I’ve always loved birds and tend to make friends with them wherever I go. Growing up, I had a cockatiel, guinea fowls, chickens, and even peacocks – the latter to help protect the flock from snakes.
Pigeons in particular have strong and distinct personalities. They’re skilled at remembering people and are domestic animals like cats and dogs, and so they get along with humans wonderfully. With proper care, they can live up to 20 years, but on the streets, their life expectancy drops to just 3–5 years.
I started rescuing pigeons a few years ago. My first rescue was an older bird suffering from stringfoot – a condition where their feet get tangled in human debris like hair or string, which can painfully amputate toes or even entire feet over time. He was released after a week of rehab and came to visit my multiple times thereafter.
I really wish more people understood pigeons and birds in general. Pigeon Rescue Melbourne is an incredible resource for anyone curious or wanting to help.
I’m Autistic and have ADHD but went undiagnosed as a child. My hyperlexia and deep interests in palaeontology, music, and birds masked a lot of my struggles. I read Dracula in early primary school, yet adults assumed I didn’t understand the content. I moved into more horror literature and was exposed to adult themes from a very young age, with no adult guidance under the assumption I couldn’t comprehend the media I consumed.
I’ve been estranged from my parents since I was 19. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve built a fantastic life for myself here in Melbourne as a Drag King and fashion designer.