This is an Ex-Pigeon

Let's face it, they are not renowned for being intelligent. Wood pigeons are big and heavy, but also the first species to disappear when they sense danger, which might be a sign of having a few brain cells.

Some time in the autumn a big bird, probably a pigeon, flew into the kitchen window and left a large dusty imprint on the glass. Having heard the bang I rushed downstairs, but there was no bird, only the mark it had left on the window, with a full wing span visible. This morning I was sitting in the room next to the dining room with the glass patio doors, and I heard an almighty bang. I understood straight away what must have happened.

Outside, belly up, lay a wood pigeon in, what turned out a little later to be, its death throes. Judging by the dust mark, it had taken the whole impact on its beak, on its head. No spread-out wings had absorbed the force. It must, at the moment of impact, been diving at speed with the wings tight to the body.

I used my foot to gently roll it round so it ended up on its side/front, thinking it would be easier on the breathing and also to orientate itself. I know from previous experience that birds sometimes knock themselves out only to suddenly come to life again when you think they are dead. Not so this one.

         

A couple of hours later when I was convinced the poor pigeon would fly no more, I picked it up gently and put it out in the copse for other little creatures to feed on. In doing so I couldn't help but think about Monty Python's "Parrot Sketch" and all its euphemisms for being dead. (Is that naughty?)

Owner: No no! 'E's pining!

Mr. Praline: 'E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the perch 'e'd be pushing up the daisies! 'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig! 'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!! THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!!