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One morning in April of 2001, I was looking out our back patio doors and saw something white down in the yard. Thinking it was a stray plastic bag that had blown in, I didn't pay too much attention. That is until it lifted its head and started walking!
I quickly grabbed up the camera and headed for the yard to see what it was. I had not seen a more beautiful bird in our yard before. It was such a brilliant white with little splashes of black through it. I started snapping pictures, and the bird seemed unruffled by the attention. I followed the bird around the yard for awhile, and then when it seemed ready to leave, I went back to the house.
Later in the afternoon, I saw that the bird was still hanging around the yard. It took its position on the cement slab in front of my dad's work shed. It was very hot and the bird seemed extremely tired, but it also seemed to be pretty tame. It wouldn't be touched but it wouldn't fly away either. I sat on the end of the slab and talked to it and it cocked its head from side to side and listened. Since it appeared to be a bit tired, I figured it was probably hungry and thirsty, too. I got a cup of bird seed and a container of water and the bird, who I named "Snowy" ate and drank and rested. It was so gorgeous and sweet I couldn't help but want to take care of it. At the time, I had no idea what kind of bird it was but was happy that it decided to take a break at our house.
Later that evening, the bird took flight, and I thought that would be the last I would see it. I hated to see it go but hoped it would have a safe journey to wherever it was going. It had leg bands that told me it was either someone's bird or worth watching.
The next day the bird returned. I refilled its water and food and spent some more time talking to it. As I sat on the grass, it would climb down off the slab, walk around me, and then walk back and jump up onto the slab. It even started "talking" to me and took interest when I talked to it. It was such a special bird! That night, again, it took off, but this time it didn't return.
I had written down the numbers that were on the leg bands and got on the computer at work that night to do some research. That is where I found out that this beautiful bird was a messenger pidgeon. I was also able to trace the leg band numbers to a person in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, which is about two hours from here. From everything I read on the subject, I did all the right things. It said that the bird will stop for a couple of days and take a break before returning to its journey. Food and water were necessary to recharge the bird's batteries, so I felt good that I had the presence of mind to do that for it. I found an e-mail address for the person who owns Snowy and wrote to him. I would be interested in knowing where the bird was coming from, going to, and if it reached its destination safely. I am still waiting for a response, but won't be surprised if I never hear anything. I just hope that the bird is safe and if it passes this way again, will stop by for a rest and a visit. I look forward to seeing it again someday.
