A Tale of Two Rescues: Lucky Harry and Gentle Edith

I seem to be turning into an animal rescue as this week I have taken in two injured birds: first Harry the pigeon and then Edith the gull. A couple of nights ago a kind member of the public contacted me wanting help with a pigeon – Harry – that was being attacked by a crow in a local park. She had contained the pigeon in a shoebox but couldn’t hang onto the bird overnight. Once Harry was safe with me I spotted the ring around his leg, indicating he’s a racing pigeon and belongs to someone. I read the numbers on the tag, input the details into the Royal Pigeon Racing Association website and was very quickly emailed the owner’s details. I called the owner the following morning though I’ll admit I wasn’t incredibly hopeful. I assumed the owner might be in England or, based on some sad stories I’d read about the world of pigeon racing, not interested in getting Harry back. I’m happy to say I was wrong on all counts. Harry’s owner was in Aberdeen and was delighted his bird, who should have…