My first 3 pigeons were all born on the Williamsburg Bridge, NY. Bridgett - 1 and Willie B. were the first two arrivals to our long island home in mid-August. After Bridgett died we got Bridget - 2, but she/he died too. Willie B. had been with us for almost four months. We bottle fed all of them and tried to nurse them to become healthy and strong enough to survive in the wild. Willie would roll the syringe feeder with his beak to let me know he was hungry. He has made two friends who are still here, I will read their bands and post soon, and are living in the coop my husband built for Willie B.
Last Wednesday night, Nov. 23, 2005, my family and I left for MA. I let Willie B. out so that he could stay in the coop with his pals, but when my cousin came to feed them that evening he noticed that Willie was no where to be found. It is now Saturday, December 3rd and still no sign of Willie. I found some feathers grouped on the ground last Sunday, but I am always finding feathers.
I am so afraid that I sent him out into the cold night to die. It makes me sick when I think that I will never see Willie B. again. He was great, he would land on my head or shoulder he knew his name and would fly to me when he wanted to. He got so attached that when I was ready to go out he would perch on the roof or hood of my truck and take a brief ride with me down the street. Or when I went next door to do laundry he would perch on the windowsill outside and look in at me or he would perch on the screen door if I left it open for him. We ate seeds together he especially liked sunflower seeds and would get jealous when I ate them out of the bottle. Of course he poo'd a lot, but what can you do to prevent that? I can't seem to get through missing him. I really wish I knew where he went and that he is okay.
We didn't band him because I was told that he could loose a foot if the band got to tight as he grew. He answers to Willie B. and may even land on your head if you shake the can of food loud enough.
I just can't seem to get passed having raised him from a baby and he took to me like most other animals do, but to lose him so quickly just breaks my heart.
Thanx for listening and any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Rosa
