No denying that the feral pigeon has amazing colours
A Rock Dove or feral pigeon stretching on the rock breakwater at Narooma
Canon EOS R5 Mk II with a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Zoom [ISO 160, 500mm, f/8.0 and 1/500])
This post was an unintended coincidence for this date but today, 13 June, is Pigeon Appreciation Day - well in the US, but I am happy to extend it to Australia. I admit that I have been a bit non-plussed about photographing Rock Doves (Columba livia), normally called the feral pigeon in Australia - or cruelly, a rodent with wings. They are feral after all, and they normally congregate in dirty groups in cities where they make a mess. However, I came across a small group of them one afternoon in May 2025 on the northern rock breakwater at Narooma. I really enjoyed photographing them because of their wonderful throat colouration.
These pigeons are supposedly the oldest domesticated bird, with indications that they were domesticated 2000-5000 years ago. The domestic pigeon originated from the Rock Dove that is native to the areas around the Mediterranean Sea and yet it has thrived around the world where humans have taken it. That in itself is worthy of respecting these survivors of how humans have modified habitats and climates.
They may not be the most loved bird in Australia but I do think they have wonderful colours.
A Rock Dove or feral pigeon stretching its wings, while its other foot remains tucked under in its belly feathers
Canon EOS R5 Mk II with a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Zoom [ISO 160, 500mm, f/8.0 and 1/500])
