!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/10/14/art-for-the-birds-ajax-made-me-do-it/) - Guest Post by Shae Irving If you asked a year ago whether I'd have a website for my artwork today, I would have said no. I would have said someday I might -- when I have a meaningful subject, a body of work, and the energy it takes to make a website happen. Maybe in a
- ["$1 for Gimpy" (Bjork's Story)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/07/20/1-for-gimpy-bjorks-story/) - 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.
- [Doves: Birds of Chaos, Pixies in Disguise](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/09/07/doves-birds-of-chaos-pixies-in-disguise/) - Guest Post by Adrienne Ruork Whoever decided that doves were an emblem of peace and love was the biggest con artist of all time. Unless doves have since evolved with humanity’s embrace of satirical humor, we’ve been victims of this fallacy our whole entire lives. From Sunday bible teachings, to Greek mythology taught in high
- [Alba & Tramonto](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/04/06/alba-tramonto/) - Guest Post by Nicole Smith These two racing homer kids are (adoptable!) Palomacy pigeons Alba and Tramonto. I have been wanting to share their story for a while now, but I felt too angry about the way they were cruely mistreated. I wanted to make their story about them. So I'll start with their personalities
- [Nilla & Graham](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/06/03/nilla-graham/) - Guest Post by Jana Paradiso Our experience as a first-time pigeon foster family My daughter Shree got into pigeons in the Fall of 2022. She just developed an affinity for them, and that's how we started to appreciate the gentle, unique nature of this bird. We had only ever had dogs as pets; I grew
- [Piji Moto](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/05/22/piji-moto/) - Guest Post by Nicole Smith Piji Moto is a very special bird. After surviving a hawk attack and recovering from his injuries, he is thriving in his new life. I first met Piji Moto at Medical Center for Birds. I went to pick him up once he was ready for discharge, with the intention that
- [Lilo: Pigeon Racing Survivor](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/04/01/saving-lilo/) - Warning: Includes graphic wound photos Somebody used beautiful, gentle Lilo for their cruel hobby of pigeon racing. He was flying his heart out hundreds of miles trying to get back home when the hungry hawk hit him. The shock and pain and terror overwhelmed him. Sharp talons ripped into his leg and side and he
- [Palomacy Urgently Needs Your Support](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/05/20/palomacy-urgently-needs-your-support/) - 5/24/22 UPDATE & GRATITUDE THANK YOU VERY MUCH to 147 very generous donors who emergency contributed the $12,191 so urgently needed to sustain this unprecedented rescue work. Brave little Tracy (now named Stardust), the “dove release” Homer, came through her wing amputation beautifully & is being fostered to adopt by the vet tech who fell in love when she
- [Palomacy 2023 Calendar Contest & Fundraiser Results](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/07/12/palomacy-2023-calendar-fundraiser/) - Wow!!!! So many amazing images of such wonderful birds! It is truly extraordinary to be part of such a loyal community. Treat yourself to seeing everybirdy here. We love our rescued and adopted pigeons and doves every day, 365 days a year. And we love honoring your birds in our Palomacy calendars, shared all over
- [Listen to Your Birds (Avian Underemployment)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/03/14/listen-to-your-birds/) - Guest Post by Nicole Smith Big king man Mochi self-rescued in my in-laws’ backyard. They found him hanging out with the songbirds, eating corn off the ground. Chris and I took him in, and he soon became a permanent family member. Less than a couple months later, lovely king squeaker hen Fuji self-rescued very assertively
- [Emma & Ezra & Underemployed Pigeon Syndrome](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/02/15/emma-ezra-underemployed-pigeon-syndrome/) - Guest Post by Margaret Brooker With Additional Information by Elizabeth Young January 7, 2023 Update: While we see this most often in male pigeons, it does happen with females too so I am updating the term to Underemployed Pigeon Syndrome (UPS).* Margaret contacted Palomacy seeking marriage counseling assistance for her pigeons Emma and Ezra. Ezra
- [What Is All This Palomacy, Anyway?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/03/02/what-is-all-this-palomacy-anyways/) - Since you're reading this, you probably know a little about Palomacy. Or maybe you know a lot. Or think you know a lot? To me, Palomacy is a big, gorgeous, many faceted gem which can be hard to conceptualize all at once with so many planes and angles. So I'm here to try and give
- [Palomacy Is Preparing for Launch!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/02/19/palomacy-is-preparing-for-launch/) - On March 2nd, Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions will, after being fiscally sponsored for 15 years (three by Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue & twelve with Community Initiatives), become the independent nonprofit public charity that we have always aspired to be! Closer to our start date, as we get all the new connections connected and switches
- [Palomacy Is Growing!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/01/05/palomacy-is-growing/) - Pomelo by Adrienne Ruork By Clare Malone Prichard, Palomacy Board Chair It’s hard to believe, but it’s been fifteen years since Elizabeth Young met and rescued Gurumina, the lovely King pigeon who exposed the unmet need of domestic and unreleasable pigeons for adoption. Initially named MickaCoo and hosted under the experienced wing of Mickaboo Companion
- [Then Two Became One](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2023/01/24/willythentwobecameone/) - Guest Post by Madalene Cordero It was late March 2022 when my four year old granddaughter, Aiyanna, spotted a white King pigeon from the window of our house, walking across a very busy street. My daughter took her across the street to rescue it. They were afraid it would get run over by a bus or car
- ["But I Have Cats" -  Cats, Dogs & Birds, Oh My!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/05/10/dogs-cats-and-birds-oh-my/) - Editor's Introduction Many birds, wild, stray and pet, are killed by cats and dogs. (Stray domestic pigeons and doves are at terrible risk from pets and predators and must be brought into safety!) There is a very real risk involved with what Palomacy calls "blended families", homes which include birds, cats and/or dogs. We work
- [I Know Who You Are](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/12/22/i-know-who-you-are/) - You may not know who I am, but I know who you are. You are a Palomacy person! Your commitment to birds like me, pigeons and doves in trouble, proves we are not disposable; we are deserving of compassion. All the ways you help- as advocates, volunteers, fosters, rehabbers, adopters, donors and sometimes all the
- [Your Donations Save Nandas](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/11/29/your-donation-saved-nanda/) - Guest Post by Jill McMurchy On October 31st, we got a voicemail about a pigeon sitting in the same spot outside a motel for three days, unable to walk. They had trouble finding anyone to help and were very happy to connect with Palomacy. We directed them to Napa Wildlife as the closest, fastest emergency
- [Palomacy's Very Exciting Online Auction Adventure!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/11/24/palomacys-very-exciting-online-auction-adventure/) - This year, in tandem with our Summer of Dove party, Palomacy also produced our first ever online auction and it was awesome! It was fun and important. The birds in need of help flood in nonstop but our funding can't keep up and we need new, creative ways to transform our supporters' generosity into the
- [Palomacy Party! Summer of Dove 10/22/22](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/10/29/palomacy-party-summer-of-dove-10-22-22/) - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Thank you to everybirdy who helped celebrate pigeons and doves and Palomacy at our Summer of Dove party Saturday 10/22/22 in San Francisco, CA and online too! There were lots of amazing volunteers and donors working behind and on the scenes, heroically led by Christiana Reed and Aileen Paterson,
- [Sweetie's Story, Part One](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/11/17/sweeties-story-part-one/) - Guest Post by Belle Cifu In early August of 2022, my partner Beau and I moved to the Bay Area, specifically Oakland, for his work. We arrived to a completely empty apartment, filling out a small section of the living room with just the few boxes of clothes and knick knacks we could fit in
- [Happy Pigeon Appreciation Day!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/06/12/pigeonappreciation/) - Appreciating Pigeons Pigeons! Of course we Palomacy people appreciate pigeons every day! They grace our world with their gentle customs- nodding and hoo hooing to welcome us, lounging in the sunshine to teach us, loving with their whole hearts come what may. We celebrate these wise, gorgeous, loyal friends with our utmost admiration. And with your
- [Shirin and Kian - a pigeon rescue story - or why it took four hours to travel four blocks home](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/11/10/shirin-and-kian-a-pigeon-rescue-story-or-why-it-took-four-hours-to-travel-four-blocks-home/) - Guest Post by Melne Murphy At the onset of the pandemic lockdown in March, someone in Alameda, CA started a series of "porch concerts" to help people cope with the shock of such a lifestyle change. Every Friday at 6, musicians all across the island would gather on their porch or driveway "stages" and play
- [How to Welcome Pigeons Into Your Life](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/04/03/how-to-welcome-pigeons-into-your-life/) - If we had our way, there would be no pet pigeons. They would all be wild and free, not captive. Palomacy doesn’t believe that birds should be domesticated, bred and used by people for any reason. But, because people do breed, use and lose domestic unreleasable pigeons, there are a great many in need of
- [Palomacy Thanks Craig Newmark Philanthropies](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/10/04/palomacy-thanks-craig-newmark-philanthropies/) - Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions here to share our wonderful news from & profound gratitude to Craig Newmark Philanthropies for generously supporting our work once again with a $20K grant! Thank you, Craig! HERO! Why you ask? Here's an expert from a Mollie Leavitt interview with Craig. And Palomacy, as have so many other organizations, has
- [Time Flies & Palomacy's Party is... Saturday!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/10/20/19646/) - Time Flies & Palomacy's Party is... Saturday! Summer of Dove! 1-5 PM PT in San Francisco CA & Worldwide on Facebook Live CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF PALOMACY Party with us! Human & avian people flocking together, savoring vegan delights & sharing all the love! Palomacy parties are a rare & amazing experience! Geographically widespaced & without
- [Razzle's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/09/15/razzles-story/) - Guest Post with Michelle Norman Another wonderful rescue story. On July 9th, Razzle was discovered by my neighbor Tara. Razzle self-rescued herself to Tara who noticed her sitting all day in the same place in her backyard. Concerned, we posted to Palomacy's Help Group on Facebook. We got quick advice and brought her indoors to
- [Two Really Special Foster Pigeons...](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/09/14/two-really-special-foster-pigeons/) - Guest Post by Nicole Smith I have two really special foster pigeons who need homes: Baby Dion and Reggie. Both are recovering from broken wings. Pigeons make incredibly good companions. They love being inside and with their people, and they also love living in a group in an outdoor aviary. They don't need much to
- [Volunteer Here for Summer of Dove!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/08/18/party-with-palomacy-summer-of-dove/) - Guest Post by Ellie Paterson Are you looking for a fun, short-term commitment to show off your pigeon and dove love? We are seeking leaders and helpers for our party on October 22. Palomacy’s annual party gathers us all together into a bustling, high energy flock. Our volunteers are the ones who keep the flock
- [Palomacy Treasurer Wanted](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/08/27/palomacy-treasurer-wanted/) - Palomacy is seeking to fill the volunteer Board seat of Treasurer starting January 1, 2023. This is an opportunity to save birds, advance the pigeon and dove rescue movement and help Palomacy's sustainability. What is Palomacy? Learn more about us here and the work we do here. Duties of the Treasurer currently include: Liaise with current fiscal
- [Autism Spectrum Disorder & Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/08/18/autism-spectrum-disorder-pigeons/) - Hello, I'm Jennifer Lynn and, a seamstress for Cirque du Soleil and mother to a child on the autism spectrum. My daughter has O.D.D. and ADHD. As such, she has since an early age had uncontrollable rage fits and tantrums thar would terrify all care takers. Her fists punched; her feet kicked. There was no
- [How to Care for a Rescued Pet Pigeon (for Newbies)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/10/01/how-to-take-care-of-a-rescued-pigeon-for-newbies/) - If I had my way, there would be no pet pigeons, amazing as they are. They would all be wild and free. I don’t believe that birds should be domesticated, bred and used by people for any reason. But, because people do breed, use and lose unreleasable pigeons, there are a great many that are
- [Willy Wonky](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/07/14/willy-wonky/) - In April, a nice family stopped traffic to rescue a big, white pigeon standing in the middle of their busy street. They fell in love with the young King pigeon who had been bred for meat (squab) & inhumanely "released". They named him Willy. All was well for a couple of weeks but then something
- [On Volunteering... and Working](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/06/29/on-volunteering-and-working/) - Epic, inspiring bird rescue hero Michelle posted this to Mickaboo's list serve & I love it so much that I want to share it with you. Thank you, Michelle! Guest Post by Michelle Yesney CEO Retired, Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue (See Changing of the Guard) This point in time - as Mickaboo is going through
- [The Face of Pigeon Racing](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/06/26/the-face-of-pigeon-racing/) - Guest Post by Chava Sonnier Founder & Director of Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue Virginia is a gentle soul. She enjoys napping on her favorite basket, or in your cupped palms. She relishes her pigeon seed with all the finesse of a true gourmet. She looks worried when her seed dish is empty, so I refill
- [The Story of Valentina and Robert](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/05/30/the-story-of-valentina-and-robert/) - Guest Post by Lea Krzan A few months ago, my neighbor called me to come look at this small white bird that had been circling his house for the past few hours. I saw that it was probably either a dove or a pigeon, and had been injured as it couldn't fly. I brought it
- [Flocking & Rocking!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/06/12/flocking-rocking/) - Wow! What an amazing time we had on Saturday at This Flock Rocks! Our volunteers did a fantastic job bringing it all together and making it happen! Our host, Sports Basement, donated their fantastic location, food, beer & wine, equipment and a store discount to all of our guests! Donors were incredibly supportive- giving and
- [Losing Norm](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/05/06/losing-norm/) - Rescue Hungry, injured and unable to fly, a lost racing pigeon sought help from a kind homeowner named Sandy, hanging around for days and looking at her with his big, smart eyes; shy and lonesome both at the same time. She got the message, researched pigeon rescue, found Palomacy and reached out for our help.
- [Baby Bella](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/04/04/baby-bella/) - Baby homing pigeon Bella was bred for "dove release" but "set free" because of her/his black feathers & splayed legs. (See The Truth About Dove Releases & learn about culled pigeons*.) The helpless, two-week old nestling was left in a park and it's a miracle she survived long enough to be rescued. A kind person knew she
- [Our Aviary Panels Kit Project!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/08/05/our-aviary-panels-kit-project/) - While our adopters love their pigeons and doves, it is not easy getting the birds adopted. Many people would be thrilled to have a backyard aviary but most don't know how to go about creating one and buying pre-made enclosures can be tricky. They can be expensive, too small, unsafe, ill-designed (see our recommendations here). So, after
- [Please Support Palomacy as a Monthly Donor](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/05/03/please-be-a-monthly-palomacy-donor/) - Every day Palomacy helps birds who have no place to turn- displaced doves, pigeon racing survivors, unreleasable ferals, King pigeons that dodge the butcher... We need your help to save the lives of the many doves & pigeons who, through no fault of their own, are injured, homeless, in jeopardy. We help birds every day
- [Buttons Do Pigeons Proud!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/07/02/buttons-do-pigeons-proud/) - Palomacy volunteers like Steph Fries share their talents and expertise so generously to help us help the birds! On June 8th, I received this message from Steph: Hello again, Elizabeth! I was thinking about how you were saying that Palomacy needs all the PR it can get especially since it never occurs to most folks
- [Life-saving, Game-changing Partnership for King Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/09/04/weve-created-a-life-saving-game-changing-aviary-for-king-pigeons/) - Look at the amazing aviary you helped to create! Remember the crowdfunding campaign that we organized to help Animal Place begin helping King Pigeons? Thanks to your support, our efforts have finally succeeded! Animal Place, one of the oldest and largest animal sanctuaries in the nation, now has a beautiful, life-saving, game-changing King Pigeon
- [Kit & Caboodle](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/09/09/kit-caboodle/) - 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.
- [Valentine's Day Is for Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/02/14/valentines-day-is-for-pigeons/) - Guest Post by Stacie Delzingo Reposted from Facebook, February 14, 2022 I am passionate about my Prudence! (Prudence Penelope Delzingo is certainly a boy, but I still call her "she" because 3yrs, Old Dog New Tricks... ) Anyway, here's a bit of my lighthearted pigeon love (& lunacy) in honor of Valentine's Day... who knows
- [The Case for Pigeons by Rick Schubert](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/01/28/the-case-for-pigeons-by-rick-schubert/) - Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center Reprinted here with permission November 9, 2018 The Case for Pigeons Specific Species By Rick Schubert, Director Why do we bother to rehabilitate non-native wildlife species like pigeons? The rock dove, or "rodo" as we call it here, or pigeon to most people, is a common patient at the Philadelphia Metro
- [Palomacy Connecting with Monthly Zoom Parlor](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/01/26/palomacy-connecting-with-monthly-zoom-parlor/) - As a far-flung, decentralized community, we are able to serve so many birds! It comes at a cost, though, because opportunities to connect with & support one another are few. In December, Palomacy had our Board meeting via Zoom & it was SUCH A BIG TONIC to see & connect with each other. It reminded me how
- [Zsa Zsa Gabirdie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/01/12/zsa-zsa-gabirdie/) - Guest Post by Tami Tana I named my bird Zsa Zsa Gabirdie after the famous actress from the 1930’s, Zsa Zsa Gabor. She is a beautiful, sweet, smart, amazing Eurasian collared dove. However, I recently found out that she is a HE! On 9/20/2020 I was outside on my back patio relaxing, my backyard neighbors
- [Aileen's Doubling Your Donation with a $10,000 Match!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/12/10/aileens-doubling-your-donation-with-a-10000-match-for-palomacy/) - 1/17/22 Update: WE DID IT!!! Thank you all so very much for making our year end fund appeal successful, for helping us to raise $10,290 AND to earn Aileen's $10,000 match for a total of $20,290! THANK YOU! 12/21/21 Update: Thank you very much to our generous year end appeal donors who have contributed $5,218
- [Sweet Pigeon Haku](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2022/01/17/sweet-pigeon-haku/) - Guest Post by Liese Hunter My sweet pigeon Haku has died. Haku was rescued from San Jose Animal Control by Palomacy (then MickaCoo) on January 29, 2011. He was lovingly fostered, then adopted by Cheryl Dickinson when he married her rescued lab pigeon, Gracie. On July 27th, 2012, Palomacy rescued a young King pigeon, Penelope
- [pHarmony: Match Making for Pigeons (& Doves)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/11/20/pharmony-match-making-for-pigeons-doves/) - By Miriam Hoyt with Elizabeth Young (If you're new to pet pigeons or doves, please read this first.) Pigeons have an amazing capacity for love. When one of these big-hearted birds finds a mate, the bond between them is usually lifelong. Pigeon couples are so intensely devoted to each other that we refer to pigeon
- [Pigeon "Racing" Hurts Birds, Palomacy Helps Them](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/05/25/pigeon-racing-hurts-birds-palomacy-helps-them/) - Guest Post by Cynthia Bardouka-Large This is what "self-rescue" looks like. These lucky, smart domestic racing pigeons sought help from kind-hearted strangers. Palomacy works tirelessly to find forever homes for these birds. Click here to support our work. Interested in giving a loving home to one of our rescued racers? Click here to become an
- [Get Your 2022 Palomacy Calendars!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/11/03/get-your-2022-palomacy-calendars/) - Palomacy's gorgeous desk & wall calendars are must-haves for pigeon & dove lovers! Time flies and once again, Palomacy has captured literally hundreds of amazing moments to share with you, with the curious and with the skeptics too in two incredible calendars! Truly, everybody needs both- the glorious 12 month Wall Calendar and the incredible
- [In the Friend Zone: Life after Oviductectomy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/03/14/in-the-friend-zone-life-after-oviductectomy/) - Guest Post & Photos by Zoe Martell As the bird health care coordinator for Palomacy, I often receive calls for help when something is awry with one of the many rescues in our volunteer network; this is how I first met Banano, a tame roller pigeon that had recently joined our network of rescued birds.
- [Shimmy & Dallas: A Pigeon Love Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/02/29/shimmy-dallas-a-pigeon-love-story/) - When you next see a pigeon foraging for crumbs on the sidewalk, please know that most likely you are seeing another pigeon's beloved, another pigeon's Shimmy. Shimmy & Dallas were two big, scruffy rescued meat pigeons who loved each other deeply. That's not unusual. Mated pigeons have incredibly strong, emotional relationships. When Shimmy's health began to
- [4 Ways to Get Involved With Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/07/04/4-ways-to-get-involved-with-palomacy-pigeon-dove-adoptions/) - Guest post by Cara Benson Did you know that Palomacy has rescued over 800 pigeons and doves in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2007? Without the work of our organization, these birds would have been euthanized. Even in the animal-friendly San Francisco Bay Area, domestic pigeons that are sent to local shelters don't get the care
- [Star & Fizz: Survivors You Can Adopt!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/01/14/you-can-adopt-survivors-star-fizz/) - Fizz & Star are exceptional. They survived what most "released" domestic pigeons don't. Star and Fizz are two of many domestic pigeons constantly being left at the San Francisco Powell Street BART station as if they could just join up with the free-living pigeons & be okay. Despite the fact that they are domestic. Completely
- [Rescuing the All Star Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/02/21/rescuing-the-all-star-doves/) - Your support saved these birds' lives. On November 28th, Palomacy received word that 28 domestic Ringneck doves (all descended from five) needed rescue as their person, a resident of the All Star Trailer Park, could no longer care for them. They were all living outside, crowded into unsafe cages so it was 911. The thing
- [Palomacy Coo-loring Contest!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/06/12/palomacy-coo-loring-contest/) - August 12th Update: 2019 Coo-loring Contest Now Closed. See the beautiful entries & winning images here! Hello! Quiggles Dove here to announce Palomacy’s first ever Coo-loring Contest! There are three age categories: Nestling 0-8, Fledgling 9-14, and Adult 15+. The winner in each group will be chosen by a panel of judges, and will each
- [Bloom's Story by Juniper](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/12/24/blooms-story-by-juniper/) - Our world is better when we are kind. When we help a bird who needs us, we create a meaningful ripple that reaches far beyond that single mercy. Together we are stopping suffering, righting wrongs, inspiring compassion. We are changing the world with love and leading the way with hope. When we began 12 years
- [Marian's Flock & Angel Angela](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/12/24/marians-flock-angel-angela/) - Spoiler Alert: This is an amazing, happy story of kindness and generosity. Marian has been a volunteer bird rehabber for 36 years. She has helped doves, pigeons, songbirds, corvids, waterbirds, raptors and parrots in Modesto, Sacramento, Fairfield and beyond. Marian wrote, "All too often, I heard, “They’re just songbirds.” “They’re just pigeons,” as excuses for
- [EMERGENCY RESCUE FOR 23 "LIBERATED" KING PIGEONS](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/02/25/20-liberated-king-pigeons-urgently-need-fosters-adopters/) - On Sunday, February 23rd, someone bought at least 23 domestic King pigeons from a live poultry market and then, thinking they could survive if "set free", let them all go in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Fortunately for the 20 that were rescued, Good Samaritans in the park that afternoon (including some who volunteer with
- [Cross Country Teamwork Saves 25 Lives](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/02/29/cross-country-teamwork-saves-25-lives/) - On February 15th, while already over capacity with 150 birds in Palomacy's foster care, I received the sort of email that all rescuers fear: 25 shelter animals in need of immediate rescue. In this instance, it was 25 domestic Homer pigeons surrendered to the San Jose Animal Care Shelter. I was heartsick at the odds
- [Palomacy in the Time of Coronavirus](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/03/23/palomacy-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/) - If you need help, please reach out, we are here. If you can help, please let us know because we need it. Our rescue work continues with 167 Palomacy foster birds currently sheltering in place. We don't have a sanctuary to close. All of our birds are cared for in the homes and backyard aviaries
- [Emergency Support for Cookie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/12/emergency-support-for-cookie/) - Joe rescued pet pigeon Cookie as a nestling back in 2009. Cookie's parents had built a nest in the apartment garage and his twin had fallen out and been killed by a cat. That broke Joe's heart and so he brought Cookie in to live with him. They've been best friends ever since. Along the
- [Saving the Gilroy Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/12/savingthegilroybirds/) - The Call On March 25th I received a voicemail that all rescuers fear: 39 doves and 1 pigeon needed a new home. Their person had late stage cancer with not long to live. Her good friend Karen was also an animal rescuer and had found safe new homes for the dogs, chickens, even a 30
- [Mr. CC Asks for Help—And Finds a Home!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/06/09/mr-cc-asks-for-help-and-finds-a-home/) - Guest Blog Post by Patti Delaney On August 14, 2019, my cousin Josh sent me a message. An injured pigeon had appeared at his workplace, Certified Collision Body Shop in Sacramento. He attached a picture of a young homing pigeon with a drooping right wing. I made an appointment with my avian vet, Dr. Jeanne
- [Barry's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/10/23/barrys-story/) - Guest Post by Marissa Monaco I was leaving a hotel in San Francisco and noticed a pigeon lying on the ground. The pigeon didn't move so I ran to my car, grabbed a pair of gloves, asked the hotel receptionist for a box, and upon closer examination, I noticed the bird had an injured wing.
- [Peepers: Brought Back to Life!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/04/23/brought-back-to-life/) - This is an amazing story! On March 15th, Palomacy adopter Garni contacted me asking for guidance about an oops baby (missed egg) hatched by her rescued pigeon pets Amelia & Jacques. She sent me a photo & the tiny baby looked good with a full crop, feet square beneath & attentive dad Jacques on the
- [Just a Few of Our Recent Death Defying Rescues](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/05/14/just-a-couple-of-our-recent-death-defying-rescues/) - Warning: article contains images of wounded birds Maple On April 2nd, a badly injured little Old German Owl pigeon was found stray and brought in to the Oakland Animal Shelter. Her left wing, tail and back feathers were all pulled out. She had a large wound on her back plus punctures on her abdomen. We
- [Backstretch Rescue Builds Big, Beautiful Double Aviary!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/10/06/backstretch-rescue-builds-big-beautiful-double-aviary/) - Their big, beautiful, safe rescue aviary is amazing! It is 25' long, 16' wide, 14' high and brilliantly split down the center to house Ringneck doves on one side and unreleasable pigeons on the other. Everybirdy is safe while having the bonus fun of exciting neighbors. Backstretch Horse Rescue owners Dennis and Janece had said
- [Pigeon Wisdom](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/09/08/pigeon-wisdom/) - What Wisdom Can You Find that is Greater Than Kindness? -Jean Jacques Rousseau Last November, Palomacy was asked to take in a then 20 year old pigeon. He was the only one left of his original flock of 60. He was part of a 4H pigeon racing project started in 1993. In the beginning, the
- [Earl Gray](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/09/01/earl/) - Guest Post by Heather Hamilton It is difficult to write about Earl. The words on paper never seem to do justice to the wonder that he is. Earl became part of our family in November 2019. My husband and I adopted our feather baby Earl about a week after we married. After following Palomacy on
- [Craig Newmark Philanthropies Supports Palomacy!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/08/31/craig-newmark-philanthropies-supports-palomacy/) - Craig Newmark Philanthropies Grants Palomacy $20,000! Bird Nerd? Avianthropist? Columbiformephile? Who is this hero of Palomacy? Craig Newmark, a self-described old-school nerd doing what he can "to support the people who fight to protect the values that America aspires to: fairness, opportunity and respect" extends his compassion even to the birds. His foundation, Craig Newmark
- [Please Support Palomacy: Do It for Moo](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/07/12/please-support-palomacy-do-it-for-moo/) - Rescued unreleasable pigeons like Moo depend on Palomacy for life-saving care and we depend on your donations to provide it. One surgery costs on average $2000. One month of Palomacy's rescuing and rehoming costs $18,000. This Wednesday 7/14, starting early in the morning at 6 AM PT, donations of $100 - $1000 made to Palomacy
- [Our Greatest Strength...](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/07/06/our-greatest-strength/) - Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart. -Rumi Your tender heart saved the life of a tiny, skinny and badly injured Valencian Figurita pigeon named Gremblin. Rescued on May 17th, he's been hospitalized twice and there were times we feared he wouldn't make it. Our Care Coordinator Jill has appointed
- [Fantails Saved by Heroes](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/07/12/fantails-saved-by-heroes/) - On June 27th, someone abandoned at least 26 domestic pigeons at the Mission San Jose Park in Fremont, CA. Pigeon rescuer Hussain Mkhan cares for feral pigeon flocks at several locations in the area including this one and he spotted these birds. The Fantail-Homer crosses can't outfly the hawks but they can outfly humans and
- [Pidgy: The Pigeon Who Survived Against All Odds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/05/31/pidgy-the-pigeon-who-survived-against-all-odds/) - Guest Post by Seyma Pidgy and her sibling were born as wild rock pigeons, enjoying the comfort of their nest and the warmth of their parents until someone with ill intentions decided that he did not want them there. They were not given the chance to grow up and fly away, with the excuse that
- [2022 Calendars Photo & ART Contest Is On!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/05/14/2022-calendars-photo-art-contest-is-on/)
- [In Rocky's Honor](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/04/20/inrockyshonor/) - Guest Post by Pedro Perez It was just a few days after the 4th of July that our beautiful white king pigeon Rocky landed on the fence right outside my bedroom. My entire family raced to the side yard to gawk at the newly-arrived visitor. We offered her a small ramekin of uncooked rice and
- [MickaCoo @ SF Pet Pride Day 2013](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/10/27/mickacoo-sf-pet-pride-day-2013/) - MickaCoo had a great time at the 20th Annual SF Pet Pride Day sponsored by SF ACC. BIG thanks to volunteers Cheryl, Amaryllis, Tracey & Viviana for their help!
- [Creating the Better Future for Pigeons & Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/08/14/creating-the-better-future-for-pigeons-doves/) - Together we are helping more birds & people than ever! Our growing team responds to urgent calls for help from all over the United States & beyond. Good Samaritan Frankie & volunteer Shae teamed up to rescue a stray Persian High Flyer, lost & lonely, who was hanging around a Santa Rosa car rental until
- [Palomacy Is Here...](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/01/01/palomacy-is-here/) - Guest Post by Ingrid Taylar “Palomacy is here. We are here if you need our help, and, as always, we still need yours …. Palomacy loves you. We are each others’ friends and family. And, no social distance can change that.” Those were the words shared by Palomacy founder Elizabeth Young as coronavirus took
- [Helping Hanks](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/03/07/helping-hanks/) - February 16th, I was on my way to adopter Cynthia's home in Benicia to help her and care coordinator Jill set up an emergency aviary for 15 dumped Roller pigeons Cynthia had rescued. I was late and traveling too fast to pull all the way over when I saw a pigeon standing motionless on the
- [What Is Palomacy?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/12/06/what-is-palomacy/) - Palomacy is pigeon diplomacy. When we started doing this rescue work in 2007, it was because there was a strange and deadly gap in the animal welfare network. Shelters got in domestic (unreleasable) pigeons every week but, instead of providing them with the care and service that all the other shelter animals received, they were
- ["I Fell in Love Instantly"](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/05/01/11171/) - Guest Post by Ari Wee One of my favorite memories ever was being 10, free, and feeding the masses of pigeons of Piazzo San Marco. Aptly dressed in a yellow puffy coat, pigeons were descending on me from all sides to feed on the corn in my hands and to hopefully explore my jacket. Fast
- [The Truth About "Dove Releases"](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/06/07/the-truth-about-dove-releases/) - Guest Post by Kristi Craven When I was a wedding and special occasion singer, I would often see a "dove release" as a part of the ceremony. How breathtaking and awe inspiring it was to both myself and the other attendees to watch these majestic birds fly high up into the sky, circle around and
- [How We Built Our Aviary](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/11/20/how-we-built-our-aviary/) - Guest Post by Heather Hohlowski Editor's Note: When building an aviary for pigeons or doves, there are a few basic principles that are essential. The aviary must be built sturdy to protect against predators & rodents (no matter where you live). The entire enclosure- bottom, sides & top - must be .5" or .25" hardware
- [Palomacy Added to Community Thrift Store of SF Charities!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/02/01/mickacoo-added-to-community-thrift-store-of-sf-charities/) - After nearly a year on the highly competitive waiting list, Palomacy (formerly MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue) made it on to the roster of charities supported by Community Thrift Store in San Francisco. Donations of clean, gently used items made in the name of PALOMACY PIGEON & DOVE ADOPTIONS (#46) will benefit Palomacy when sold. That
- [Worth Every Penny (and Freddie Too!!)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/08/22/worth-every-penny-and-freddie-too/) - Guest Post by Emma Thomson It all started when I decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator. I had parked in my apartment complex’s underground parking garage and was walking up the stairs to my place. On the way up the stairs I was shocked to find a little white bird. I stood
- [Palomacy at the Bay Area Pet Expo San Jose, CA](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/01/17/palomacy-at-the-bay-area-pet-expo-san-jose-ca/) - A big part of the work we do is outreach. People don't know that birds are in shelters needing homes, people don't know that domestic pigeons and doves can't live wild and need homes, people don't know what amazing pets these birds are... and so this Saturday a whole bunch of us, volunteers and birds,
- [Thank You Doc's Clock!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/04/23/thank-you-docs-clock/) - On Saturday, April 11th, Doc's Clock hosted a very special fundraiser for us! Not only did we get to share cocktail time with lots of our favorite people, but we got to bring pigeons in pants too! And while we were having fun, Doc's Clock raised a much appreciated $911 for us to support the
- [Palomacy's Calendar Photo Contest!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/11/07/palomacys-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
- [Fergie: Lucky & Happy to Be Alive](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/11/15/fergie-lucky-happy-to-be-alive/) - This is the story of one pigeon, the three MickaCoo foster volunteers who nursed her back to health and the many generous supporters whose donations paid for her vet care. On the evening of 9/5, I was contacted by staff at Animal Care & Services that they had "another injured pigeon... wounds on wing and
- [Chanel](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/01/27/chanel/) - On August 31st, 2012, MickaCoo was asked to rescue a domestic pigeon from the shelter where he would otherwise be euthanized for lack of an adopter. A MickaCoo volunteer (whose dining table was already co-opted by a pair of foster pigeons) cleared off her coffee table to make room for him. She named him Chanel.
- [Bubba's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/03/18/bubbas-story/) - On February 22nd, I was doing a home visit in Fairfield and on my way to transfer pigeons in Vacaville when I got a voicemail from a caller with a Florida area code. I'm not always able to check messages and return calls so quickly but, when I did this time, I spoke to Dustin,
- [Woot! There He Is! Guest Post by Janice Lipsky](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/09/19/woot-there-he-is-guest-post-by-janice-lipsky/) - While I love animals in general, I’ve always been most passionate about all creatures feline. For the last 20 years or so, my husband and I have always had three rescued cats at any given time. When one cat passes away, we rescue another from a shelter or the street. When I can remember, I
- [Aurora's Triumph](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/10/09/auroras-triumph/) - Aurora is a young survivor of pigeon racing who was found with two broken legs. Her finders kept her in a small, unsafe cage and didn't seek any vet care for her. When MickaCoo learned of her plight a couple of months later, we picked her up the same day- the fourth of July. (See
- [Holly's Story- Guest Post by Candy Cross](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/11/12/hollys-story-guest-post-by-candy-cross/) - Holly’s story starts in the home that I share with my husband, three cats and two dogs. My name is Candy and I can honestly say that prior to this event, I had no strong emotions for pigeons... Charly is our oldest dog, a bishi-poo that we so luckily found at a rescue three years
- [Baby Athena Has Something to Say](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/11/27/baby-athena-has-something-to-say/) - Baby King Pigeon Athena was found as a stray on November 11th at Church & 18th streets in San Francisco. She was three and a half weeks old, too young to even self-feed, and as a domestic bird, completely unequipped to survive on her own. We know that she was bred and sold to be
- [Aubrey & Hedwig- Guest Post by Sarah Wilson](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/02/09/aubrey-hedwig-guest-post-by-sarah-wilson/) - When I first found Aubrey, she was shivering, hungry and scared, trapped by some neighbors beneath a laundry basket. It was a warm Wednesday evening in Downtown Los Angeles and my roommate and I were on our way to pick up a few groceries at the store below our apartment complex when we came across
- [Leroy's Story- Guest Post by Cathy W.](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/03/11/leroys-story/) - Leroy Jenkins came into my life in November of 2014. I found him huddled in a corner at my office complex, unable to fly, miles away from food or water and alarmingly vulnerable to some of the busiest traffic in the Dallas area. Thinking perhaps he was hurt and just needed some rest and attention, I
- [Pebbles: An Almost-Survivor of Pigeon Racing](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/06/11/pebbles-an-almost-survivor-of-pigeon-racing/) - Pigeon racing hobbyists breed thousands of domestic pigeons, transport them hundreds of miles from home and then release them in a competition to see which birds return first. Unfortunately, many (sometimes most) of the pigeons will never make it home. They get exhausted, lost, blown off course, injured, starved. The luckiest among them are found
- [How a Little Pigeon Built a Big Aviary](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/11/22/how-a-little-pigeon-built-a-big-aviary/) - Guest Post by Chris Arvanitis On a warm spring afternoon, a little pigeon suddenly appeared on the edge of the roof above our deck. He was strutting and cooing as he peered down at us. We have many wild doves in our neighborhood, but have never seen a pigeon around here before. It was not
- [Charlie Girl](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/11/28/charliegirl/) - On July 28th, two wild, unreleasable pigeons came in to Palomacy's care via the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. Charlie had been found as an orphaned fledgling and surrendered a couple weeks earlier. A couple of days after Charlie arrived, fledgling Pirate, with his obvious head trauma and bashed in eye, was brought in. It
- [10 Tips for Finding Your Lost Pigeon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/15/10-tips-for-finding-your-lost-pet-pigeon/) - Guest Post by Molly Fox and Leslie Crawford If you ever lose your pet pigeon, don’t despair. Pigeons want to be home and you just might be able to get yours back. Our shy and kind King Pigeon Guru flew up and into the skies above San Francisco one early evening and we thought we
- [Lois & Alice](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/16/lois-alice/) - Guest Post by Lynn Eaton I have never been a bird person. Period. When I was a newly-wed a hundred years ago, my then husband brought home a Quaker parrot. It was a hate/hate relationship that lasted about two months before I insisted it be brought back to where it came from. Never understood how
- [Borealis & Flip](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/04/08/borealis-flip/) - Did you know that Palomacy rescues not only domestic pigeons and doves but unreleasable feral Rock pigeons too? When Emerald found a broken-winged feral Rock pigeon, she brought her home to her small boat, named her Borealis and began searching for rescue help. But Borealis' wing was badly damaged and with the likelihood of ever being able
- [How We Built a Better Cage with Tips from this Site](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/10/15/how-we-built-a-better-cage-with-tips-from-this-site/) - Guest Post by Nina Edmondson I'm a foreigner living in rural Bali, where birds are often kept in very small cages as decoration - it's part of the culture, considered normal and nothing I can change on a grand scale - no rescue centers exist here either. While doing some gardening one day, I went
- [Jonah's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/11/18/jonahs-story/) - Guest Post by Chava Sonnier I am truly in awe of the incredible service and resources Palomacy provides not only in person but also across the miles and across the globe! I have been involved in bird rescue and rehab for many years, and noticed a need within our area for rehab focused on
- [Freddie's Story: An Almost-Survivor of Pigeon Racing](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/05/28/freddies-story-an-almost-survivor-of-pigeon-racing/) - Guest Post by Hannah K It was a busy Sunday afternoon at work. I walked in to find a box on the table with a scared little face peering out of it. My colleague and I carefully opened the box and got him out. He was a very big pigeon but I remember thinking how
- [Releasing Doves at Ceremonies: Why You Shouldn't Do It](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/16/releasing-doves-at-ceremonies-why-you-shouldnt-do-it/) - Guest post by Michele Wellard Much has been written on the subject of white "doves" released for weddings, funerals and ceremonies and why it is not a good idea. I hope that this information is starting to reach the wedding and funeral-planning public. Many "doves", even if they are white homing pigeons, are injured, killed,
- [Escape! (Read this BEFORE an Escape Happens)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/11/escape-read-this-before-an-escape-happens/) - Guest Blog Post by Juniper & Her Mom Editor's Note: If you have pigeons as pets, they are not well suited to survive on their own and need to be safe at home. Here is an article about how to catch a pigeon or dove in need of rescue and below is Juniper's story of
- [The Story of Mr. Bird](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/08/16/the-story-of-mr-bird/) - Guest Post by Christine Housel One lovely fall day in 2012, a coworker and I took a stroll on the trail behind our office. We're lucky to work with the Florida Park Service, in a building nestled in one of our state's natural treasures: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. We ambled along, admiring the magnificent
- [XY Unlimited: Exclusive Concert for MickaCoo!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/11/27/xy-unlimited-exclusive-concert-for-mickacoo/) - MickaCoo was treated to the pleasure of a special XY Unlimited concert generously hosted by Mission Alchemy Event Space on 11/23/13. It was great fun, wonderful music, amazing company and we were truly touched to be so honored. We are thrilled to have the support of a band (read more here) and especially such an awesome
- [WHY I TAKE CARE OF 27 PIGEONS](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/02/11/why-i-take-care-of-27-pigeons-guest-post-by-linda-press-wulf/) - Guest Post by Linda Press Wulf I was never very interested in birds. I love dogs, I dream of galloping on my own horse, I bonded with my future husband over rabbits, we have fostered kittens. But birds don’t have names, or personalities, or lovability. So I thought. When I first signed up with a
- [Photographs by Elisabeth Millay](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/05/08/photographs-by-elisabeth-millay/) - This photography project was created to share some of the moments that happen between pigeons and their human friends and to support MickaCoo. I've been working on a collection of photographs captured on film, documenting these beautiful birds and the people who love them dearly. This project is still underway, if you are interested in being involved,
- [Adopting Clementine- Guest Post by Xavier Heydt](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/10/08/adopting-clementine-guest-post-by-xavier-heydt/) - Within the first week I welcomed Clementine, a young rescued King Pigeon, into my home, she (we think she’s female, time will tell) had already become so much a part of my life that I can’t imagine her not being a part of it. Clem was pulled by Elizabeth Young (the ever-diligent founding director of
- [Pet Pigeons Have a House, Need a Home!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/02/26/pet-pigeons-have-a-house-need-a-home/) - Ajax, a dark-eyed King pigeon beauty with stunning black, white and grey plumage, has come a long way. She was found, at only 4 weeks old, near death in Alameda, CA in early November. Thankfully, she was rescued by Debbie, a kind person who took her home and nursed her back to life. When Debbie
- [Palomacy Gets the Craig Newmark Bump](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/03/17/palomacy-gets-the-craig-newmark-bump/) - Web pioneer, activist & philanthropist Craig Newmark has not only donated generously in support of Palomacy, but on March 5th, he gave us the gift of his time and media reach. I was invited to bring some birds to visit and to take lots of photos for sharing to help spread the word about domestic
- [Josie: An Almost-Survivor of Pigeon Racing](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/03/17/josie-an-almost-survivor-of-pigeon-racing/) - March 12, 2015 It was 5:15 and I had just finished up a presentation about pigeons to a youth group at the Marin Humane Society. I checked my email before heading to my next appointment (a care consult for a self-rescuing pigeon named Snezhok) and read this: "Hi Patricia - thought to reach out to
- [Sunshine Makes a Difference](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/05/11/sunshine-makes-a-difference/) - Guest post by Laura Lee Sunshine took our world by storm. On a frigid Canadian winter’s day, Sunshine was rescued by our special friend Bob. How something so sweet could be found alone in a garbage can, I will never know. I had no previous experience with baby pigeons but I have a trained ear
- [Community Initiatives' Unexpected Visitor](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/05/06/community-initiatives-unexpected-visitor/) - Guest Post by Amanda Scheper Amanda Scheper is Palomacy's Program Services Specialist at Community Initiatives as well as a pigeon lover. She works in their office in downtown San Francisco where they serve more than 100 charitable causes, including Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions, and "sponsor initiatives for the benefit of communities in service to social
- [Happy Rescued Ringneck Dove](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/05/14/happy-rescued-ringneck-dove/) - Guest Post by Janie Krag Introduction by Elizabeth Young, Palomacy Director This is how the story began. On 5/13, I received this email from Janie: I was just referred to you by the Wildlife Center. Attached is a photo of a bird, which might be a Eurasian Collar Dove. It has been in my backyard,
- [Dove Love!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/10/18/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
- [Saving Miu](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/12/15/saving-miu/) - Miu was one of more than 40 birds displaced when their person, a San Jose resident, died in November. There were 20 finches, 10 budgies, lovebirds, rosellas, doves and two pigeons. (He had bred and sold birds for many years. In the past, he had hundreds.) The deceased's family reached out to Mickaboo Companion Bird
- [Pippin and Pidgie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/01/27/pippin-and-pidgie/) - Guest Post by Ellie Paterson The first representative of the Columbidae family I ever helped was a downed feral pigeon sitting in the middle of a sidewalk in downtown San Rafael in 2001. A lady asked me to help take care of the bird since she was late to work. I’d be late to work as
- [Pigeons of Peace](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/01/27/pigeons-of-peace/) - Guest Post by Olivia Street Verdugo It all began with an unexpected text, one unremarkable day in April, 2015. Little did I know how much answering that text would change my life! It was my friend Alistair, and she had a pigeon in her backyard which had been there for hours and hadn’t tried to
- [Rescued King Pigeon Kids Patch, Alfred & Bert](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/24/rescued-king-pigeon-kids-patch-alfred-bert/) - One million domestic King pigeons are bred annually in California for meat (squab). A few wind up in rescue rather than as the dinner on a fancy plate they were intended to be. With your support, Palomacy helps these and other lucky survivors get adopted rather than euthanized. With your help, we are closing a deadly gap
- [Reaching Out with Pigeon & Dove Diplomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/04/08/reaching-out-through-pigeon-dove-diplomacy/) - What Is Pigeon & Dove Diplomacy? Most weekends (and some weekdays too), Palomacy can be found attending one or more outreach events, raising awareness about and inspiring adoptions for rescued pigeons and doves. Volunteers bring rescued birds to introduce them to many hundreds of people at pet adoption fairs, community events, animal rights and humane
- [The Continuing Adventures of Adoptable Foster Pigeons Noodles & Dallas](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/12/23/the-continuing-adventures-of-adoptable-foster-pigeons-noodles-dallas/) - Note from Elizabeth- This beautiful story of transformation- from wary, unsocialized aviary birds to companionable & curious house mates, shows the amazing adaptability of pigeons & the incredible difference our fosters & adopters make. Guest Post by Chava Sonnier Years of wild bird rescue, working with hawks, owls, bitterns, loons, and which birds are the ones
- [Pepper's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/05/16/peppers-story/) - Guest Post by Carol Davie Pepper is a Pakistani High Flyer Pigeon. He was spotted, last winter, alone in a small town in Ontario, Canada. Our Canadian winters are very cold. I was contacted and had the neighbours of that town on the look out for him. He managed somehow to be loose for almost
- [Palomacy Saved Sizzle (With Your Help)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/05/17/palomacy-saved-sizzle-with-your-help/) - His little body told a sad story. He was brought into the shelter and surrendered by his owner on 4/20/19. No name, sex unknown, feathers thrashed, crawling with parasites, not-yet-diagnosed arthritis in both legs and with an untreated broken right ankle that had, over time, fused into an unuse-able infected, painful liability. He couldn't walk
- ["...an organization that benefits not only pigeons and doves..."](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/08/10/an-organization-that-benefits-not-only-pigeons-and-doves/) - Guest Post by Isabella McCracken When I was in the 7th grade, I went to summer camp at a local animal shelter. One of the days, a Palomacy volunteer came in to present on pigeons. At the time, I thought the whole concept of rescuing pigeons was a bit weird, but I didn't know how
- [Bloom Wants You to Know...](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/10/04/bloom-wants-you-to-know/) - Bloom wants you to know how grateful she is that you saved her! Today pigeon child Bloom is two months old, safe, sassy, happy and loved in a wonderful foster home. She is healing and growing and looking forward to a wonderful long life as a cherished companion. The pink dye she was marked with is
- [Remembering Patty Blau](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/29/remembering-patty-blau/) - Patty Blau had many passions and we were blessed to connect with her through a shared love for birds. Patty volunteered with parrot rescue Mickaboo and, when we hatched MickaCoo (Palomacy now) in 2007, she quickly opened her heart to embrace pigeons and doves too. She was great with the birds, a wonderful outreach ambassador
- [How Can We Help Grady's Pigeons?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/31/how-can-we-help-gradys-pigeons/) - Pigeon Rescuers & Adopters, Animal lover Grady has passed away and his pigeons need our help. Approximately 100 birds in Mina, NV, used to being fed daily, currently being helped by kind neighbor Jeff who is pulling the eggs he finds and reaching out for assistance. Who can help us help these pigeons? Please contact
- [Palomacy Volunteer Spotlight: Jill McMurchy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/11/17/palomacy-volunteer-spotlight-jill-mcmurchy/) - An Interview by Cynthia Zhou Since 2011, Jill McMurchy is one of Palomacy’s most active volunteers: from running her own foster aviary (Jillville) to transporting, rescuing and educating the public with hundreds of pigeons & doves, she’s done just about everything Palomacy needs help with. Jill is an animated, warm person who first struck me
- [Craig & Eileen: Pro-Pigeon!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/05/28/craig-eileen-pro-pigeon/) - On February 17th, a friend of mine sent me a link to the wedding site of Craigslist's Craig Newmark and his bride Eileen featuring a photo of a married-for-life pair of feral pigeons about to kiss. I was thrilled to see pigeons so honored. They are incredibly loving and devoted to their mates and a
- [Just Like Cats & Dogs?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/09/02/just-like-cats-dogs/) - Just like cats and dogs, domestic (tame & unreleasable) pigeons wind up in animal shelters needing homes. Unlike with cats and dogs, few people know that they even exist let alone adopt them and, while all the other animals had rescues to help them, no one was saving these smart, gentle birds when they "timed
- [2014 Year of the Pigeon!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/01/30/2014-year-of-the-pigeon/) - You can well imagine how excited we were to receive this E-mail: Hello MickaCoo!Pigeon Monologues is planning a year-long campaign to make 2014 "The Year of the Pigeon" to spread awareness and raise funds for pigeon, rescue, care and rehabilitation. Our goal is to literally “feed those who feed the pigeons.”To kickstart the campaign we
- [Top Rated Great Nonprofit 2014!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/08/13/top-rated-great-nonprofit-2014/) - Thank you! Thank you for supporting and powering and enabling MickaCoo to be a great nonprofit! And thank you for endorsing our life-saving, culture-changing work with your five star reviews and earning MickaCoo, for the third year in a row, the distinction of being a "Top-Rated Nonprofit"! Great Nonprofits writes, "Think of the program like
- [MickaCoo's Name Is Changing!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/11/18/mickacoos-name-is-changing/) - What's a MickaCoo? In 2007, I met a beautiful, tame, smart and very trusting King pigeon named Gurumina at the San Francisco animal shelter who, for lack of an adopter, was at risk of being killed. I knew she could be saved. I reached out to Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue and asked if they would
- [Palomacy & Animal Place Working Together to Help King Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/05/22/palomacy-animal-place-working-together-to-help-king-pigeons/) - On May 19, 2015, Palomacy founder Elizabeth & rescued King pigeon Dylan (bred to be butchered as squab) visited Animal Place Farm Sanctuary's Rescue Ranch in Vacaville to firm up plans for a long-sought collaboration that will help save the lives of King Pigeons who have evaded the butcher and survived "release" to the streets
- [Fantastic Aviary Available!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/10/29/fantastic-aviary-available/) - An aviary like this can be yours! Thanks to a very generous donation from Virginia Donohue & Mark Klaiman of Pet Camp, Palomacy has a big, beautiful & safe Palomacy-approved aviary available for sale! (Note: A predator & rodent-proof bottom such as mesh-lined wood or cement pavers is required.) This hexagonal, powder-coated aviary is 8' in
- [Our No Place Like Home Party!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/10/29/no-place-like-home-party/) - Wow! We had such a wonderful get together on Saturday for our No Place Like Home party! It was truly a gift to have so many of our amazing supporters together in one place! We work through a lot of tough situations together and, because we are spread across such a large territory, we rarely
- [Palomacy 2015 Year in Review](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/01/01/palomacy-2015-year-in-review/) - With your help, we accomplished so much this past year! The concept of Palomacy- pigeon diplomacy- is being embraced and put into action all over. Palomacy is more than the name of a rescue, it is a movement. We've engaged new partners in support of pigeon rescue; we've built beautiful, safe aviaries for birds who
- [Surveying Volunteers via Rescue Group Program Assessment](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/02/03/surveying-volunteers-with-rescue-group-program-assessment/) - People usually assume that Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions has a place, a shelter or sanctuary, from which to do our life-saving, culture-changing work but we don't. We depend on volunteers to foster birds in their homes and backyard aviaries and at a couple of partner sites to do this work. And we depend on
- [Little Bell's Big News!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/02/08/little-bells-big-news/) - Guest Post & Photos by Jill McMurchy Guess what? Our sweet, special little Ringneck dove Bell isn’t a girl! He’s a boy! (You can see Bell's rescue story here.) Thank you to Palomacy volunteer Joe "Dove Daddy" Knight for questioning the (incorrect) assumption that we had been working under for so long. Based on the
- [Thank You Craig Newmark & craigslist Charitable Fund!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/17/thank-you-craig-newmark-craigslist-charitable-fund/) - Since pigeons don't have pockets, they don't have money and so, to rescue them, Palomacy has to inspire so much generosity in so many people! Thanks to two especially supportive donors, Craig Newmark (founder of craigslist) and the craigslist Charitable Fund (led by craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster) and their two incredibly important $10,000 donations in support
- [Self-Rescuing Pigeon Sochi Selected for Photo Contest!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/05/22/self-rescuer-sochi-selected-for-photo-contest/) - Congratulations to Super* Sochi the self-rescuing King pigeon and his rescuer and photographer Patti Delaney! This beautiful photo, taken while Sochi was making a very special new friend at an outreach event earlier this year, has made it into Global Giving's 2017 Photo Contest as a semi-finalist! Please support us with your vote and help us
- [2018 Calendar Photo Contest!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/10/03/2018-calendar-photo-contest/) - 11/10/17 UPDATE: Thank you SO much to our 49 amazing entrants & all those who shared & voted & helped Palomacy to raise $4,023 to help the birds! We'll all have a happier new year thanks to the beautiful images & inspiring stories of Francesco, Sweet Dee, Plumeria, Charming Captain Cardamom, Finn, Olaf, Cantaloupe &
- [Curpigeon (Behind the Scenes)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/10/04/curpigeon-behind-the-scenes/) - In 2013, I received this E-mail: Hi, I am a graduate student at the Academy of Art University and the director of a large 3 D animated short collaborative called Curpigeon (play on Curmudgeon). The story is about a community of old widowed men and their faithful park pigeons that come together to help one
- [Olive’s Place sanctuary / Canvas Dove art studio](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/10/05/olives-place-sanctuary-canvas-dove-art-studio/) - Guest Post by Ashley Dietrich A typical day at the Olive’s Place sanctuary / Canvas Dove art studio begins with checking on all birds, some light cleaning, and of course breakfast and treats. Rescued pigeons live in the outside aviaries year-round (visiting the house regularly), and doves rule my art studio. My paintings provide the
- [The Luci Fancypants Project](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/05/07/the-luci-fancypants-project/) - Guest Post by Kyra Richter There are no words to express the awe and gratitude I feel for the many people who contributed to the Kickstarter campaign for Luci’s book. They, each and every one of them, helped make what was a passing “you should make a book” comment a reality. I enjoyed every step of
- [Book Launch: Woot!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/08/22/book-launch-woot/) - Guest Post by Janice Lipsky I am very pleased to announce the launch of my pet project. It's been many years in the making, inspired by my muse: a racing pigeon named "Woot." I was also inspired by our Palomacy community, the like-minded, compassionate people who are true pigeon aficionados. So many of you have
- [2019 Palomacy Calendar Photo Contest!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/10/29/2019-palomacy-calendar-photo-contest/) - Palomacy’s 2019 calendar photo contest and fundraiser is on! It started Monday October 15th & ends Sunday November 11th. 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
- [Pigeon Catchers](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/08/11/pigeon-catchers/) - An Anonymous Guest Post by the Rescuer Warning: This post is about cruelty and while no graphic images are included, it may be upsetting. Reader discretion is advised. Lucky people get to know pigeons and experience the amazing birds they are. We are some lucky people, because we have had the opportunity to know many
- [Coo-loring Contest Winners!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/08/12/coo-loring-contest-winners/) - Quiggles Dove here! Thank Coo for the AMAZING entries! Each and every one is a treasure. We have so many rockstars in our flock! Please keep coo-loring and supporting the birds! The results are in for Palomacy’s first ever Coo-loring Contest! We received 54 beautiful, creative, expressive entries capturing the full range of amazingness of
- [Craig Newmark Philanthropies Funding Palomacy!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/17/craig-newmark-philanthropies-funding-palomacy/) - Palomacy is extremely honored to receive two grants totaling $20,010 from Craig Newmark Philanthropies in general operational support of our mission to further the rescue and adoption of domestic and unreleasable pigeons and doves. Craig Newmark, founder of Craig Newmark Philanthropies writes, "I love birds, specially pigeons. I have a lot of respect for the work
- [Partnering for Impact: Jameson's Animal Rescue Ranch Pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/18/partnering-for-impact-jamesons-animal-rescue-ranch-pigeons/) - Monica Stevens, Jameson's Animal Rescue Ranch co-founder & CEO writes, "We are thrilled to have a pigeon aviary and sanctuary at Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch. We look forward to sharing and educating our community about these gentle creatures who are smart, fascinating neighbors and make amazing rescue pets! Thanks to Elizabeth and her team at
- [Craig Newmark Philanthropies says, Approved!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/18/craig-newmark-philanthropies-says-approved/) - Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions is thrilled to announce we are the proud recipients of a $20,000 gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies. Bird watching, entrepreneurial philanthropist and founder of craigslist, Craig Newmark generously supports grassroots organizations driving civic engagement and advancing American ideals of fairness, opportunity and respect. Craig Newmark Philanthropies focuses on strengthening trustworthy journalism,
- [Bonus Match: Please Support Palomacy!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/07/15/bonus-match-happening-now-please-support-palomacy/) - July 16th Update: Heartfelt thanks to 38 very generous people who helped us to earn $2,045 in bonus funds (which went really fast), raising altogether, a life-saving $7,995 for the birds! With your support, we are saving more birds than ever before. Today, right now while the matching funds last, the more you donate, the
- [Stretching Our Wings to Twain Harte](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/08/30/stretching-our-wings-to-twain-harte/) - Palomacy needs more aviaries and builders to craft them. We recently finished a small but monumental aviary in Twain Harte in the Sierras of California. Jules and Jess Piovarcsik-Diliberto of Earth Healing Sanctuary run a vegan catering business in the Bay Area and live in Twain Harte where they also have a vegan deli. (Some of you
- [Self-Rescuing Raced Pigeon Survives Thanks to You](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/11/30/self-rescuing-raced-pigeon-survives-thanks-to-you/) - Warning: This post contains graphic photos of injuries common to raced pigeons. Or you can read an abbreviated version without graphic images here. Look at her face. This is what an injured, near death raced pigeon looks like begging for human help. These racing pigeons, bred and used as if they were disposable for the "sport",
- [Palomacy's Incredibly Helpful Help Group](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/11/25/palomacys-incredibly-helpful-help-group/) - I cannot overstate how incredibly helpful our Palomacy Help Group is! It is a huge help to me and so many others each and every day. It is where I refer everyone who wants, needs or offers help. This amazing community asks, explores and answers all the questions. People and birds find support, resources, understanding.
- [Palomacy's Worldwide Online Pijama Party!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/07/14/palomacys-worldwide-online-pijama-party/) - This year's Palomacy Party will be our biggest, most accessible ever! We will be partying together online worldwide! In our pijamas! Everybirdy's invited! Our super special guest host Commander Holly says, "This October, catch an amazing pigeon and dove-filled livestream event with your favorite coo-lebrities! Interviews, panels, giveaways, and more, all to support Palomacy!" Volunteers
- [Neighbors Helping Neighbors](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/01/09/neighbors-helping-neighbors/)
- [Just One Day of Palomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/07/11/just-one-day-of-palomacy/) - Every day Palomacy helps so many people to help so many birds! So much goes on that it's hard to truly convey even just one day's worth of what our coo-munity is up to but I'm going to try. Here is just some of the Palomacy that happened on Tuesday, July 9th, 2019. In partnership
- [Willie-Mae](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/05/29/willie-mae/) - Guest Post by Chava Sonnier Here is Willie-Mae the day she was rescued, looking puffed and concerned... a kind young man saw a cat carrying Willie-Mae in its mouth and remembered that his high school teacher had adopted two pij from Palomacy and did a presentation on the importance of being kind to pigeons in
- [Palomacy Earns 2019 Top Rated Great Nonprofit Status](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/06/04/palomacy-earns-2019-top-rated-great-nonprofit-status/) - Thank you so much to the 186 supporters, volunteers and adopters who have shared their Palomacy stories and earned this recognition for rescued pigeons and doves! Please share your story too. It's easy to do and helps raise awareness about our misunderstood and under-served birds. With gratitude,
- [Shining Examples](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/03/15/shiningexamples/) - Guest post by Alicia Montanez I’ve always loved birds. There’s such a sense of freedom about them. For birds, the sky isn’t the limit, the sky is the norm. Every time I pick up a pencil or a pen or a paintbrush, I always draw wings. Years ago I consigned myself to the fact that
- [My Hero Jingle](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/08/15/jingle/) - Guest Post by Jill McMurchy I care for a sweet disabled dove named Jingle. He's not the first disabled bird I've cared for. I've had the privilege of caring for a few birds that people who don't know these birds have dismissed as only suffering and should be "put to sleep". They say "if they
- [Six Pigeons & a MinnieWinnie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/11/14/six-pigeons-a-minniewinnie/) - Guest Post by Stefaney Mathews It was November 22nd 2016 and a pigeon had flown into the shop where my husband, Andrew, works. He called to tell me and I thought, If you can pick up a pigeon and put him back outside, he must not be feeling well. My husband called me a little
- [How to Catch a Pigeon (or Dove) in Need of Rescue](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/09/11/how-to-catch-a-pigeon-or-dove-in-need-of-rescue/) - Guest Post by Cynthia Bardouka-Large The people who contact Palomacy often have no previous experience with pigeons or bird rescue. They did not wake up in the morning expecting to cross paths with a pigeon, but then an unexpected guest lands in their backyard, or on their roof, and it seems like something other than
- [Destringing Pigeons: Freeing Feet and Opening Minds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/09/11/destringing-pigeons-freeing-feet-and-opening-minds/) - Guest Post by Suzy Cincone Anyone who has lived in an urban environment has seen stringfoot pigeons; many wonder how the feet of these birds come to be bound and twisted, but few people seem to realize that something can be done to alleviate the suffering of these beautiful birds. Although I am a recent
- [Glorious Glory](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/07/09/glorious-glory/) - Where do they all come from? People are always suprised to learn how many birds Palomacy cares for and we are frequently asked, Where do they all come from? Little Glory is a juvenile feral pigeon who was found June 4th on a busy city sidewalk by kind passerby Jennie. Too young to be out
- [Are We Crazy?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/07/06/are-we-crazy/) - In just the past month, we've taken in four pigeons requiring extensive avian veterinary care, expensive even after our generous rescue discounts. Are we crazy? It feels crazy when we don't have the funds to say yes nor the option to say no. Glory On June 4th, a nice person, Jennie, found a tiny, big-eyed,
- [Palomacy Coo-loring Book!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2018/06/13/palomacy-coo-loring-book/) - Palomacy's first ever Coo-loring Book generously created by Artist Meg Germundson Get yours here! Palomacy’s first ever coo-loring book is a fun way to educate & involve even more people in recognizing the beauty in our fabulous rescued birds. Support Palomacy's advocacy for pigeons & doves, coordinating fosters & adopters & helping birds worldwide. This gorgeous coloring book was designed especially for Palomacy
- [From Pet Fair to Adoption: Our Palomacy Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/12/27/our-story-the-demartile-family/) - Guest Post by Stephanie DeMartile It all started with a pet fair. One day I took my kids to a pet fair with no intentions of getting another pet. We looked around at the dogs and cats...and then we saw....THE BIRDS!!! We walked up and started talking to the volunteers, petting the pigeons and doves,
- [Violet, To Go!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/10/18/violet-to-go/) - This is Violet's adoption story. Her rescue story is here. Guest Post by Chrissy Liu I met Violet and Elizabeth on August 6th at an adoption fair in Japan Town, SF. I was there visiting my sisters for their birthday when we happened upon the Palomacy booth on our way to lunch. My youngest sister,
- [Saving Beatrice](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/10/04/saving-beatrice/) - In early June, a domestic pigeon, bred for the "sport" of pigeon racing, was taken far from home and released (along with thousands of others) to try and fly back. Instead she was injured and grounded. She was incredibly lucky to be found by a kind person before being killed by a hungry predator. She
- [A New Home For A “Homer”](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/09/14/a-new-home-for-a-homer/) - Domestic Pigeons: The Hidden Avian Welfare Issue Reprinted from The Official NEEWSLetter of Foster Parrots & The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary By Michele Nash Sometimes animals enter our lives quite unplanned, and most often after they have already endured their own inauspicious and circuitous path before coming under our care. If someone had told
- ["What Kind of Bird Is This?"](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/08/29/what-kind-of-bird-is-this/) - Guest Post by Lori Knuth “What kind of bird is this?” That simple text message, along with the photograph that accompanied it, marked the beginning of my role as a pigeon-mom. It also led me to Palomacy, a pigeon and dove rescue organization comprised of the most extraordinary individuals whom one could ever hope to
- [Luci Fancypants Pigeon; a Story for Children of All Ages](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/05/22/luci-fancypants-pigeon-a-story-for-children-of-all-ages/) - Guest Post by Kyra Richter If there are two things that define me, it is my love of nature and my love of illustration. I have my mother to thank for inciting that passion for all living things. Growing up, my mother would always take time to go exploring with me. She would point out
- [Fergus the Feral](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/05/04/fergus-the-feral/) - Guest Post by Emily Riska June 23rd, 2016 was a very bittersweet day at Cheat Lake Animal Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. I was working an 11-hour shift, and I started my day off terribly by finding out that the ACCA's very first educational ambassador bird, Luna, a stunning Barn Owl, had passed away overnight.
- [Saving Shmuel the Handsome West of England Tumbler](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/04/25/shmuel-the-handsome-west-of-england-tumbler/) - Guest Post by Olena Klingman I have always loved birds and I have kept many different kinds of birds throughout my life. Usually I took ones that other people didn't want or needed to re-home. I also helped to rescue wild birds by bringing injured or orphaned birds to the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley
- [Miu the Emotional Support Pigeon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/06/miu-is-an-emotional-support-animal/) - Guest Post by Cynthia Zhou Many people may have heard about Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) through stories of strange animals on airplane flights, such as pigs or turkeys. Recently, there has been an increase in websites that claim to certify your pet as an ESA so that they can fly for free. While these websites
- [A Coo-ture Flight of Fancy to Benefit Palomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/09/14/a-coo-ture-flight-of-fancy-to-benefit-palomacy/) - Created by Christiana Reed 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
- [What pigeon diplomacy means to me, or how I learned to stop worrying and love birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/09/13/what-pigeon-diplomacy-means-to-me-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-birds/) - Guest Post by Liese Hunter 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
- [On Writing The Pigeon Man](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/03/30/on-writing-the-pigeon-man/) - Guest post by Joel Edward Stein, author of The Pigeon Man Pigeons, by and large, have been misunderstood. This comes mostly from ignorance. Too many people are unaware of how amazing these birds actually are. I have heard stories of surrogate pigeon parents feeding orphaned baby birds. I have read research that investigated the intelligence
- [Rescue Group Program Assessment Volunteer Survey Results](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/03/14/rescue-group-program-assessment-volunteer-survey-results/) - In February, thanks to a joint project of the Humane Society of the US and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Palomacy volunteers had the opportunity to participate in the Rescue Group Program Assessment. (See the story here.) The Rescue Group Program Assessment (RGPA) is designed to help rescue groups run more effectively by surveying volunteers and
- [Commander Holly to the Rescue!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/03/16/commander-holly-to-the-rescue/) - Internet sensation, Twitch TV star and superhero Commander Holly is a special friend to the birds and Palomacy every day. She helps support and promote Palomacy in all kinds of wonderful ways and today she is doing an extra special live streaming fundraising drive to help us in the GlobalGiving Bonus Match event! Commander Holly
- [River's Flow](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/03/03/rivers-flow/) - On January 17th, 2016, River came to us named Crippled God. She was a wild pigeon who had been rescued a year before from a Berkeley parking lot where it is thought she had been clipped by a car as she flew by. She had lost a foot and control of her legs. In the
- [Hayward Animal Shelter Has Pigeons for Adoption](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/05/06/hayward-animal-shelter-has-pigeons-for-adoption/) - The Hayward Animal Shelter cares for and rehomes thousands of animals every year and on Saturday May 6th, we spent some time there getting to know their pigeons and helping their staff to do the same.
- [Cher Ami: The Pigeon Who Saved 200 Men](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/07/01/cher-ami-the-pigeon-who-saved-200-men/) - Guest Post by Julia Gneckow Pigeons are completely devoted to their families and most have an extraordinary ability to ‘home’ back to them, a trait we’ve utilized all over the world for thousands of years. Pigeons relayed the results of the first Olympic Games and the Associated Press used pigeons to rush breaking news dispatches.
- [A Home Fit for a King: A Guest Post by Donut & Mia Skillern](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/07/11/a-home-fit-for-a-king-a-guest-post-by-donut-mia-skillern/) - Donut- age 3 months, as told to Mia, Hi! I’m Donut, a young King pigeon. I was bred to be meat (squab) and when I was barely a month old, I was plucked from my life with my parents and sibling and sold at a live food market. I was dyed pink and used in
- [Life Finds a Way, Guest Post by Jill McMurchy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/06/12/life-finds-a-way-guest-post-by-jill-mcmurchy/) - My small aviary, already at its limit but doing fine, went from eight birds to twelve within the span of two days. How? Oops babies. Two couples, two eggs each = four new beings. Being quite involved in Palomacy since rescuing my first pigeon, a racer, in 2011, it is one of my mantras when
- [Palomacy @ The State Capitol](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/05/20/palomacy-the-state-capitol/) - We had a great time on the lawn of the State Capitol representing for birds, catching up with old friends and making new ones. Thank you to the ASPCA for including Palomacy in their California Paws for Celebration and special thanks to Christiana coordinating the event for us.
- ["PLEASE HELP..." An Inspiring Rescue Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/12/21/please-help-an-inspiring-rescue-story/) - Have you ever noticed how many pigeons there are? We get so many requests for help! We can’t even keep up with meeting the needs of all the domestic birds let alone the wild ones too but we do our best to respond or, if we can’t respond ourselves, to empower those who contact us
- [Love Is Strong](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/10/21/love-is-strong/) - I had the privilege of witnessing a truly heroic act yesterday. When my big dog Ruby and I entered my bird room on our way to go out the back door, Ruby happened to come between special needs King pigeon Freddie and her mate Freckles. Ruby's very good, she doesn't approach the birds, and she
- [Partnering with Humane Society of Silicon Valley](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/09/19/mickacoo-partners-with-humane-society-of-silicon-valley/) - It's quite extraordinary when you think about it. MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue has saved more than 600 pigeons and doves' lives, all without the benefit of a facility. We have to work extra hard to engage the public from the homes and backyard aviaries of our incredibly dedicated volunteers and via outreach events. Imagine
- [The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/09/22/the-folsom-city-zoo-sanctuary/) - We are always on the lookout for kindred spirits with which to work and so we are thrilled to be connecting with the wonderful folks of the The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Their motto of "Teaching Responsible Behavior Towards All Animals" is one that we fully support. I first had the pleasure of visiting the Folsom
- [Fleetwood's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/06/18/fleetwood/) - On 4/1/15, a brown & white Persian High Flyer pigeon with a startling injury approached a kind person in Sacramento who took him to Wildlife Care Association (WCA). The bird's upper beak was entirely gone, torn from his face. Brianna of WCA took care of his immediate needs with pain meds, antibiotics and supportive care
- [Pigeons on the Catwalk!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/05/29/dogs-and-pigeons-on-the-catwalk/) - We had a fantastic time at the SF SPCA's spectacular fashion show Dogs on the Catwalk and showed a whole lot of people a completely new way to see pigeons. Extra special thanks to the SF SPCA for including us, to Mandy Newkirk for the VIP treatment, to Nuena Photography for the amazing photos, to
- [Palomacy @ Noah's Ark Day 2015](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/05/18/palomacy-noahs-ark-day-2015/) - We had a wonderful time again this year (our third) at Noah's Ark Day in Pinole. Thank you to our hosts Christ the Lord Episcopal Church.
- [Palomacy at The Conscious Eating Conference](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/04/06/palomacy-at-the-conscious-eating-conference/) - I had an amazing day on Saturday, April 4th, 2015. Pat, a rescued King pigeon (bred for meat- squab), and I attended the fourth annual Conscious Eating Conference put on by United Poultry Concerns & Animal Place. We learned so much! T.J. Tumasse of Animal Legal Defense Fund presented on what investigators find happening to
- [The Beauty in the Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/03/17/the-beauty-in-the-birds/) - On a chill night, I put three pigeons in my car and headed east from San Francisco to an Oakland photo studio. Palomacy volunteer Jill did the same except traveling west from her home in Sunol. We met at Nuena Photography where award-winning, Best in the Bay photographer Kira Stackhouse was donating a professional photo shoot
- [MickaCoo at Wildlife Education Day in Cupertino](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/10/27/mickacoo-at-wildlife-education-day-in-cupertino/)
- [MickaCoo at 2012 SF Pet Pride Day](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/10/28/mickacoo-at-2012-sf-pet-pride-day/)
- [MickaCoo at the Mickaboo 2012 Holiday Party](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/12/01/mickacoo-at-the-mickaboo-2012-holiday-party/) - Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue had their annual Holiday Party (and 15th Anniversary Celebration) in Livermore Saturday 12/1 and MickaCoo joined in and had lots of fun! It was wonderful to connect with friends old and new and, to all those who couldn't be there with us, we missed you and toast you too.
- [Peppermint: One Bird's Story](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/12/07/peppermint-one-birds-story/) - I wish that the birds we've rescued could tell you themselves the difference you make in their lives. No one wants to suffer, to die for lack of a friend. In 2012, thanks to you, MickaCoo helped hundreds of pigeons and doves that otherwise had no one. Here's the story of just one. His story
- [MickaCoo at the Bay Area Pet Expo 1/12/13](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/01/14/mickacoo-at-the-bay-area-pet-expo-11213/) - MickaCoo had a great day and, with eight volunteer and 10 bird diplomats, we made a lot of new friends for pigeons & doves.
- [MickaCoo at BACS Grand Opening Celebration](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/02/02/mickacoo-at-bacs-grand-opening-celebration/) - Big thanks to Berkeley Animal Care Service for including MickaCoo in their Grand Opening Celebration and to Max & Jill for volunteering.
- [MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue at the Oakland Zoo's Earth Day Party for the Planet](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/04/15/mickacoo-pigeon-dove-rescue-at-the-oakland-zoos-earth-day-party-for-the-planet/)
- [We Love Leftovers!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/05/08/we-love-leftovers/) - MickaCoo was honored to be included in Leftovers Home Consignment 4th Anniversary Celebration May 4-5, 2013. Owner Kelly Hensley and her amazing staff baked many dozens of delicious cupcakes (from scratch!) which they sold in support of pigeon and dove rescue. And they donated a portion of the store's weekend proceeds raising a total of
- [MickaCoo Brings Wings to The Whole Enchihuahua](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/05/21/mickacoo-brings-wings-to-the-whole-enchihauhau/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue had a great time at the SF SPCA's "Whole Enchihuahua" event in Dolores Park! It was a glorious day and we were thrilled to see so many friends- old and new. Special thanks to our newest volunteer, Jayde!
- [MickaCoo's Palomacy at Maddie's SF Adoptathon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/06/01/mickacoos-palomacy-at-maddies-sf-adoptathon/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue volunteers Margie, Jill, Clare, Brittany, Max, Kelly and director Elizabeth introduced lots of wonderful folks to the plight and potential of rescued pigeons. We were assisted by the Palomacy of Snow, Valiant, Lovie, Lopez, Opal and Corinna. Maddie's Fund helps thousands of cats & dogs get adopted and grants millions of
- [Ava's Adventure: A Guest Post by Jane Shaffer](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/09/19/avas-great-adventure-a-guest-post-by-jane-shaffer/) - Ava and Jenny are my adopted pigeons. Both of their rescue stories have been chronicled here before. Recently, however, Ava had an adventure that I would like to tell you about as a cautionary tale. We recently moved to Brisbane, California, just south of San Francisco where we had all lived together for two years.
- [MickaCoo @ MHS Woofstock 2013](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/09/30/mickacoo-mhs-woofstock-2013/) - Thank you VERY much to the Marin Humane Society for including us in their great Woofstock Benefit Concert event and HUGE thanks to our fantastic team of volunteers- Patty, Claudia, Jim, Vince, David and Jazelle! It was a beautiful day and we definitely made some new friends for pigeons and doves!
- [SF Walk for Farm Animals (King Pigeons Are Farmed Animals)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/10/14/sf-walk-for-farm-animals-king-pigeons-are-farmed-animals/) - MickaCoo was thrilled to have the opportunity to table at the SF Walk for Farm Animals on October 5th, 2013. We made lots of new friends and helped raise awareness about the plight of King pigeons, factory-farmed and butchered at the age of 4 weeks as squab. We want to help Farm Sanctuaries include a
- [Angel Update](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/11/29/angel-update/) - Angel's doing fantastically! She recovered from surgery without a hitch and transitioned from having her feet taped to the snowboard splint to walking with a hobble without hesitation. It doesn't slow her down but rather helps her to be comfortable and active. She'll wear the hobble for the next couple of months to continue building her
- [Working Together: MickaCoo & The SF SPCA](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/02/18/working-together-mickacoo-the-sf-spca/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue got an awesome Valentine this year from The SF SPCA! They included us as a special guest both at their big, fun cocktail party on Thursday 2/13 as well as their Adoptathon on Saturday 2/15. We had a great time and made a lot of new friends for pigeons! The
- [MickaCoo Brings Pigeons & Doves to Bird Adoption](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/03/14/mickacoo-brings-pigeons-doves-to-bird-adoption/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue once again had the pleasure of attending the Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue Adoption Fair at the Carmichael Library. We had a wonderful day with lots of friends- new & old. Please visit www.PigeonRescue.org for more info about MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue (and www.Mickaboo.org to learn more about parrot rescue).
- [MickaCoo at the Conscious Eating Conference 2014](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/04/23/mickacoo-at-the-conscious-eating-conference-2014/) - On April 6th, I had the privilege of participating in the Conscious Eating Conference 2014 co-hosted by United Poultry Concerns & Animal Place. It was extremely informative and rescued King pigeon Valiant and I contributed to the growing awareness. Most people don't know much about squab. People are always surprised when I tell them that
- [MickaCoo @ ASPCA Voices for Animals Day in Sacramento](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/05/07/mickacoo-aspca-voices-for-animals-day-in-sacramento/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue joined the ASPCA's California Voices for Animals Day event at the State Capitol on May 7th. The event was a great opportunity to increase awareness about and compassion for bird rescue. We enjoyed having the opportunity to mingle with other animal welfare advocates as well as meet with legislators. Extra
- [MickaCoo @ Maddie's Adoptathon in SF](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/05/31/mickacoo-maddies-adoptathon-in-sf/) - MickaCoo volunteers & birds participating in the Maddie's Fund Adoptathon in SF helped to educate a lot of folks that birds need rescue too, that pigeons are awesome and that unreleasable pigeons and doves make great pets. Click on photos to enlarge.
- [MickaCoo @ Animal Place's Music in the Meadow Celebration](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/06/08/mickacoo-animal-places-music-in-the-meadow-celebration/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue was thrilled to be invited to join Animal Place at their wonderful Music in the Meadow celebration at their sanctuary in Grass Valley. It was an awesome day and we made a whole lot of new friends and had fun with lots of old friends! We are grateful to Animal
- [MickaCoo @ The East Bay SPCA Adoptathon](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/07/19/mickacoo-the-east-bay-spca-adoptathon/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue volunteers and birds spent their day catching up with old friends and making new ones at the East Bay SPCA Adoptathon! Highlights included a special Hey Sugar Sugar! serenade and being interviewed by SF Chronicle reporter Nanette Asimov. HUGE thanks to our host the EB SPCA and to all of
- [MickaCoo @ Nihonmachi Street Fair 2014](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/08/03/mickacoo-nihonmachi-street-fair-2014/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue volunteers and birds staffed a booth at the Nihonmachi Street Fair in Japantown on Sunday and we made lots of new friends for pigeons! Thank you all so much for helping us to spread the word- birds need rescue too!
- [MickaCoo @ Sonoma County VegFest 2014](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/08/16/mickacoo-sonoma-county-vegfest-2014/) - We all, MickaCoo volunteers, pigeons & Lily the dove, had an awesome time at the Sonoma County VegFest 2014 on Saturday! We made lots of wonderful new friends & caught up with some old ones. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the plight & potential of pigeons. We love coming together
- [Please Join Me in Thanking Cheryl](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/09/19/please-join-me-in-thanking-cheryl/) - Please join me in thanking Cheryl Dickinson for serving as MickaCoo's first ever Advisory Committee Chair from 2011 through 2014. Cheryl has helped MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue in countless ways and, while she has resigned from her post as Chair, her compassion-inspiring, life-saving impact continues. And I'll write here what I shared privately with Cheryl-
- [Please Welcome MickaCoo Chairperson Clare](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/09/19/please-welcome-mickacoo-chairperson-clare/) - Clare Malone Prichard, a founding member of MickaCoo's Advisory Committee and strong, steady presence, has generously accepted the role of Chair. Clare writes, "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Chair of MickaCoo’s Advisory Committee. In the coming year, the Advisory Committee will be working closely with our Executive Director to establish
- [MickaCoo (is Not Alone) at the Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/10/15/mickacoo-is-not-alone-at-the-bay-area-pet-fair-adoptathon/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue had a wonderful weekend at the Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon sponsored by Pet Food Express! We spent two days introducing lots of animal lovers to the joys of pigeons as pets. We had great support from our volunteers- Claudia & Jim and Natalia, Misha & Jorge- thank you!
- [MickaCoo at Wildlife Education Day 2014](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/10/19/mickacoo-at-wildlife-education-day/) - I had the pleasure of spending my Saturday with MickaCoo volunteers Lisa and Faye at the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society's Wildlife Education Day in Cupertino. Together, with the help of ambassador pigeons Amelio, Dylan and Pat and Ringneck dove Gem, we made a couple hundred new friends for the birds. Pigeons are the wildlife
- [MickaCoo (Hatches Palomacy) at Mickaboo Holiday Party 2014](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/12/08/mickacoo-hatches-palomacy-at-mickaboo-holiday-party-2014/) - MickaCoo joined with Mickaboo to celebrate at this year's Holiday Party! We had a wonderful time thanks to Mickaboo's great event, incredible support from our very hard working volunteers, priceless donated treasures and the amazing company of so many wonderful friends- new and old! Super special thanks to Mickaboo's Pam Lee for producing the event,
- [Welcome to MickaCoo's New Blog!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/10/04/hello-world/) - This is the new home for important updates and stories about MickaCoo's rescue work. Please visit www.RescueReport.org to see many rescue stories, pictures and blog posts documenting MickaCoo's work to date.
- [Just a Pigeon? Guest Blog Post by Julia Orr of SHARK](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/11/14/just-a-pigeon-a-guest-blog-post-by-julia-orr-of-shark/) - In Pennsylvania, pigeons are being used for “live pigeon shoots”; a target practice justified by disregard for pigeons as sentient beings. Every year thousands of pigeons are trapped off city streets or sold by dealers, crated and half starved so they can barely fly, thus becoming “easy targets,” and are then catapulted into the air
- [Jimmy 8/8/12 - 9/16/12](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/11/14/jimmy-8812-91612/) - Like so many others, the baby king pigeon I named Jimmy was raised for squab, sold by a live poultry market and "released" by someone either trying to help him or ceremonially at Dolores Park. Amazingly he survived the many perils of being in the wild (hawks, ravens, gulls, dogs, cats, mean people, etc.) long
- [Snow](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/12/03/snow/) - I received this email on 10/4/12: Good morning. I got your email address from Jane and am contacting you because I rescued what I think may be a King Pigeon. I was wondering if you had room to take in one more bird? I do not have the knowledge or the facilities to nurse it back
- [MickaCoo in Review: 2012](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/12/06/mickacoo-in-review-2012/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue had both a very challenging and very promising year. We are getting ever more support and leadership from volunteers and seeing more outreach and placement efforts from Bay Area shelters. In 2012, MickaCoo's foster volunteers saved more than 200 lives by caring for and housing pigeons and doves when no one
- [Tinkie Winkie](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2012/12/31/tinkie-winkie/) - Tink's story is filled with drama. As a king pigeon, she was bred to be killed at the age of four weeks and served as somebody's squab dinner but instead, she and a few other baby king pigeons were purchased alive from the poultry market. Unfortunately, once purchased, they were most likely "released" at a
- [MickaCoo Advisory Committee Welcomes Susan Gilbert](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/02/21/mickacoo-advisory-committee-welcomes-susan-gilbert/) - I am honored and thrilled to say that Susan Gilbert has accepted our invitation to join the MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue Advisory Committee. Susan has a wide range of animal experience ranging from koalas to elephants to newborn kittens (with lots in between) and has been a great asset to MickaCoo from her first
- [The Difference MickaCoo Makes](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/03/13/the-difference-mickacoo-makes/) - Most shelters are very dog and cat focused and birds and other "exotic" companion animals often don't receive the same level of care nor see the same rate of adoptions. Despite being over-stretched ourselves, we knew that saying no to these three birds would mean they would be killed. The shelter had already extended their
- [Introducing MickaCoo's New Bird Health Care Coordinator!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/04/30/1651/) - It is with great pride and happiness that I introduce MickaCoo's volunteer Bird Health Coordinator Zoe Martell (pictured here with her rescued friend Slayer)! While, and because, most shelters still consider euthanasia as the first choice for injured and/or ill pigeons and doves, MickaCoo prioritizes rescuing and caring for these most vulnerable of birds. MickaCoo
- [MickaCoo Chosen a 2013 Top SF Charity! ](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/11/08/mickacoo-chosen-a-2013-top-sf-charity/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue works hard to save the lives of domestic (unreleasable) birds that would otherwise be killed in shelters for lack of adopters and it takes a lot of "palomacy" to bring the plight and potential of these gentle creatures into the public's awareness. So, imagine how excited and proud we are
- [Help Design MickaCoo's 2014 Calendar!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/11/12/2301/) - Please select your favorite 13 photos (only) by clicking on and then commenting on your favorite photos in this album! And please- share YOUR great photos of rescued pigeons & doves to be considered as well! Hurry! The deadline is this Friday 11/15/13 but the sooner the better! (Send to Elizabeth at AdoptKings@gmail.com) Thank you!!!
- [Creating a More Compassionate Future](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/12/06/creating-a-more-compassionate-future/) - MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue presents to After School programs, Animal Camps, clubs and organizations throughout the Bay Area to help increase compassion for and raise awareness of the plight and potential of homeless domestic (unreleasable) birds.
- [Mendocino Weekend Getaway! Auction Benefits MickaCoo!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2013/12/19/mendocino-weekend-getaway-auction-benefits-mickacoo/) - Spend a wonderful (discounted!) weekend in a gorgeous home on the cliffs of the spectacular Mendocino Coast AND all proceeds benefit MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue! (auction ends Friday 12/27 at 9 PM PST). View from Roman Tub La Puerta del Mar is reminiscent of a Moorish coastal home with white walls and lots of tile. Walk
- [MickaCoo is Named a Top 7 SF Charity in 2013!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/01/07/mickacoo-is-named-a-top-7-sf-charity-in-2013/) - Thanks to your compelling nomination and many, many online click votes, MickaCoo made it to the Top 7 SF Charities of 2013 and won a much needed $2000 grant from PG&E! We had lots of fun at the fancy awards party in SF on 1/7/14. L-R: Jill, Josette, Susan, Zoe, Elizabeth, Christiana & Lori Christiana
- [Our Name is Changing!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/04/29/our-name-is-changing/)
- [A Letter from Elizabeth, founder & director](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/05/01/a-letter-from-elizabeth-founder-director/) - Dear Friends, We are poised at a critical juncture. We are receiving more support and recognition than ever before and, as news of the work we do spreads, the demand for our services does too. So, even with all the help that you are already providing, more is needed. We’ve created an amazing community of
- [MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue Announces Our New Name](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2014/12/06/mickacoo-pigeon-dove-rescue-announces-our-new-name/) - Dear Partners, Friends and Supporters, I am pleased to announce the newest chapter in MickaCoo’s continuing development. As many of you know, our little rescue organization began under the wing of Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue, who generously shared their wealth of experience with us, providing database services, allowing us to operate under their nonprofit designation,

## Pages

- [](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/) - Palomacy is a volunteer-powered, donation-funded, foster-based nonprofit rescue located in the San Francisco Bay Area saving the lives of domestic (unreleasable) pigeons and doves. We provide vet care, foster homes, and adoptions. Since 2007, Palomacy has placed thousands of birds and helped countless others through coaching, education, and referral.
- [Palomacy Volunteer Application](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/palomacy-volunteer-application-2025/)
- [Donate/Shop](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/donate/) - Palomacy relies on your donations to rescue & rehome birds Palomacy is a tax exempt, nonprofit public charity. Our EIN# is 87-2836252 MONETARY DONATIONS Online Via FundRazr Via PayPal Via Venmo Set Up a Recurring Donation - As a monthly donor, you'll receive a gorgeous Palomacy calendar every year as our thank you! Via Check
- [Adoption Contract 2026](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/adoption-contract-2025/)
- [Available & Adopted Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/available-birds/) - Available Birds Palomacy is always full with wonderful birds in need of homes. (We usually have more than one hundred in our foster care and a waiting list of birds that need to come in.) We work hard to heal the birds that arrive sick and injured and only place birds for adoption when they
- [Pigeon Diplomacy in the News](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/coo-in-the-news/) - More Than "Street Birds": Palomacy's Fight for Rescue Pigeons Nicole Borman, spent an afternoon with Palomacy Co-Director Cynthia and adoptive pigeon mom Dennys to talk all about rescuing pigeons and doves. Published on medium.com, June 3, 2026. Happy Earth Day! It’s everyone’s favorite ambassadors Gaby and Emery, at Sacramento’s Earth Day Festival! Ignoring this episode
- [RSVP - Palomacy at Pet Food Express in Alameda 05-24](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-palomacy-at-pet-food-express-in-alameda-05-24/)
- [RSVP for Izzy's Animal Rescue Festival in Folsom May 17th](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-for-izzys-animal-rescue-festival-in-folsom-may-17th/)
- [RSVP for WoofStock 2026!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-for-woofstock-2026/)
- [RSVP for Berkeley Bay Festival!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-for-berkeley-bay-festival/)
- [How to Create an Aviary for Rescued Pigeons (or Doves)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/creating-an-aviary/) - Creating an aviary Originally published 3/17/12 & updated 3/5/21 Rescued domestic pigeons are smart, gentle, gorgeous, charming birds that mate for life and coo softly to each other. They are bred and used as if disposable for business and hobbies (squab, "dove release", bait birds, racing, show). Many die as a result but those lucky
- [RSVP Palomacy at Community Superheros in SF](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-palomacy-at-community-superheros-in-sf/)
- [RSVP for Sacramento Earth Day](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-for-sacramento-earth-day/)
- [Palomacy Board of Directors](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/leadership/) - Aileen Paterson Aileen ‘Ellie’ Paterson is a long-time volunteer animal keeper around the Bay Area, and a frequent volunteer for Palomacy since 2014. She works in university management and thinks that one day she would like to manage a sanctuary, where she can make pretty aviaries, garden with the birds, and clean poop. She lives
- [Other helpful links](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/helpful-links/) - More resources and support for pigeons & doves . . . Pigeon Pants Pigeon Family Values (Fake eggs for birth control) Pigeon & dove support message boards These message boards are world wide, community-driven sites moderated by experts. They are wonderful resources for anyone with questions about pigeons and doves. You can find local experts
- [Bernal Heights Earth Day RSVP 4-19-2026](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/bernal-heights-earth-day-rsvp-4-19-2026/)
- [Volunteer](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/volunteer/) - We Need YOU! We need people to help birds. Our volunteers come from all walks of life to generously donate their time and talents to helping pigeons and doves. Some help one day each week, some give one or two hours most days, some help out on specific tasks or projects and others give even
- [San Francisco Bay Area California Resources](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/shelters/) - These SF Bay Area shelters & rescues help &/or have pigeons & doves available for adoption . . . WildCare- rescues & rehabs wildlife including feral pigeons & doves San Francisco Animal Care & Control- open door shelter for all San Francisco animals Berkeley Animal Care Services- open door shelter for city of Berkeley Oakland
- [RSVP PFE Fremont & San Jose 2-22](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-pfe-fremont-san-jose-2-22/)
- [RSVP for Joybound People & Pets Adopt-a-thon Feb 7th 2026](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-for-joybound-people-pets-adopt-a-thon-feb-7th-2026/)
- [Love animals- don't exploit them (vegan resources)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/love-animals-dont-exploit-them-vegan-resources/) - Palomacy is against the breeding and exploitation of all animals, not just pigeons and doves. Please, help animals, yourself, others and the planet with a cruelty-free lifestyle and plant-based diet. Vegetarianism goes hand in hand with Palomacy’s mission of saving domestic birds that would otherwise be killed. Our organization came into being to save the
- [RSVP Pet Food Express Alameda 1-25-26](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-pet-food-express-alameda-1-25-26/)
- [RSVP PFE Presidio, SF](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/rsvp-pfe-presidio-sf/)
- [What Supporters Say](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/what-our-supporters-say-about-palomacy/) - Palomacy works hard to help pigeons and doves and the people who love them. We are proud to be a Top Rated Great Nonprofit with 270 five-star reviews. You can learn more about the work we do by reading the stories our supporters share. And please- add yours! Palomacy fills in an important gap when
- [In case of emergency](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/in-case-of-emergency/) - What to Do if a Pigeon (or Dove) Needs Help The information on this page will help you determine whether or not a pigeon needs your help and, if so, what you should do. If you have found a pigeon that is clearly in distress, skip to Urgent Pigeon Care, below. See map of pigeon
- [How to Care for a Rescued Pet Pigeon (for Newbies)](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/how-to-care-for-a-rescued-pet-pigeon-for-newbies/) - How to Care for a Rescued Pet Pigeon (for Newbies) If I had my way, there would be no pet pigeons, amazing as they are. They would all be wild and free. I don’t believe that birds should be domesticated, bred and used by people for any reason. But, because people do breed, use and
- [Apply to Foster &/or Adopt](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/) - Palomacy rescues & places birds in Northern California only. We coach & guide worldwide, we help hands-on here. Complete Palomacy application (Northern California only) See Palomacy's available birds (in Northern California) San Francisco Bay Area shelters that help pigeons & doves There are pigeons & doves in need of adoption everywhere! Find birds & help
- [Meet Palomacy's Help Group Moderators](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/palomacys-mod-squad/) - Our Palomacy Help Group provides fast, bird-centered, trustworthy support, information and referrals 24/7/365 for people who need help & answers about pigeons & doves, thanks to our amazing team of volunteer moderators! They attend to more than 1,000 posts every month, heroically keeping up with every request in a group of more than 10,000 members
- [Nightlife at the California Adademy of Sciences: For the Birds!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/nightlife-at-the-california-adademy-of-sciences-for-the-birds/)
- [How to Choose a Cage for Pigeons or Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/how-to-choose-a-cage-for-pigeons-or-doves/) - How to Choose a Cage for Pigeons or Doves If I had my way, there would be no pet pigeons or doves. They would all be wild and free. I don't believe that birds should be domesticated, bred and used by people for any reason. But, because people do breed, use and lose unreleasable pigeons
- [How to Replace Real Eggs with Fakes to Prevent Breeding](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/how-to-replace-real-eggs-with-fakes-to-prevent-breeding/) - There are so many domestic (unreleasable) pigeons & doves literally dying for lack of homes that it is essential to prevent breeding. (Please rescue & adopt if you have room for more birds.) And, it's really important to understand how to use fake eggs to prevent hatching! (Just putting them in the nest isn't enough.)
- [What Is Palomacy?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/what-is-palomacy/) - Palomacy is pigeon diplomacy. We started doing this rescue work in 2007 because there was a strange and deadly gap in the animal welfare network. Shelters received domestic (unreleasable) pigeons every week but, instead of providing them with the care that all the other shelter animals received, they were usually ignored until they were euthanized.
- [Videos](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/videos/) - Videos Rescued Pigeons & Doves' Aviary Tour (Inside & Outdoors) 2022 by Jenna Close Palomacy's YouTube Channel! Palomacy's 2020 Worldwide Online Pijama Party (Recorded) Aviary Tour: Living with Pigeons by Joey Yee Iris & Kit by Foster Volunteer Dyan Collins Meet Adoptable Thistle by Sam Hyatt Olivia Rivers Samson Interviews Palomacy Volunteer at SacVegFest 2020
- [Pigeon & Dove Care](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/care/) - What to Do (& Not Do) If You Find a Pigeon or Dove How to Care for a Rescued Pet Pigeon (Many of these basics also apply to doves) How to Welcome Pigeons into Your Life How to Choose a Cage for Pigeons or Doves How to DIY Make a Safe, Easy Aviary Feeding Recommendations
- [Resources](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/) - Resources Follow the links below to learn more about . . . Get help & info for rescue & pet pigeons & doves from our Palomacy Facebook Group Pigeon & dove-friendly Rescues in the US (Birds always benefit from expert help! Contact the closest for a referral in your area.) How to care for a
- [Who We Are](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/) - Palomacy saves the lives of domestic (unreleasable) pigeons and doves in the San Francisco Bay Area by providing rescue, avian vet treatment, foster care and adoption services locally and consultation and referrals all over the country and beyond. Palomacy is a nonprofit tax-exempt, public charity (EIN 87-2836252) powered by two staff and 100 volunteers, and
- [How Palomacy (Formerly MickaCoo) Began](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/how-mickacoo-began/) - Founder Elizabeth Young, while volunteering at the San Francisco Animal Care & Control shelter in 2007, met a smart, sweet, tame king pigeon named Gurumina that was going to be killed for lack of an adopter. Elizabeth knew that she could help find Gurumina a home and turned to the Bay Area's biggest and best
- [Contact](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/contact/) - We love hearing from you! The fastest way to connect is to join & post to our Palomacy Help Group! If you have found a bird in trouble, please bring indoors to safety & then find expert help through your local wildlife rescue, in our Help Group, on our map, at Animal Help Now, and/or with your
- [FAQs](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/) - ABOUT PALOMACY What Is Palomacy? Who Is Palomacy? Contact Info & More RESCUE BASICS FOR NEWBIES What's the Difference Between Pigeons & Doves? What to Do (& Not Do) If You Find a Pigeon or Dove How to Catch a Pigeon (or Dove) in Need of Rescue Pigeons & Doves Are Not HPAI/Avian Influena Carriers
- [Invite](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/invite/)
- [Why "Dove Releases" Are Cruel](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/why-dove-releases-are-cruel/) - Why "Dove Releases" Are Cruel Warning: Includes graphic photos showing what happens to "released doves". When you hear about a "dove release" or "wedding doves", it usually means that Homing Pigeons, selectively bred to be all white, small and dove-like, were rented so as to be ceremoniously released. (They don't call them "wedding pigeons" for
- [What's Pigeon Racing?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/whats-pigeon-racing/) - Unfortunately, pigeon racing is a hobby that is deadly to the birds used. Racing hobbyists strive to selectively breed or purchase champions. They control every aspect of care in an effort to increase their chances of winning. Pigeon racers then release millions of domestic racing pigeons, hundreds of miles from their homes, in competitions most
- [Racing Pigeon Hanging Around- What Should I Do?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/racing-pigeon-making-his-home-in-my-carport-what-should-i-do/) - Racing Pigeon Hanging Around- What Should I Do? Dear MickaCoo, I am hoping you can help me with what I should or should not do, who I can contact, etc. I have called our local animal shelter and was told he eventually will leave. But I am not so sure. A pigeon with a band
- [Avian veterinarians](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/avian-veterinarians/) - These veterinarians know birds . . . Avian vet care is a specialty and is very different from the treatment of dogs and cats. Please seek avian vet care for your bird! San Francisco Bay Area Medical Center for Birds in Oakley, CA (Palomacy-recommended) Dr. Holly Galusha, Winged Wellness Mobile Clinic (Palomacy-recommended) Dr. Sip, House Call
- [Facebook Community Accelerator for Palomacy!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/facebook-community-accelerator-for-palomacy/) - We never planned on being a worldwide provider of pigeon & dove rescuing & rehoming expertise & assistance but thanks to the power of our Palomacy Help Group, we are! We began in 2007 as a small, local volunteer-powered, charity-funded rescue created to rescue & rehome birds who were found lost, injured, dumped, starving in
- [About](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/) - About Palomacy Follow these links to learn more about . . . What Is Palomacy? What We Do Who We Are Pigeon Diplomacy in the News What Supporters Say Videos Downloads Contact
- [How Do Pigeons' Feet Get Injured?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/how-do-pigeons-feet-get-injured/) - How Do Pigeons' Feet Get Injured? Anyone who watches urban pigeons has probably noticed birds with injured or missing toes and feet. One of the most common problems that feral pigeons have is something we call "stringfoot." Pigeons need twigs, straw or hay to build nests, but in urban areas, they are more likely to
- [What Do I Do If I Find an Injured Pigeon or Dove?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-pigeon/) - What Do I Do If I Find an Injured Pigeon or Dove? If you find a pigeon or dove that needs help, pick the bird up (with your bare hands is fine, they won't hurt you and you won't hurt them), bring them indoors to safety (to protect them from being killed by predators such
- [Basics of Preventive Care for Pigeons and Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/care/basics-of-preventive-care-for-pigeons-and-doves/) - Basics of Preventive Care for Pigeons and Doves Providing your bird with a good diet, adequate sunlight (unfiltered by glass), and sufficient space and opportunity for exercise are the basics of insuring good health for your pigeons or doves. In addition to this, monitoring your birds' weight with a gram scale and preventive care against
- [Nutritional Recommendations for Pigeons & Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/care/pigeon-feeding-dove-feeding/nutritional-recommendations-for-pigeons-doves/) - Nutritional Recommendations for Pigeons & Doves In addition to a high-quality seed diet, there are a few things I feel are crucial to maintaining optimal bird health. The first is a good multivitamin/multimineral supplement, containing calcium and vitamin D3. Indoor birds, and even outdoor birds who get limited direct sunlight, are often deficient in vitamin
- [What Are Pigeon Pants?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/where-can-i-get-pigeon-pants/) - Rescued, unreleasable pigeons (of which there are so many) make great indoor pets. They are smart, good natured, easy going and quickly learn household routines. They bring lots of fun and happiness to your life. Pigeons, with a little patience, usually become very tame and friendly living indoors with you. And, thanks to pigeon
- [Free Downloads](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/downloads/) - Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions Flyer (2023) Pigeon Appreciation Day 6/13/23 Demonstration for Protections Flyers How to Welcome Pigeons Into Your Life UV Lighting for Companion Birds Psittacine Welfare Institute Lighting-UV Ultraviolet Lighting for Companion Birds by Laura Wade Palomacy Presentation to San Francisco Commission of Animal Control & Welfare Pigeon Husbandry by Association
- [Pigeon & dove birth control](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/care/pigeon-dove-birth-control/) - Pigeon Family Values Since I started fostering pigeons, I usually have from four to twelve at a time and they pair up in unpredictable ways. I've had a few that stayed single for months (Rocky, Louie, Willow) and others that hooked up in a love-at-first-sight kind of way (Big Man & Amber, Jesse & Hollywood)
- [What to Do (& Not Do) If You Find a Pigeon or Dove](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-pigeon-or-dove/) - If you find a pigeon or dove that appears to need help (weak, hurt, out of place, tame, domestic, etc.), they probably do. The first step is to pick up or catch the bird & bring them indoors to safety. (They won't hurt you & you won't hurt them as much as the predators will.)
- [Pigeons & Leg Bands](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/pigeons-leg-bands/) - What Do Leg Bands Mean? The vast majority of pigeons with leg bands are domestic birds, unable to survive on their own, that are bred, sold, exploited and endangered for "sports" such as racing and roller flying and businesses such as "dove release." If a banded pigeon is hanging around or catchable, they
- [Surrender Agreement 082225](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/surrender-agreement-082225/)
- [Events](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/events/)
- [Volunteer Application](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/)
- [Adoption Contract](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/)
- [Palomacy Photo Submission Form](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/palomacy-photo-submission-form/) - [vfb id=12]
- [New Bird Form](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/new-bird-form/)
- [Apply to Foster &/or Adopt](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/adoption-contract/apply-to-foster-or-adopt-051525/)
- [Palomacy 990 Forms](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/palomacy-990-forms-bbbb/) - 2024 2023 (March - December 2023) Palomacy became a stand-alone nonprofit on March 1, 2023 & filed its first 990 form for 2023. (From 2007 through February 2023, Palomacy (named MickaCoo until 2015), operated as a nonprofit project initially under the agency of Mickaboo & later Community Initiatives.
- [I Live Outside the Bay Area -- Can I Still Adopt?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/i-live-outside-the-bay-area-can-i-still-adopt/) - I Live Outside the Bay Area -- Can I Still Adopt? Palomacy encourages local adoption and we only rescues and rehome birds in Northern California. There are, though, pigeons and doves everywhere in need of homes. If you are out of the Northern California area, please visit our application page for out-of-Northern California resources to
- [Foster and/or Adoption Application](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/apply-to-foster-or-adopt/adoption-application/)
- [Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/) - All about the birds Follow the links below to . . . Learn more about pigeons and doves as pets See Palomacy's available birds and our many success stories Apply to foster or adopt Understand how to care for pigeons & doves Find out how to create a life-saving pigeon or dove aviary See our
- [Palomacy's Volunteer Text/Call Help Line Team](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/palomacys-volunteer-voice-mail-text-message-team/) - (415) 851-5948 Adrienne Ruork Adrienne has been a volunteer with Palomacy for only a short while, but she hit the ground running. Aside from caring for twenty-two rescue pigeons and two rescue doves, she is also the Bird Database Coordinator for Palomacy, as well as a member of the Phone and Social Media teams.
- [What We Do](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/what-we-do-2/) - What We Do Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions is a volunteer-powered, donation-funded foster-based nonprofit rescue saving the lives of domestic (unreleasable) birds that are lost, injured, displaced & abandoned. We provide rescue, foster care, avian vet treatment and adoption services in Northern California as well as 24/7/365 care coaching, referrals, advocacy and education nationwide via
- [Join Palomacy's Facebook Group](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/join-palomacys-facebook-group/) - Join Palomacy's Facebook Group Need help with a pet or rescued pigeon or dove? Please join our Palomacy Facebook Group and post your photos, questions & location to find support from fellow pigeon & dove rescuers & adopters. (Note: We are against the breeding and use of birds, whether for racing, meat, show, "release", etc.
- [Supporters & Partners](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/our-coo-munity/supporters-partners/) - Palomacy gratefully thanks our many supporters and partners, without whom we would never be able to do what we do.
- [Pigeon & Dove Friendly Rescue](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/some-pigeon-dove-friendly-rescues-in-the-us/) - Palomacy Facebook Group (Join for help) Pigeon & Dove Friendly Rescues USA (Partial list) What to Do If You Cannot Keep Your Bird(s) The best way Palomacy can help is if you join our Palomacy Facebook Group to crowdsource quick help. (Post a photo, your location & the situation for best support.) Pigeons in distress need expert help
- [Donate an Item for Palomacy's Online Auction](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/donate/make-a-donation/) - [vfb id=25]
- [Pigeons & doves as pets](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/pigeons-doves-as-pets/) - Pigeons and doves as pets Domestic pigeons and doves make great pets. Good natured and mellow, they love both their own kind and people and they are easy to care for. They're quiet, smart and social. They don't bite, pluck, or chew and are low maintenance pets. They are masters of the leisure arts -
- [Palomacy Confidentiality Agreement](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/volunteer/palomacy-confidentiality-agreement/) - [vfb id=10]
- [Pigeon Pants!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/care/pigeon-pants/) - What are Pigeon Pants? Rescued, unreleasable pigeons (of which there are so many) make great indoor pets. They are smart, good natured, easy going and quickly learn household routines. They bring lots of fun and happiness to your life. Pigeons, with a little patience, usually become very tame and friendly living indoors with you. And,
- [Pigeon feeding & dove feeding](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/care/pigeon-feeding-dove-feeding/) - Feeding pigeons and doves Palomacy recommends these elements for proper pigeon and dove nutrition: Professionally formulated, nutritionally balanced food plus a multivitamin and mineral supplement. For pigeons: For doves: Base diet (seed or pellets) Pigeons and doves do best when meal fed, meaning they are given an appropriately sized portion of fresh food in the morning
- [Can Pigeons Live With Chickens? Can Doves Live With Pigeons?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/can-pigeons-live-with-chickens-can-doves-live-with-pigeons/) - Can Pigeons Live With Chickens? Can Doves Live With Pigeons? We are often asked, Can pigeons (or doves) live with chickens? Or, Can doves live with pigeons? While pigeons or doves can live get along with chickens 95% of the time, one conflict can be catastrophic- even fatal- for the smaller bird (same goes for
- ["But I Have Cats!" Cats & Dogs & Birds, Oh My!](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/but-i-have-cats-cats-dogs-birds-oh-my/) - Editor's Introduction Many birds, wild, stray and pet, are killed by cats and dogs. (Stray domestic pigeons and doves are at terrible risk from pets and predators and must be brought into safety!) There is a very real risk involved with what Palomacy calls "blended families", homes which include birds, cats and/or dogs. We work
- [Why Is It Dangerous for Pet Pigeons to Free Fly?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/why-is-it-dangerous-for-pet-pigeons-to-free-fly/) - Why Is It Dangerous for Pet Pigeons to Free Fly? All birds should be hatched wild and live and fly free but unfortunately many don't. Whether they are our pets because they are domestic or because they are rescued from the wild, they can't free fly safely. We would break your heart with all the
- [How to Catch a Pigeon or Dove in Need of Rescue](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/how-to-catch-a-pigeon-or-dove-in-need-of-rescue/) - Guest Post by Cynthia Bardouka-Large The people who contact Palomacy often have no previous experience with pigeons or bird rescue. They did not wake up in the morning expecting to cross paths with a pigeon, but then an unexpected guest lands in their backyard, or on their roof, and it seems like something other than
- [How Do I Hold a Pigeon?](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/how-do-i-hold-a-pigeon/) - How Do I Hold a Pigeon? Palomacy adopter & volunteer Jill demonstrates how to hold, pet and make friends with a pigeon. (And gets told off at the end by Opal the demo pigeon!) No bird likes being "caught" but, once held properly, petted and reassured, you can make friends with your pigeon. It may
- [Types of pigeons](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/types-of-pigeons/) - Types of Pigeons There are more than 300 species of wild pigeons and doves. (Dodos were pigeons! The largest flocks ever recorded were of Passenger pigeons- both species that humans drove to extinction.) The species of pigeon most of us share our cities with is Columba livia, the Rock pigeon. Humans have, over thousands of
- [Pigeons As Pets: Outside or Indoors](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/pigeons-doves-as-pets/pigeons-as-pets-indoors-or-outside/) - Pigeons As Pets: Outside or Indoors Pet lovers are embracing the joys of adopting dogs and cats from shelters in ever greater numbers, but few people realize how many birds there are in shelters and rescues needing to be adopted. Pigeons Make Great Pets -- And They Need Our Help I started Palomacy (originally named
- [Help with SF Bay Area Wild Pigeons & Doves](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/help-with-sf-bay-area-wild-pigeons-doves/) - Help with SF Bay Area Wild Pigeons & Doves WildCare is the very best rescuer of wild pigeons and doves in the San Francisco Bay Area and Palomacy highly recommends taking any juvenile or injured pigeon or dove you find to their wildlife hospital in San Rafael. It is worth the drive and they are
- [Palomacy New Bird Form](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/palomacy-new-bird-form/) - To be completed by authorized intake volunteers only! [vfb id=9]
- [Shop for MickaCoo gear](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/donate/shop/) - Shop for your MickaCoo gear before we close down our shop! We will be offering brand new Palomacy gear soon! Click here to browse and buy cool MickaCoo T-shirts, tote bags, and more!
- [Animal Support Helps Pigeons & Doves Fly the Coop via Rescue & Adoption](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/about/coo-in-the-news/animal-support-helps-pigeons-doves-fly-the-coop-via-rescue-adoption/) - Press Release Animal Support Helps Pigeons & Doves Fly the Coop via Rescue & Adoption Summary Don’t breed or buy … rescue and adopt. This is the rallying cry of MickaCoo, a pigeon and dove rescue organization now supported by Dr. Michael Omidi and Julian Omidi, through their charity Animal Support. Operating in and
- [Fancy Pigeon Photo Gallery](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/types-of-pigeons/fancy-pigeon-photo-gallery/)

## Downloads

- [Palomacy 2023 990 Forms](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-march-december-2023-form-990/) - Palomacy became a stand-alone nonprofit on March 1, 2023 & filed its first 990 form for 2023. (From 2007 through February 2023, Palomacy (named MickaCoo until 2015), operated as a nonprofit project initially under the agency of Mickaboo & later Community Initiatives.
- [Palomacy 2024 990 Form](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-2024-990-form/)
- [Demonstration for Pigeon Protections Flyer 1](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/pigeon-appreciation-day/)
- [Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions 2023 Flyer](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-flyer-2023/) - Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions 2023 Flyer
- [Demonstration for Pigeon Protections Flyer 3](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/demonstration-for-pigeon-protections-flyer-3/)
- [Demonstration for Pigeon Protections Flyer 2](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/20812/)
- [Wade, Laura (2018 revised)  UV lighting (1).pdf](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/wade-laura-2018-revised-uv-lighting-1-pdf/) - Wade, Laura (2018 revised) UV lighting (1)
- [Psittacine Welfare Institute Lighting-UV.pdf](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/psittacine-welfare-institute-lighting-uv-pdf/) - Psittacine Welfare Institute Lighting-UV
- [How to Welcome Pigeons Into Your Life](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/how-to-welcome-pigeons-into-your-life/)
- [Palomacy Presentation to San Francisco Commission on Animal Control & Welfare](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-presentation-to-san-francisco-commission-on-animal-control-welfare/)
- [Pigeon Husbandry by Association of Avian Veterinarians](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/pigeon-husbandry-by-association-of-avian-veterinarians/) - Pigeon_Husbandry_Final
- [Pijama Party Host Booklet](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/pijama-party-host-booklet/)
- [How We Built Our Aviary by Heather Hohlowski](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/how-we-built-our-aviary-by-heather-hohlowski/)
- [Gypsy & Milkshake Mike's Coo-loring Page](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/gypsy-milkshake-mikes-coo-loring-page/)
- [Fleetwood's Coo-loring Page](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/fleetwoods-coo-loring-page/)
- [Melvin's Coo-loring Page](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/melvins-coo-loring-page/)
- [Happy Pigeon Appreciation Day 6/13/19](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/happy-pigeon-appreciation-day-6-13-19/)
- [Palomacy Rescue Group Program Assessment Full Report 2016](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-rescue-group-program-assessment-full-summary-report-march-2016/)
- [Palomacy Rescue Group Program Assessment Findings 2016](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-rescue-group-program-assessment-findings-march-2016/)
- [Palomacy 2015 Year in Review](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-2015-year-in-review/)
- [Avian Lighting Recommendations](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/avian-lighting-recommendations/)
- [Your Future - Your Pet by Bob Johnston](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/your-future-your-pet-by-bob-johnston/)
- [Palomacy Guide to Pigeon Birth Control](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-guide-to-pigeon-birth-control/)
- [Palomacy Flyer](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/download/palomacy-flyer/)

## Draw Attention

- [Giving Tree](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/?da_image=49474) - Help fill one of our rescued birds' holiday stockings. All of these birds are recovering after moderate to life-threatening injuries that have generated significant medical bills.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [How To Help](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/how-to-help-palomacy/)
- [Rescue Stories](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/rescue-stories/)
- [Medical Issues](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/medical-issues/)
- [About Palomacy](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/about-palomacy/)
- [Volunteers](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/volunteers/)
- [News](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/news/)
- [Bird FAQs & How-To's](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/how-tos/)
- [About Birds](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/about-birds/)
- [Outreach & Publicity](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/outreach-publicity/)
- [Guest Posts](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/guest-posts/)
- [Fundraiser](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/outreach-publicity/fundraiser/)
- [Adoptions](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/category/about-birds/adoptions/)

## Tags

- [Grants](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/tag/grants/)
- [Match Opportunities](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/tag/match-opportunities/)
- [Fundraising Campaigns](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/tag/fundraising-campaigns/)
- [Featured Fosters](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/tag/featured-fosters/)
- [Rescues](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/tag/rescues/)
- [fundraiser](https://www.pigeonrescue.org/tag/fundraiser/)