Last week I published an article about the introduction of sparrows to the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. Writing that article reminded me of seeing more and more resourceful pigeons find their food in nature in Brooklyn with fewer people leaving crumbs, bagels, pizza, and other unnatural delicacies for them to satisfy their appetites with less effort. On a late afternoon on August 18, 2020, I saw a pigeon that surpassed all others in his or her food gathering efforts. Behold, below, the pigeon on a very small quasi-limb:
The pigeon was interested in something at the end of the plant. I suppose that he or she could not reach it from the ground, so the industrious bird decided to stand on the plant itself. I arrived after the pigeon was already on the plant. In awe of seeing nature in action, I had my BlackBerry Classic ready. The pigeon carefully inched toward his or her destination, stepping carefully as to not disturb the plant that was struggling to hold his or her weight. Below, you will see the pigeon’s moment of triumph.
The pigeon took a few bites, but then nearly fell off the plant, for the poor plant could not support the pigeon’s weight. After almost falling, the pigeon took one last bite and then hopped off the plant, returning to the sidewalk.
Like an improbable little stream mushroom, this pigeon found a way. I hope he or she is handling the recent snow and cold well.