Photo: Penny Grubb

PIGEON BEHAVIOUR

Why Don’t Pigeons Fly Away Sooner?

June Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Black & White — Freestyle”

It’s not black and white to pigeons.

Pigeons’ vision is incredible in many ways. Nonetheless, they sometimes exhibit a suicidal lack of caution in front of cars, failing to take flight until the last possible moment.

The reason might be similar to why babies have such trouble reaching for things. They see the world upside down until the mismatch between experience and sight trains their brains to invert the image. Perhaps young pigeons see things as further away than they actually are, and it is their near collisions that teach them not to leave things too late.

I didn’t zoom in on the photo above. I walked towards the pigeon expecting it to vanish at any moment, especially as I had my camera. I’m not used to wildlife posing for me, but in this case, I almost reached touching point. Had I been a cunning predator, I could probably have enjoyed pigeon pie for supper. As it is, I hope I’ve helped to teach this young pigeon the “don’t leave it to the last moment” lesson.

[embed]Black & White: June Prompt June Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Black & White-Freestyle”medium.com

For more Black & White magic, check out Mary Chang Story Writer, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Sandi Parsons, Anthea Jones, Dunelair, Dennett, pockett dessert, Susan Alison, Kris Bedenian, Kim Zuch, Jennifer Pierce, Stuart Aken, Linda Acaster, Pene Hodge, Will Hull, Nicole Anders, Danielle Hestand, Diana Lotti, Madeleine McDonald, CARMEN F MICSA, Jason Edmunds, Shereen Bingham, B.R. Shenoy, Penny Frances.

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