Palomacy’s 2019 calendar photo contest and fundraiser is on! It started Monday October 15th & ends Sunday November 11th.

Your photo entries and votes support Palomacy and count you among an amazingly caring network of people committed to our culture-changing work. Thank you for helping celebrate these incredible, under-appreciated birds every day of the year! We know how special pigeons and doves are and we are showing the world!

Submit your very best photos ($5/entry) as competition is intense! Share for family and friends to vote! ($1/vote). All proceeds will help Palomacy to help more birds. You are literally shaping Palomacy’s future with your support.

Thirteen winning photos (ten top vote-getters and three founder’s choice selections) will be immortalized in the 2019 calendar. Your bird’s photo will be representing for rescued pigeons and doves in homes and busineses all over the world! Winners will also receive two full color 2019 Palomacy calendars and all can order them here while supplies last!

These beautiful rescue stories will inspire you all year.

There are 38 photos entered so far and we know lots more are coming. The sooner you enter, the better your chance to earn votes and show off your beautiful, beloved bird. Click here!

And remember- you can order your calendars here.

Post-contest Update

Here they are- all 66 entrants. I wish we could have included every one of them in our calendar!

Pidge, Berkeley CA

Pidge is a very, VERY sensitive, independent cute boy who has made great progress in the two years since his rescue. He has gradually become less anxious, more confident & more expressive. He has achieved cuddlebug status. He’s a lucky-to-be-alive Homing pigeon who survived getting lost & grounded after a ceremonial “dove release” thanks to being rescued by his person. Favorite pastimes include watching his reflection in all different surfaces, campaigning for peanuts & starchy people food & melting hearts all over the place with his “big anime eyes” (as described by an Instagram fan).

Pidge O’Carr, Sara, North Hills CA

Pidge is a rescue from the nearby area and we’ve been lucky to call her ours for 3 years plus!

Arcas, Cynthia, Berkeley CA

Arcas is a fiercely affectionate king/racing pigeon whose parents were both rescued from their respective industries. She was raised by Maia (her pigeon mom) and Laurie (her person), and eventually came to Berkeley to live with me. I’ve never met a bird who loves quite as hard as Arcas, and I am thankful for her (slightly painful) kisses and her chocolate chip feathers every single day.

Hajime, Sarah, Houston TX

This is Hajime Gretel Guillory. We got her from an online breeder, but she came very flighty and scared of everything including her own shadow. Now she is scared of everything but us and her own shadow. She is our pancake and loves to sun herself as I don’t think she got to sun in where she grew up. She also loves millet and refuses to share with her younger brother. She is quite talkative after she has gotten breakfast in the morning and allows me cuddles sparingly. She is my darling.

Arcas, Cynthia, Berkeley CA

Arcas is a fiercely affectionate king/racing pigeon whose parents were both rescued from their respective industries. She was raised by Maia (her pigeon mom) and Laurie (her person), and eventually came to Berkeley to live with me. I’ve never met a bird who loves quite as hard as Arcas, and I am thankful for her (slightly painful) kisses and her chocolate chip feathers every single day.

Pidge O’Carr, Sara, North Hills CA

Pidge is a rescue and she loves to snuggle with her mommy and daddy <3

Squirt, Jett, Reno NV

I rescued Squirt as a hatchling during a major thunderstorm in July of 2012. My friend’s pigeon coop had flooded and a lot of the newly hatched birds had already drown in their nesting bowls. I took Squirt home and spent those critical moments with him saving his little life. Instead of going back to the coop he stayed with me and has been my best friend ever since. I’ve had Squirt for 6 years and am looking forward to many more with my favorite bird in the whole world!

Holly, Bev, Umhlanga Rocks KZN South Africa 

Holly is a rescue from a White dove release business. After realizing the difficulties that these beautiful white pigeons have I approached the breeder and asked him for a baby. (I figurered if I could help only one I could do my very little bit) She was given to me as a very little one whom I raised. We are totally attached to one another. Holly is also my model for my Flyper bird diaper business and she has quite a following now both nationally and internationally. We do pigeon awareness together and educate people about awesome pigeon love.

Sadie & Pickle! Jill, Sunol CA

Sadie is a 10 year old unreleasable feral pigeon with wonky leggies, married to young stud king pigeon Pickle! There is a ! after his name because he is a lot of bird!!! They are soooooo in love.

Simon, Faye, Sunnyvale CA

Simon is a very dignified senior citizen homing pigeon who somehow survived the “dove release” business long enough to reach the age of 12. Despite his wisdom & years of experience, he got lost & was almost starved to death when he self-rescued to a homeowner in Watsonville. They couldn’t keep him but new a bird person who knew Palomacy & after about two months on our waiting list, we were able to bring him into our foster care. He is a lovely gentleman & I think this photo really shows the need these birds feel for our help.

Paisley, Angela, Havre de Grace MD

Paisley was welcomed into our flock Sept 3rd, 2017. This sweetheart was initially brought home at the ripe age of 4 months and thought to be female – boy were we wrong! Pollito and Paisley love to torment each other. Paisley enjoys flying to mommy and shaking wingies, helping her with makeup application. Bathing in his water dish is a favorite pastime as well!

Glory, Elizabeth, San Francisco CA

Sunbathing beauty Glory, all grown up now, arrived to Palomacy in June 2018 as a disabled, fallen nestling with no place else to go. She needed surgery to correct her splayed leg & still wears a corrective shoe sometimes on her ‘good foot’ to help support it & we are watching her bad (& unfixable) club foot to keep it working well but none of that gets in Glory’s way. She is a smart, willful & mercurial little sprite that spreads magic wherever she goes.

Giovanni Pepperoni (Jeeves), Stormi, Portland OR

Jeeves was found as a 14 day old fledgling with severe calcium deficiency, deformed leg, and a host of other health issues. Thanks to the amazing support from the people of Palomacy, especially Charis in Portland, we got him healthy and strong. Now this beautiful and confident bird is a treasured part of our family.

Buddy, Erika, Etobicoke, Ontario Canada

Here is Buddy being a handsome guy and showing us his beautiful eye.

Bolin, Alyssa, Milwaukee WI

Bolin is a rescued pigeon from a farm that was selling him for dog hunting. He was very scared at first and did not do well with people. With time and love, he quickly became the sweetest pigeon and is endeared by many.

Teddy, Veronica, Salisbury MA

Teddy was at a rescue for a while. He needed a home ASAP. He was very amorous with the ladies therefore causing a bit of commotion. He is a very loving dove and has a good sense of humor. He laughs all the time-especially when he’s being “naughty”. We have had Teddy now for six years. He gets along with our cockatiels and female pigeon, but not so much with our dominate male pigeon. So they have to take turns for outside cage time. As you can see, he is making sure I use the cleaner to clean his cage.

Nebula, Rebecca, Rock Island IL

Nebula was a racing pigeon that lost her way but found refuge with my family after a phone call from a friend lookin for help. She has brought us great joy and a new found appreciation for the bird. Since rescuing her in July, she has met the love of her life, Galaxy (another lost racer). They have married and are currently caring for their first eggs (replaced with fakes). Our son chose the names for them based on their star-like markings on their head and “cosmic” iridescent feathers.

Griffin, Jennifer, Blackwood NJ

Griffin was just a baby when she was thrown from her nest when a new roof was being put on. It was impossible to put her back so I rehabilitated her till she was old enough to be set free but she somehow ended up imprinting on me. So instead of giving her up to a rescue so now lives happily with her flock family, with a dog 2 children, my husband & myself. She is my precious love!

Boba & Cooper, Jennifer, Oakland CA

Super sweet married couple Boba & Cooper, shown in their foster Jeniffer’s loving arms, are very lucky-to-be-alive survivors of pigeon racing. Boba was grounded with an injury & taken to a non-bird-serving shelter meaning rescue was her only chance. Cooper, after being used for racing (& not winning) was sold off as “surplus” to be used for training hunting dogs (a fate worse than death). He was purchased & released but domestic & with wing & tail feathers completely cut off, he only survived because he was rescued. We’re so glad these beautiful lovebirds are safe & happy now!

Kerry King, Sariah, Las Vegas NV

I was found sitting on a hot Las Vegas sidewalk outside of my rescuer’s place of work. I had fallen from the nest and was just a young squeaker. She took me home, cared for me and loved me. Even took me to the veterinarian for surgery when I had a mysterious wound pop up on my chest. I could tell my rescuer was scared for me. I’m right as rain now and living the good life. Spoiled rotten.

Holly, Bev, Umhlanga Rocks KZN South Africa 

Holly was bred for white dove release. I got her when she was a little one and I raised her. Holly goes absolutely EVERYWHERE with me and together we are doing a lot of pigeon awareness ( nobody can walk past me after seeing me with a pigeon , dressed in a Flyper , perched on my shoulder, so that is a big conversation starter). Holly is our Flyper model too and has quite a big national and international following so I guess she is definitely doing her bit for the pigeon world. Lovable beyond words my Holly bird!

Nessie, Jill, Sunol CA

Nessie was one of three homing pigeons that were blinded in an attempt to dye them green – we don’t know why. She lives her big life in an aviary with 27 other birds. She knows where everything is. If I move things around, she figures things out. She goes toward the action, not away from it as you would expect a blinded pigeon would. She’s living the single life (for now). Special needs birds make wonderful pets!

Toby, Joanne, West Palm Beach FL

Toby was a racing pigeon who decided he needed a new life that was a little slower paced. Why he chose our house, we’ll never know. We’re happy to have him. He stole our hearts and makes us laugh every day!

Hawaiian Sunset, Karen, Lanesville IN

My husband and I were in Kona Hawaii enjoying a spectacular sunset when 3 Zebra Doves landed directly in front of us. For 20 mins they sat quietly, not taking their eyes off of the beautiful site in front of them. As soon as the sun disappeared, so did they! It was such a surreal moment shared with God’s special creatures!

Bubby, Brandon, Troutdale OR

Bubby was a teeny little squeaker rescued by Terrie Heilmen Stoffel and brought to the pet expo with the birds of Avian underdogs . We arrived with the intent of only adopting one friend for our Heihei but instead very quickly fell in love with this sweet little squeak. She rode home on my shoulder and has been our sassy little trouble maker ever since. We feel like this photo continues to capture her personality 100%!

Marty & Cricket, Jenny, Walnut Creek CA

Cricket is a gentle giant and Marty is little but fierce! They really are the embodiment of love; constantly preening and snuggling, never wanting to leave the others side.

Luigi, Sue, Patchogue NY

Luigi is a self-rescued Roller Pigeon. He has spent the last 3 years with me since we met in my driveway when he was 2 years old. His favorite pastimes include stomping & grunting. He loves to be sprayed down for his every-other-day baths, he enjoys spending time on his fake egg (he takes this VERY seriously) and he will do whatever he can to make sure he is fed on time each day. Luigi insists that all human feet enter his room with socks on…the thicker the wool the better.

Becky, Sabina, Sunnyvale CA

Pecky Becky is a rescued feral pigeon who was found grounded and weak with a broken wing and both feet injured, infected and entangled together in string. He’s recovered now and adoptable from Palomacy.

Punchy (Punch Punch), Angela, Havre de Grace MD

Punchy was adopted from a lovely family in Maryland that had a new lifestyle change they felt wasn’t going to fit her well. After spending three wonderful years with her initial family, she came to our flock Dec 30th, 2017 (we still keep in touch). This sweetie absolutely loves water and joins during human bathtime. Punch Punch thoroughly enjoys flying and keeping out of reach as well, despite being bonded to her mother.

Clyde, Abbey, Fredericksburg VA

Clyde is a self-rescue pigeon! He blew in after a storm, and after about a week of hanging around the house, we took him in out of fear that he would be eaten by a hawk. We don’t have wild pigeons in our neighborhood, so we think that he might have been a wedding release bird who wasn’t able to find his way back. Now he is safe, and happy with a friend.

Carlita, Melne, San Francisco Bay Area

Dainty Carlita was found at the San Francisco animal shelter, where her unusual looks gained her the nickname “ET.” In fact, she was a Budapest Short-faced Tumbler, a fancy breed with tiny beaks, huge eyes, bumpy head and tip-toed walk. After being rescued by Palomacy, she went on a pHarmony date with rescued my feral male pigeon Bowie. In under a minute, they met, fell in love, got engaged, and married. Sadly, after 4 years of wedded bliss, Carlita passed away in September. She is terribly missed, but will always be remembered for her quirky beauty, and sweet personality.

Heihei & His Tree, Kayla, Troutdale OR

Heihei was a feral Pigeon that crashed into my window December of last year and knocked himself out. I was sure he had passed till he hopped up &stumbled under my car. I rushed out,was able to pick him right up &he came to our home to be cleaned ,fed,and given water. My vet was sure he had ingested something poisonous and had a concussion that kept him from flying/walking steadily.Since then he has fully recovered &become a little couch potato that loves to watch movies,cuddle,steal Qtips,get beak rubs& his wife Lois. He is an irreplaceable member of our family.

Pearl & Peep, Seema, San Francisco CA

Pearl was rescued with her first husband, Bixby, both in ill health. Bixby unfortunately passed and Pearl later chose Peep out of all of the eligible pigeons at Palomacy. They now enjoy their days flying around in their stylish flightsuits and listening to nature sounds & relaxing music for birds.

Pollito, Angela, Havre de Grace MD

Pollito was adopted May 12, 2016. From the moment he joined the family, he has contributed nothing but happiness and laughter. He even has his own Instagram! Pollito spends his free time hunting for nesting material for his fake eggs, watching Netflix with mommy and assisting with her hair each morning.

Stargazer Smith, Bridgette, Ellenboro NC

Stargazer is a Rescue from Chicago Pigeon Pets, she was picked up on the streets of Chicago with a head trauma injury And was taken to a Wildlife Rehab for treatment and Stability. Once she was stable she was turned over to Chicago pigeons and fostered and loved her until I adopted her. Stargazer still has left leg weakness and balance coordination issues, and a severe head tilt. after 2 days here and adjusting she just blossomed and is now walking more upright, winger sizing, and flirting with the boys. Star has taught me resilience, endurance, thankfulness, love, hope.

Wallace, Donna, Lyons CO

Wallace was found by employees at a water treatment plant in 2018. She was landing on people’s heads and trying to get into the building there. They brought her to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it was determined she must have been a dumped pet. Donna Nespoli, who worked there, adopted her. She has been an active part of the family since then. She gets along with her people and dogs very well. Her antics keeps everyone entertained.

Bugby, L’ynssa, Atwater CA

Bugby incurred an injury that caused part of his beak to become necrotic and fall off. He can now eat on his own dispite his malformation and everything he has had to overcome.

Winter, Elizabeth, San Francisco CA

In 2013, Winter was found in a creek (with an egret!) by hikers who, luckily for him, recognized that this domestic pigeon needed help. They lovingly cared for him for 5 years until life changes & expensive vet bills meant they had to give him up. Together, Palomacy & the Medical Center for Birds have given Winter another chance at life & he is loving it. He’s a cancer survivor who needed two surgeries to remove the life-threatening sarcoma tumors. Now, all this hansdsome, charming manbird needs is a ladybird & a home. His adopter will be so lucky.

Glory, Elizabeth, San Francisco CA

Feral Rock pigeon Glory (shown here at ~ 3 weeks old) fell out of her nest & was found stranded on an Oakland sidewalk by a kind passerby. She had one splayed leg that extended uselessly out behind her & a club foot on the other & would never be releasable. She couldn’t stand up but was sure feisty, wary of our intentions (unusual as baby pigeons are often very trusting). We made friends, won her confidence & raised money for the surgery required to break & rotate her leg into proper position. It worked! Glory says, Thank you!

Bowie LePigeon, Melne, San Francisco Bay Area

Bowie has a few choice words for Bert’s Pigeon Patrol. In 2013, baby Bowie was found and brought to Medical Center for Birds, where the staff lovingly raised him. Usually, pigeons brought there are raised and released back to the wild, but his bowed legs, which inspired his name, raised doubt about his ability to survive on the mean streets. On a visit, I mentioned my interest in a pet pigeon, and they arranged an introduction to Bowie. We’ve been together since!

Ali’s Evolution, Bonnie, Livingston MT

One crazy windy day, baby Ali was blown into the tiny courtyard behind our studio and brought into the gallery by our shop cats, who had never seen a bird before and thought he was the most fabulous toy. Thanks to your Palomacy website and facebook page, we got the advice we needed to help this sweet little fighter survive his injuries, and now he is a beloved member of our family. If only everyone knew how adorable a rescued pigeon can be, PetSmart would go out of business!

Pidge, Berkeley CA

Pidge is a very, VERY sensitive, independent cute boy who has made great progress in the two years since his rescue. He has gradually become less anxious, more confident & more expressive. He has achieved cuddlebug status. He’s a lucky-to-be-alive Homing pigeon who survived getting lost & grounded after a ceremonial “dove release” thanks to being rescued by his person. Favorite pastimes include watching his reflection in all different kinds of surfaces, campaigning for peanuts & starchy people food & melting hearts all over the place with his “big anime eyes” (as described by an Instagram fan).

Bobber, Kelsey, Lansing MI

Bobber is a rescue pigeon I met on the job, as a home-based therapist, who I later learned rescues others. Many of the children I work with grow up in foster care, often confused and ashamed about their family narratives. “Bobber was hurt as a baby bird and his birth parents didn’t know how to keep him safe”, is a story the children know all too well. Bobber’s journey is particularly inspiring to these children, who need a hero to remind them of the resilience they already possess. Bobber reminds us all we are worthy of love, safety, and permanence.

Gigie, Anne, Rennes France

I rescued Gigie when she was just a young baby who have fallen from her nest…. A few days after her rescue she developed severe PMV and it took 9 awful months for her remission. But during all this she stayed a joyful and a full of life little sweetie. She is my sunshine and I can’t imagine my life without her at my side!

Panda & Seymour, Anna, Fairfax CA

Panda is a rescue from Palomacy. Seymour was a feral rescue from when I lived in Michigan and was my first foray into the world of pigeons. Panda is twice Seymour’s size (640 grams to 312 grams) but that isn’t a barrier to their love and he is a great pigeon papa to their fake plastic eggs. I tried capturing one of their canoodling moments, but wasn’t able to get a good, non-fuzzy photo. I am forever grateful to Palomacy that they found each other!

Miu, Cynthia, Berkeley CA

Miu is a rescued and adopted homing pigeon who likes traveling and snuggling, and she loves peanuts more than anything in the world. She’d probably choose them over me… but I love her anyway.

Irv, San Francisco CA

“Greetings. My name is Irv and I am the President of the SF Federated Union of Feral Pigeons. Glad to meet you. I feel that it’s my duty to enter myself in this Contest to ensure that Feral Pigeons have adequate representation in 2019. As you can see, we Ferals contribute to Palomacy’s mission by doing public relations work daily on the streets of our cities. Using our Natural Charms, we strive to raise public awareness about the Excellent Qualities of All Pigeons. A Vote for Irv is a Vote for Universal Pigeon Love! Thank you.”

Snowy Marshmallow Pidgey 1, Jennifer, Los Angeles CA

Snowy Marshmallow was on our roof when we came back from Easter 2016. I said it was a beautiful bird and I put my arm out and asked him to come… he did! Then my daughter opened the sliding glass door and he walked right into our house! I didn’t know anything about pet pigeons then, though I had brought a few to a rescue before. I put an ad out, saying I found this lost bird. When I found out that racers don’t usually want their birds back, I knew he would stay with us forever :)

Milo, Julia, Alameda CA

Milo is a very special bird who has brought tremendous joy to her family. She was originally brought in as a fledgling to a shelter and on a very spontaneous day, her human came to see her, hoping that she could find a new companion to make those quiet days a little less quiet. Through the kindness of Palomacy, she was able to take Milo in and could not be happier with how things worked out. Milo is a very curious bird who loves being in the company of people. Since being adopted she has become a Palomacy ambassador, attending many outreach events. She loves spreading the word about how wonderful pigeons can be.

Coo, Karen, Brick NJ

My mom was known as The Bird Lady of Bergen County for her rescue work. As she aged, there was just her beloved Coo, a ring-necked dove she got as a baby . She moved into assisted living with Coo. Later, my 89 year old mom returned home on hospice. Coo’s cage was right by her bedside and brought her much joy and comfort. I had promised my mom that I would take Coo into my home after she passed and give him love and the best care possible. Coo is approximately 24 and going strong. He is a blessing!

Buddy & Baby, Erika, Etobicoke, Ontario Canada

Baby (Blue Check) is the start of my rehab and rescue life. Found as barely a 5 -7 day old little one on the pavement in the cooler end of August. She means the world to me. Buddy shown here on the left was rescued as a baby with his sister. Buddy and sister Sweety were not in great shape when we took them in. They were not wanted because they were not true white babies! Well they are very much wanted here. He is a very large boy who loves to flirt with Baby as seen here.

Fleetwood, Stephanie, Fairfield CA

Fleetwood is a very lucky to be alive Persian High Flyer Pigeon who was found grounded with his entire top beak ripped off by a predator. Palomacy took him in and helped him heal, and hand fed him for 2 1/2 years before he was finally adopted! Fleetwood is a very happy boy, great eater, extremely loving husbird, and all around amazing pigeon rescue advocate!

Jonah & Ms. Pidge, Chava, Fairfield CA

Pigeons are our heroes! Jonah and Ms. Pidge are both rescued, non-releasable Chicago city pigeons. Jonah was found dragging himself down an alleyway by his beak because both his legs were paralyzed. Thanks to hydrotherapy and advice from the Palomacy team, Jonah is able to stand again! Ms. Pidge self-rescued by walking into a record shop with a fractured wing. Jonah and Ms. Pidge inspire us every day with their courage! They enjoy attending Palomacy outreach events, being feathered executives accompanying their mom on work travel, and greeting their dad when he comes home from his Air Force duties!

Photos Included in the 2019 Calendar 

#13 Pidge, Berkeley CA

Pidge is a very, VERY sensitive, independent cute boy who has made great progress in the two years since his rescue. He has gradually become less anxious, more confident & more expressive. He has achieved cuddlebug status. He’s a lucky-to-be-alive Homing pigeon who survived getting lost & grounded after a ceremonial “dove release” thanks to being rescued by his person. Favorite pastimes include watching his reflection in all different surfaces, campaigning for peanuts & starchy people food & melting hearts all over the place with his “big anime eyes” (as described by an Instagram fan).

#12 Emmy Swope & Doug Love, Liese, Sunnyvale CA

When I picked up Doug Love at the Peninsula Humane Society medical center, I knew he was special. He had a cute head tilt, a twinkle in his eye, and a bum foot, which meant he would be recovering at my house rather than going directly to the foster aviary where I volunteer. While I did try to transition him to the aviary on one occasion, I just couldn’t leave him. Thanks to Faye’s excellent dHarmony, Doug met Emmy Swope, newly single, got hitched, got adopted, and live large. Every night, they sleep together in their pink litter pan nest.

#11 Pearl & Rango with Autumn Leaves, Cynthia, Sacramento CA

Pearl is a King pigeon, and a survivor of a “wedding dove” release. She has been with us for a little over a year. Rango is an English Carrier Pigeon, rescued along with eight others from an unsafe aviary. Pearl and Rango were married in the summer of 2018. They both have BIG personalities, and they are so in love!

#10 Baby, Erika, Etobicoke, Ontario Canada

My Baby as a happy fed baby! Baby was found at a very young age of 5 days old and was nursed back to health.
She loves to nest with a fresh box a q-tips that mommy forgets to close and she loves living inside a warm house. She has taught me so much. You can read her story and see more photos of her on the Palomacy help group.

#9 Quiggles, Meg, Stillwater OK

Quiggles hatched two years ago in a dark little pet shop. A kind lady took pity on this sweet little dove and saved him after seeing his poor living conditions. Unable to be his lady long-term, she took him to live at Olive’s Place, a sanctuary for doves & pigeons. Here Quiggles began to thrive with a motley flock, loving care, and good food. Finally, with wife Quinn, he chose a human to keep forever and a place to call Home.

#8 Jingle, Jill, Sunol CA

Jingle was a brave dove found on the street in San Jose, brought to Andy’s Pet Store by a good Samaritan and fostered for a short while with the Andy’s foster dove flock. He developed torticollis and came to live with me for support. I fell in love and adopted him. I had fiercely hoped he would recover but his condition became worse over the course of a few months. During his time with me he never let his illness get the best of him. He was a happy boy, lived a big life and inspires me still.

#7 Wyatt, Ashley, Tulsa OK

Wyatt is a feisty, grouchy, love-able pigeon with an iron will. A wing injury left him flightless and unable to return to the wild. Living in an aviary, he suddenly lost mobility and was near death, requiring diligent care and hand-feeding. Slowly Wyatt rallied and showed an unflinching determination to live. He regained the ability to self-feed, and after 5 months began walking again. He has taught everyone never to underestimate a pigeon! Wyatt lives at Olive’s Place sanctuary, and models for paintings in the Canvas Dove art studio. He will always have a special place in the flock.

#6 Paloma, Kym, Los Angeles CA

Paloma was found in the streets of Los Angeles. Her background is a mystery but she now lives a glamorous life with her bunny and chihuahua sisters in Hollywood. Her favorite hobby is making necklaces for herself out of organic material she finds around the apartment. This is the fifth design in her original line.

#5 Gem, Shae, Fairfax CA

Oh, Gem! He’s had some ups and downs. Six years ago, he was standing in a vacant lot when I drove by and saw that something was very wrong. His wing was punctured and fractured, probably by a hawk. We nursed him and built him a home where he married his beloved Haiku, who passed away last year. He has since happily married again. You can see he likes to bring gifts to the ones he loves!

#4 Nina, Maria, Sabadell, Spain

Nina is a collared dove who was rescued from an animal shelter. She has lived with us since 23rd May 2010. Before that, she used to be a “class pet” in a kindergarten and was afraid of people, especially children. She is an active, lively dove who enjoys playing with her plush toys. Nina is also an academic dove: she supervises my work from her nest on my desk and you will find her name in my PhD dissertation acknowledgements. We are best friends and she follows me everywhere.

#3 Francesco, Lori, East Hampton CT

Francesco rescued his mommy in June of 2017 when he showed up in a friend’s backyard and refused to leave. He instantly stole his mommy’s heart, and now they do everything together. Francesco even watches over his mommy while she sleeps at night. His adorable, pigeon silouhette hovering over his mommy’s head is a most comforting sight when a bad dream wakes her in the middle of the night! In addition to his mom, Francesco loves his special pillow, his cuddly, stuffed bee, his window, and Mary Chapin Carpenter’s 2016 album. Francesco – what a gift he is!

#2 Big Bird, Neilia, Mineola NY

Big Bird joined our family in 2013. My vet contacted me about a friendly domestic pigeon he had nursed back to health. She had been brought in by a Good Samaritan after being shot with a BB gun at close range. She had been a racing pigeon. Big Bird immediately bonded with me, and became my shadow. From the moment I let her out of her cage each day, she would follow me all over the house. Her favorite activity was cuddling in my lap each evening. She passed away peacefully in September, and we miss her dearly each day.

#1 Tall Baby, Gwenn, Monroe NY

This is TB, short for Tall Baby, at 4 weeks old, standing tall for the first time in his new hobble. This proud pijie is just one example of how far and wide Palomacy reaches to help pigeons in need. TB was found in NJ by a kind soul who searched for help and found Palomacy, just as I did a year ago. Sadly, at 4 months, TB flew to the Rainbow Bridge. A piece of me went with him that day, but my Tall Baby will always live in my heart forever

 

Thank you to everyone who participated- and especially our 66 calendar contest entrants- for helping Palomacy raise $5222 to help pigeons and doves and the people who love them every day of the year. 

You can order your big, gorgeous, inspiring Palomacy wall calendar here.