My Little Live-In Pigeon Squab...Now Fledgling!!

[anneintoronto]

My little pigeon, who has been my boarder since August 30th, finally fledged yesterday, joining his dad on top of the inside wooden door to the balcony!  I tried not to let him know that I saw him hit the ceiling with his head -- he was trying sooo hard!  His dad groomed the feathers on his head for at least 10 minutes -- all hurt fluffed away, as only a dad can do!  Today, he is flying up and down to the same spot, like an old master, and he actually went out the balcony door window for a hop on the balcony, still under repair, for....well maybe 15 seconds...before scooting back inside, quivering all over with the excitement and terror!!  Of course, he was very closely watched by his parents!!  Oh yeah, and by me!!     So, he's flying -- I just have to persuade him to fly outdoors, not around the apartment!!    Oh yes -- Aafke, in Holland, is in charge of choosing his name -- she's working on a good Dutch one!  I am so pleased that she accepted this great honour!! 

Anne in Toronto