Pigeons get a bad rep

Pigeons. While most are calling them the “rats of the sky” I like to them of them as the hidden gem of the bird family. Yeah, I said it. If you live in New York City, you are no stranger to the pigeon. They're everywhere.

Even though they sport a bad rep, pigeons are actually highly intelligent. Remember, they used to be the trusty message delivery service of choice back in the day. Before text messages, carrier pigeons were all the rage. The first time pigeons were used for airmail was way back in 1876 and it was known as the "pigeon-gram service." They moved at a staggering 77mph and carried about 5 messages at a time. Jaw dropping.

Not only that, but they are one of only a small number of species to have self recognition...when a pigeon looks on the mirror, they can recognize themselves. Crazy, right? You know when your dog looks in the mirror, he or she thinks they're seeing another dog, not themselves. Well, pigeons, they know they're looking at themselves. Smartie birds. They can even remember the letters of the alphabet, photographs, and point out different people within a photograph.

Pigeons require patience and trust. You must allow the pigeon to analyze your presence before it feels comfortable enough to fly into your hand. Once there, they are gentle and beautiful. I mean, check out that close-up. Their iridesenct grey-purple-greenish feathers combined with brooding amber eyes...it's a shame they get such a bad reputation.

Now that we've learned some fun facts, what's the lesson in this? Well first of all, don't judge a book by its cover. Or, in this case, don't judge a bird by its feathers. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what kind of bird you are, you still have wings. Beautiful ones. And you can fly. Whether you consider yourself a misunderstood pigeon or a magnificent eagle, you still fly high every single day.

That's pretty darn awesome.

I am the freest of birds and in every form, I fly

As the peace of a dove, with the mind of a crow

Against the sky, I glide

The wisdom of the owl and the eyes of a hawk

I seek, therefore, I know

From the clouds , I peer down

As above is so below

My wings span over the ocean , against the wind and sea

Carried by air , guided by sun , like the eagle

Majestic and free

My words take flight with the pigeons

A song that rings through the trees

From my nest , against the birch. Then, carried away by the breeze

The swan, both pure and lovely, my innocence ripples the lake

A ducking, lucky and lonely and a seagull, searching the waves

The vibrancy of a canary , yet, as stoic as the crane

Quick, I dart like the sparrows

And like a Phoenix

I rise from the flames.

-Every Form of Flight , Poem from the book “The Aftermath of Unrest”

Follow me on Instagram for more bird stuff, inspiration, and poems: @nncenzi.

Natalie Nascenzi is a copywriter, poet, and author from Rhode Island. She moved to the city in 2017 to pursue her career in advertising. After a dramatic weight loss transformation of over 85 pounds and a journey through anxiety, depression, and loss of self, Natalie found herself again through words. Since then, she made an impression on New York City's open mic community and her works have been featured across the world in anthologies and independent publications. From her first book Out of Chaos to now, Natalie has spread her message of hope and transformation; and is excited to continue the journey with readers through The Aftermath of Unrest. You can find her on Instagram: @nncenzi. Visit www.natalienascenzi.com for more information or email [email protected].