There have been a lot of doves and pigeons in my life for the past month. They're just sorta...everywhere. So much so that I've taken notice.
First they helped littlest farmer learn to focus his telescope. We made it a rule that he could use it to observe nature only and I was thankful for the crew of pigeons that remained still atop our neighbor's silo long enough for him to zoom in.
Then there is the pair of nesting Mourning Doves who keep me company in the barn. I was recently trimming some sheep hooves while they conducted their romance via whistle-winged relays in the rafters. I was amused by their to-and-fro antics and impressed by their stamina.
After that, social media memories reminded me of other up-close pigeon encounters over the years. I'll share one of my favorites in a minute.
Lastly, one of my favorite podcasts just released two new episodes about... yep, pigeons. Amongst other things, those episodes taught me that specially made 'pigeon pants' are an option for anyone having trouble potty training their pet pigeon... (I may have a new thing for my bucket list.)
I know, these birds are ubiquitous so perhaps I am giving them more meaning that necessary. But life is short and the pigeons and doves in my life of late have been a good reminder that simple and common things can bring a lot of joy if we pay attention.
Thanks for being on this farm journey with me. I really appreciate it.
Pigeon Memories - April 2018
Yesterday, in the midst of barn chores, our littlest farmer started shouting, "Mommy! Mommy! Come quick! Come heeeeeere! There's something super cool!"
I put down my bucket and walked to the barn door. He was standing just outside it, pointing excitedly and exclaiming... about a pigeon.
I started to open my mouth to tell him, "It's just a pigeon" when he breathed out, "It's the most beautiful bird I've ever seen."
Instead of speaking, I looked at the pigeon -- really looked at it-- and it was striking. Its pearlescent purple and pewter feathers were luminous in the early morning sun.
It was beautiful and I would have missed it if not for the impartial eyes of my child.
I know they're prolific, messy, and noisy. For those reasons they are usually unwelcome as barn guests. But for just a moment, I remembered their beauty too.
Oh, how much we can miss when we go through the world with our minds already made up.
