Today, 2/02/22, is known as Twos-day! Tuesday's Truths WK 230

Welcome to my two hundred and thirtieth segement of Tuesdy's Truths.  I realize my last  post re this series was published on November 16th 2021, a little over two months ago and that particular post was published soon after I had an accident which resulted in my needing to have a surgical procedure known as Open Reduction/Internal Fixation Surgery.

Upon discharge from that surgery I had to wear a pump for a couple of days...

.... unfortunately something with the pump malfunctioned and I nearly died as a result.

D-Day Occurred 77 Years Ago Today

As I was going through articles related to D-Day which occurred 77 years ago today, I came across one titled."5 PEOPLE AND A PIGEON WHO REPORTED ON THE D-DAY LANDINGS," the picture atop this posting is a screenshot from that article which can be read by clicking here.

UNFORTUNATELY, pigeons get a lot of bad press in the United States so it was good to see them get some positive press in a UK publication.

A Tale of a Pigeon Holding His Beak Open

This past June, I wrote (on Facebook) about an American robin with  an open-beak who was visiting my garden (that creature is featured in the image atop this entry) and I stated, "At first I thought he/she was a young American robin and holding his/her beak open in hopes of being fed. I thought this because the sweet-looking bird seemed to be looking around as he/she held his/her beak open. 

"Then I remembered that when it's hot (which it is today) some avian species will also resort to gular fluttering. The bird will open its mouth and “flutter” his/her neck muscles, promoting heat loss (think of it as the avian version of panting).

"But if truth be told, I don't know the motive behind my visitor's open beak, as he/she did not tell me. All I know is that the day is hot and an open beak is one way to beat the heat."

I did not see any birds with an open beak after that until last Saturday (4-3-2021) when I saw a pigeon with an open beak which had me concerned.

"....the thing with feathers that perches in the soul...."

TM, a woman who lives in Queens, sent me a copy of the photo seen atop this entry, which she took while on a walk. 

I guess she thought of me when she saw the chalkboard quotation because a few years ago (in March of 2019), I read a mediation by Dr. James Campbell ("In Praise of Pigeons") on Emily Dickinson's poem titled “Hope is the thing with feathers” and shared it with TM.

Part of Campbell’s meditation stated: "When I imagine that 'little bird' of which Dickinson wrote, I automatically think of the starlings and the sparrows of my Indiana childhood.  I might even imagine the colorful and aggressive blue jays or cardinals that I still enjoy watching. But when I think of hope and birds and bird songs, I never ever think of a pigeon...."

The meditation goes on to talk about the orator's experience with pigeons and he adds, "But those pigeons were persistent, muscular, determined....They never let me forget that they were there..." 

And he continues his thought re Dickinson's poem repeating the line, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune--without the words, and never stops at all…. But it’s not a delicate little bird, easily frightened away.  Hope is a New York City pigeon – persistent, determined, muscular, cooing at us even when we do not want to hear her song, reminding us that where we are today is not where we shall end.  The exiles will return. There will be justice and equity for the poor of the earth..."

More info can be found within another entry on my blog. Btw, pigeons and references to poems (including other ones by Emily Dickinson) can be found in my hard-cover book series, Words In Our Beak. 

MY BOOK SERIES

The goal of these books is to open readers to a simple understanding of the winged world and their environment. Set in a rooftop urban garden (mine) in New York City, my story is told in the voice of Cam, a female cardinal, who visits it. Words In Our Beak is directed to children and adults who are curious about birds, and want to learn about them from a unique perspective. 

The books make a perfect gift for someone who may be in quarantine or lockdown due to consequences of the coronavirus because the stories in them can bring the outdoors into the homes of those who cannot go out (or should not) and about.

Cinco de Marcho 2021

Happy Cinco de Marcho! A number of bird types stopped by my garden to celebrate the day including a pair of House finches and a lone Northern mockingbird, they can be seen (respectively in the next two pictures).

Other  birds also spent time here today.

"His eye is on the sparrow...."

 

During yet another snowstorm which occurred in my area this past Thursday, it was very discncerting for me to notice a pigeon's (seen in the three images atop this entry where he is in my garden) injury through the long lens of my camera.

Tu B’Shevat 2021

Just four days ago on January 24th 2021, I published a blog post (where I included a copy of the snapshot above this entry) in which I discussed my maternal grandfather's apppreciation for trees, something I seem to have inherited.

Then last night I had a conversation with a neighbor (LS) about the recent vandalism which occurred in my building and my roof extension garden, I mentioned that a main concern I had experienced during that crime was for the birds who visit my place and who have enjoyed the trees that I have planted over the years.

Knowing my love for trees, LS kindly told me that Tu B’Sheva had begun at sunset then explained that it would end at sunset tonight (1-28-2021). She went on to say Tu B’Shevat (or the birthday of all fruit trees) is s a minor holiday.

My knowedge of many aspects of Jewish holidays is minimal, even though I have a somewhat famous paternal Jewish ancestor, Rosa Sonnenschein, whom I've written about on this blog and who is featured in the image below).

After I spoke with LS, I did some research. I learned (from a writer re Jewish learning who calls him/herself MJL) Tu B’Shevat's name "is Hebrew for the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In ancient times, Tu B’Shevat was merely a date on the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings." 

Now, honor of Tu B’Shevat, I will share photo-ops of birds enjoying the trees in my garden (during by gone years and at this present time).

I will also include photographs of them enjoying the Ailanthus Trees in the courtyard and trees. I will start with the trees that are no longer with me as a way of honoring their memory.

Squirrel Appreciation Day 2021

Today, January 21st, is the annual day to celebrate Squirrel Apppreciation Day. I've written about this holiday within a number of venues including entires on this blog.

These animals can provide a lot of entertainment when you observe them as I've done in both Central Park and Riverside Park over the years when I've encountered various types including Cinnamon Variant squirrels, Black squirrels and Eastern gray squirrels.

On July 8th 2020, shortly after NYC started to begin easing up on lockdown restrictions (many of which were subsequently put back in place) which had been in effect since March due  to the devastating consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, I had the chance to watch squirrels from my window for they began to visit the Ailanthus Trees in my buildings courtyard and as you might surmise from the photo-ops atop this entry, their antics gave me many reaons to smile during those isolating times.

Tam (Rescued Pigeon) Survives Infecion! Tuesday's Truths WK 199

A little over one month ago (on 10-13-2020), with help of a colleague, I rescued a pigeon (now named Tam) who was in my garden on the UWS of NYC; and took him to The Wildbird Fund (AKA WBF), NYC's wonderful and only bird rehab center. 

I subsequently posted detailed info about this scenario in an entry here on Blogger at that time. The collage directly above gives a pictotial overview of the pigeon's ultimate survival, which  I just learned about yesterday (11-23-2020) and  which I'm now offering as my content for this 199th episode of my Tuesday's Truths series. 

I am most grateful to the WBF and as you may know, this bird rehab place, along with pigeons are just a couple of topics pigeons are included in my three volume book series, Words In Our Beak.

MY BOOK SERIES

Thank you dear reader, for holding good thoughts re this rescued pigeon's demise and stay tuned to see if I happen to encounter him again.

Tam's Demise (Tuesday's Truths WK 198)

Two weeks ago, with help of a colleague, I rescued a pigeon (now named Tam) in my garden on the UWS of NYC and took him to The Wildbird Fund (AKA WBF), NYC's wonderful and only bird rehab center. I subsequently posted detailed info about this scenario in an entry here on Blogger at that time. 

I ultimately found out (via Twitter) that I could follow up in ten days-two weeks time to see the status of the injured creature.

Yesterday, I did that and I am offering the folowing is a "transcript" of our exchange as my content for this week's Tuesday's Truths segement (posted below in italics):

ME: I'm not having success with DM re the pigeon I brought in on 10-14-2020. Can you PM me? Yesterday, 1:55 PM

WBF: Hi. Can you send me the name on the intake form for the Oct. 14 pigeon? Yesterday, 2:55 PM

ME: Patricia Youngquist Yesterday, 4:00 PM

WBF: Thank you. I found it on Oct. 13. This is a fledgling, very emaciated, we suspect as the result of a bacterial infection. He's in our isolation room, receiving antibiotics, anti-fungal medical and supportive care. We'll have to wait and see how he does. Thank you for helping him! Yesterday, 4:05 PM

ME: Thank you for your reply and oops you are right. I did bring the pigeon in on October 13th. I hope he pulls through. When should I check in again? I really appreciate the work you do (understatement). I am quite behind in rent and am scrambling for income but when I turn things around, I hope to be able to donate $$$ to you. Yesterday, 4:14 PM

WBF: Thank you, Patricia. Don't worry about donating. We all are suffering right now! Check back in another 2 weeks. Hopefully, there will be a more substantial update. Yesterday, 4:16 PM

Me: I will check back. Thanks again for all!

WBF: <HEART>

------------------

I am so thankful that The WBF is caring for this sweet-looking creature and I hope I will hear good news on this pigeon's status. For your information both The WBF...

... and pigeons are included in my book series, Words In Our Beak.

MY BOOK SERIES

Please, dear reader, hold good thoughts for this rescued pigeon's demise and stay tuned for his progress.

An Injured But Resilient Pigeon

SAINT FRANCIS IS FEATURED IN MANY OF MY BLOG POSTS

I need Saint Francis's (whose image is imprinted on a copy of a prayer card which is posted atop this entry) intercession on a situation with a pigeon who visited my garden this past weekend. He is known to be the patron saint of animals (especially birds, which is something I referenced in a recent FB post).

In any event, this past Saturday (10-10-2020) in the early evening, I noticed a pigeon in my outdoor space who did not seem to be doing very well. I had hoped to "capture" him in order to transport the creature to The Wild Bird Fund  (WBF) but since they were closed for the evening, my next best option was to "capture" him and make him comfortable for the night so I could take him to The WBF the next morning (which would be Sunday, 10-11-2020).

Years ago I learned about transporting injured or sick birds to The WBF so I knew this could be done but I was a little unsure of how I might keep this unfortunate pigeon comfortable over night so I phoned the Brooklyn based pigeon advocate (and artist extraordinaire), Tina Pina AKA Mother Pigeon (who graciously called me back with helpful tips) to seek her advice as I could not reach bird rehabber Amanda Remsberg  (AR) whom I usually contact when I have questions re birds in need.

But it turned dark outside very quickly and so it was impossible to see anything but I prepared my rescue and transport supplies to ensure I'd be ready for Sunday's mission.

I did not see my visitor in the morning but he was there in the afternoon and I was able to determine he could fly but was injured. Plus I could hear a thumping sound when he limped across my terrace.

However, in spite of my past successes with swooping up a bird in order to take him/her to The WBF, I could not grab this guy, but I could take pictures of him (seen in the next sequence of photos)...

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN MY BOOK SERIES

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN MY BOOK SERIES

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN MY BOOK SERIES

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN MY BOOK SERIES

... and contact AR about this for a form of "tele-med" (via Facebook Messenger). The following is a copy of our correspondence that was based on the images posted above.

ME: Here is what my limping visitor looks like. I thought from the face he/she is a youngster BUT from what you said about the feet, I may be way off. I'm not confident I'll be able to "grab" te bird in order to transport him/her /to the WBF, but I can hear "thumping" (from a limp) when the bird moves  about. Thanks again for your time.

AR: Yea, he does look young with that knobby pale beak.  Such pretty colors.  I hope he will be ok.  The placement of his feet doesn’t look like a broken leg, maybe just soft tissue damage.  Tis a hard life for a pigeon in the city. 💕

ME: He's out there right now and I guess I should just let him alone because I can't capture him and he may be safer here?

AR: Hopefully.

ME: Hopefully indeed. It's hard to her him thumping about and not be able to provide relief.

UPSHOT: It is now Monday(10-12-2020) and a cold rain is falling heavily but I am keeping my eye out for the pigeon and ready to continue to take action in order to transport him to The WBF. I truly care about this pigeon's well being. 

As some of you may know, pigeons are featured within my three volume hardcover book series, Words In Our Beak which are available wherever book are sold get your copies now and please stay tuned for updates on the pigeon featured in today's post.

MY BOOK SERIES

Thursday's Testimony: There are times when care taking is for the birds.

A CARETAKER

It's no secret that there is a lot (understatement) of negative content both on Twitter as well as Facebook. 

Moreover, there is a lot of negative content about pigeons. But every now and then (if not more than now and then) a heart-warming "story" is shared. 

Here is one of them:

As you can see from the image directly above an eldery man is in a hospital laying on his side in a bed and a pigeon is sitting on his blanket. Supposedly “the nurse who took this photo said the following: ‘This elderly patient was admitted to the hospital three days ago and during those three days no family members came to visit or take care of him. The nurse who took this photo said that a pigeon came two days ago and stayed in his bed for a long time ..’. Later it was learned that he always fed the pigeon when he was sitting on the bench in the park near the hospital …”

Not sure if any of this story is true, but I do know from my experience in assiting with rescuing a pigeon in my rooftop garden, as well as with my observing other pigeons who visit my place, they are very smart. 

After all pigeons truly helped out during war time.

As readers of this blog may know, pigeons are featured in my three volume hardcover series, Words In Our Beak.

MY THREE VOLUME BOOK SERIES

A Pictorial Tale of Two Pigeons

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

PIGEONS ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

These two pigeons spent time together in my garden the other day. For your information, this bird one of many types featured in my three volume book series, Words In Our Beak.  The stories are set in my rooftop garden.

MY BOOK SERIES