Stolen Pigeons

STOLE PIGEON
New York Post
January 13, 2008 --

On behalf of the Humane Society of the United States, I would like to commend The Post for highlighting the cruel practice of pigeon netting (“Fresh Pigeon Snit," Jan. 6).

Thousands of pigeons are netted in New York and sold to live pigeon shoots across state lines.

Similar to dog fighting, pigeon shooting exists so shooters can gamble against one another. Netted birds are stuffed into boxes and released 30 yards from shooters motivated by monetary prizes.

Most hunters condemn these seedy events, disturbed by the idea of blowing away thousands of animals launched out of boxes at close range.

New Yorkers can help end these events by reporting information about illegal pigeon nettings to 311.

The HSUS offers a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals illegally netting and transporting pigeons.

Heidi Prescott
Senior Vice President
The Humane Society of the United States
Washington, DC

The Last Pigeon

A.M. Richard Fine Art is pleased to announce The Last Pigeon a group exhibition curated by Andrew Garn. Selected works by Vyahir Golub, Livan Pombo, Luis Piccione, Paloma Columbia, Piotr Peristeri, Dieter Tauben, and Dan Duif.

Since 1996, the common pigeon (columba livia) population has been steadily declining. According to the American Audubon Society, between 2002-2008, still-born pigeon death syndrome (SBPDS) has increased ten fold. While New York City councilman Simcha Felder has called for the criminalization of pigeon feeding, their population is decreasing. Targeted by various political agendas, the endangered species could well become but a memory in the collective city experience. The fate of the columba livia, may meet that of the ectopistes migratorius (passenger pigeon) which in the 1850s was the most ubiquitous bird living in the U.S. Commonly, passenger pigeons would darken the skies with dense flocks measuring a mile in width and up to three miles in length. Sadly, in 1913, the last passenger pigeon died in captivity.

The Last Pigeon, an exhibition concerned with the study of this specific bird, brings awareness to the issue of urban wildlife preservation.

Raised in Manhattan, Mr Garn was, from early times, well aware of the plight of the urban pigeon. Occasionally, he would prevent stumblebums from using sling-shots to wound or kill the feathery creatures. Pre-occupied with their rescue, Mr. Garn attempted to hatch abandoned eggs using a desk lamp as an incubator. Today a New York-based artist and photographer, Mr. Garn has invited a select group of artists to conceive a tribute to the much underappreciated columba livia.

Mr. Garn has created a captivating photographic portfolio of pigeon life - from birth to hoary age. To the uninitiated eye, the pigeon portraits reveal a beauty of subtle nature. Distinct personalities, peculiar character traits, odd signs of time and experience are unveiled. Rarely seen are photographs of baby pigeons. A short video montage features a Muybridge-like sequencing and morphing of pigeon types in motion. Standing on a wood platform before a slate grid, the birds slowly move and timidly bop to the sound of Thelonious Monk's Epistrophy. Actual pigeons, for the duration of the exhibition, can be seen living in a reconstructed Brooklyn rooftop diorama. A series of small sculptures conceived in the form of pigeons made of clear glass filled with feathers, are strewn in the main gallery space. One can only wish that these fanciful renderings not become the last flock of lost pigeons.

Press release

March 28th - May 11th, 2008
Gallery Hours: weekdays by appointment, weekends 1-6 pm
Gallery Contact: A.M. Richard (917) 570-1476

It's a Dove's Life: Celebrating American Pigeons

It's a Dove's Life: Celebrating American Pigeons

National Pigeon Day Anthem

National Pigeon Day Anthem
"Cher Ami"
lyrics and music by Scott Massarsky (C2008)
www.myspace.com/scottmassarskyandthemakeshiftorchestra

I’m coming home
I’m coming home today
I’m on my own
With a message to relay
And though it’s cold
I will make my way
To you
To you

My wings spread out
As I take to flight
cause I was taught
To fly through the night
My secret lies within my feet
And All that’s left of my Cher Ami
Is a note
A note
A note

No do not cry
No not for me
The Shrapnel flies
I would die for my country
Look to the sky
It’s where I’ll always be
You always be
My Cher Ami
So come home
Come home
So come home
Come home

An act of love
An act of chivalry
Where are you now
Oh now my Cher Ami
Please come home

See blog for complete details about National Pigeon Day.