Speedy

[Kyle]

This is Speedy. He is a Pigeon that landed in our backyard last summer. Both my Fiancee and I noticed him because we had never seen Pigeons like that around here. We found him before we went away for a night or two and we noticed that he was still there when we got back. When I went to take photos of him I noticed he wasn't flying at all.

His wing looked injured so I called around to see if I could get him some help. I was told that he was probably a racing Pigeon and if I caught him I could look up his band and contact his owner. After chasing him for a bit I manged to get a hold of him, checked his band and put him in a large box with some water and food. I couldn't successfully get in touch with his owner but I'm glad I didn't (since he couldn't fly they would have likely killed him anyway). Turns out racing Pigeons that can't fly aren't worth much.
I had grown attached to the little guy over the few days that he was here so I hit the computer to find him some help. It was really distressing to see how many of the wildlife sanctuaries around here were full or couldn't help because he was a Pigeon.

Luckily I was able to get in touch with a great vet that took him in, fixed his wing and managed to get him into a sanctuary where he could make a full recovery.



I've always loved animals but being a wildlife photographer has really helped me appreciate even the wildlife that sometimes gets overlooked.

[Shadowman]

Nice capture.

[Barbara Ponder]

Kyle wonderful photo and you a wonderful human being for taking the time to make sure he was taken care of. There is so much cruelty in this world it is refreshing to hear of such compassion for a wounded animal! It is people like you and others that do the same that make the world a better place.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice image Kyle and you did a great job by finding a vet for this beauty. The image looks a bit overexposed to me, reducing brightness and adding some clarity might help.

[Krawuntzel]

I've always loved animals but being a wildlife photographer has really helped me appreciate even the wildlife that sometimes gets overlooked.

I am glad that you saved "Speedy" - in my opinion not being "wild".
I am very reluctant to "save" single specimens of wildlife - being used to the natural way of life and death in different habitats.
What is more to this, is your statement that we should not overlook "ordinary" or even sometimes labeled "ugly" or "disgusting" species.
Erwin

[Brownbear]

Nice image with an especially beautiful capture of the flowers. However, far more beautiful is your story of saving Speedy. Thank you for making a difference in this world.

[Kyle]

Thanks for the comments everyone.
Binnur, here is an update with slightly toned down highlights and a bit more clarity.

I am glad that you saved "Speedy" - in my opinion not being "wild".
I am very reluctant to "save" single specimens of wildlife - being used to the natural way of life and death in different habitats.

I do believe there should be a balance between helping animals and letting nature take it's course. No, Speedy was not 'wild' which did pose a problem for getting him help. Because he was not 'wild' he wasn't really use to his natural way of life and habitats. Someone interfered with his way of life, so I figured it was only right to help him out.

What is more to this, is your statement that we should not overlook "ordinary" or even sometimes labeled "ugly" or "disgusting" species.
Erwin

Honestly not sure what you mean by this.