ROGUE WANDERER: Rethinking this bird: Being passionate for pigeons

Published 3:23 pm Thursday, May 22, 2025

By PEGGY DOVER / for the Rogue Valley Times

I’ve had Sindy and her pigeons on column alert for quite some time. 

Her unique understanding of rescuing pigeons flashed bright on my quirk-o-meter. Last week, we arranged to meet with her and her husband, Steve, along with several pigeons in residence at their home and aviary in Jacksonville. I invited friends that I knew would be game for an unusual adventure — Denise, Kay and Lynn. By the time we left, pigeons had assumed an elevated realm of consideration in our thinking.

As we sat inside their comfortable home sipping delicious wine from South Stage Cellars, pigeons of various breeds and color variations fluttered among us. I had mistakenly assumed that they had their little diapers on (“flypers” in pigeon nomenclature). No. While they do wear them and a leash when out paying calls, Sindy and Steve allow them to “let ‘er free where ‘ere they be,” as my grandfather used to say. This requires an ample supply of wet wipes because as Steve reminded us, “They don’t go very long without pooping.” 

The couple kept things cleaned up, but I must admit to avoiding eye contact with my companions for fear of losing it. Still, as a writer, I enjoyed the unconventional outlook. Once we got over it, we learned about the fascination of pigeons. My friends cuddled birds cautiously as we listened. 

Sindy Harris knows each bird by name and who is married to whom. She may be nutty over pigeons, but don’t let the extremes of her personal passion fool you into thinking there isn’t substance behind the enthusiasm. She was formerly an attorney, and now she’s turned her attention toward these amazing birds.

Her aim is to share the knowledge and expertise in order to educate the public about pigeons and their need for respect and protection. Pigeons were adored for centuries, but have fallen out of favor and are now used as racers and props for weddings and other celebrations.  

Sindy and Steve’s adventure began with Steve rescuing a white pigeon from certain death on a California freeway. 

“I brought her home because I knew Sindy would want to look after her,” he said. 

The pigeon attached itself to a human for help. 

“It’s called self-rescuing,” Sindy added. “Pigeons are incredibly smart. They’re smart enough to know they need help.” 

They could teach us a thing or two. 

There are four basic facts everyone should know about pigeons. They mate for life. It’s like a forever love. After they die, Sindy brings the bird back allowing the mate to grieve so they may move on. They coparent equally, sitting on their eggs and nurturing their babies the same amount of time. They don’t kick their babies out when they turn 18. That’s why you never see a baby pigeon. The last fact is, they live in peace with one another. 

Then Sindy shared a little-known fact about pigeons that sets them apart from most birds. 

“Pigeons make and feed their babies milk. There are three species of birds that make milk: flamingos, penguins and pigeons/doves,” she said. “They make milk in their crop — both males and females. They regurgitate it into their mouths and the babies suck it from their mouths.” 

“Pigeons are historically compelling,” Sindy said. “They were so deeply involved in class struggles that they could have starred in “Les Miserables.’”  

During WWI and WWII, approximately 50,000 pigeons were released from trenches and maneuvering troops. Pigeons braved enemy fire and toxic gas, saving thousands of soldiers’ lives because of the bird’s strong desire to return to their mate, family and flock, Sindy explained. 

“They fly directly to their mate at 76.2 mph on average, despite having lungs that don’t expand.”

We’ve only scratched the surface. I urge a visit to her website, sindyspigeonservice.com, and her aviary. You might be surprised at the cleanliness, lack of foul (fowl) odor, and the happiness of their feathered friends. 

Sindy’s Pigeon Service sells pigeon supplies. Every penny she makes goes toward building aviaries for people who want to participate in pigeon rescue. 

 “I believe I am making a difference for these much maligned and mistreated birds,” Sindy added, “and if being a crazy pigeon lady is what it takes, I am all in.”

Peggy Dover is a freelance writer/author. Reach her at peggydover@gmail.com.

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