Dancing and communicating with pigeons has become part of everyday life for Kimberley Darling.
The 27-year-old is a pigeon fancier, and she has made it her mission to celebrate the birds and uncover their hidden talents.
Her passion started almost at birth when her parents introduced her to the world of pigeons.
She now dedicates all her spare time to training and preparing her family’s flock for competition.
The unique abilities of pigeons are easily overlooked. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
“I love getting to form a bond with my pigeons and have a relationship with them,” she says.
Special breeds of the bird are judged on their “dance” performance.
“It’s their form of communication that they have, and they use this to communicate with each other and so you train them to communicate with you,” Ms Darling says.
Ms Darling and her brother Jack appreciate the relationship they have with their pigeons. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
It’s a hobby she shares with her younger brother Jack Darling, who took over his grandfather’s performing Voorburg Shield Cropper breed.
He has formed an invaluable relationship with his pigeons.
“They see you, they get excited, you come in, you talk to them and they all just go nuts, they are happy to see you,” Mr Darling says.
Mr Darling with his performing pigeon, a Voorburg Shield Cropper breed. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
Throughout the centuries, famous pigeon breeders have included Picasso, Walt Disney, Mike Tyson, Claude Monet, Elvis Presley, and Australian cricketer and commentator Bill Lawrie.
Interaction skills with humans
Pigeon fanciers use different techniques such as imitating cooing sounds, head movement, clicking, and talking to pigeons to establish a bond with the birds.
Pigeon judge David Spencley says the relationship between breeder and bird makes or breaks a show bird. (ABC News: Justin Hewitson)
South Australian Canary and Pigeon Association president David Spencley, who also works as a pigeon judge, stressed the significance of the human-animal relationship.
“It’s extremely important. It makes or breaks the show bird,” Mr Spencley says.
And not to be forgotten, specially bred racing pigeons can fly 1,300 kilometres within two days and travel at speeds of 50–60 kilometres per hour, but with a following wind can fly at 150kph, according to Mr Spencley.
That’s faster than a runner, cyclist, or horse rider.
Racing pigeons can cover vast distances. (ABC News: Justin Hewitson)
Vital messengers during wartime
Pigeons can be found around the world, but how did the humble bird’s reputation shift from wartime hero to carrying the nickname “rats of the sky”?
With some people thinking of pigeons as a nuisance, scabbing crumbs in city parks, the clever birds’ unique skills often go unnoticed.
Pigeons served as messengers during wartime. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
Pigeons have a distinct ability to find their way home and served the military as carrier pigeons during both world wars.
The birds were used to send messages from frontline trenches or advancing units and were carried on ships and aircraft.
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“There are stories of an aircraft carrier that had gone down and they sent pigeons in a last-ditch effort to get help … and if one of those birds got home and got that message, then they would know where that aircraft carrier was,” Ms Darling says.
Carrier pigeons were recognised for their outstanding acts of bravery and service during wartime, receiving the highest animal award.
The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals charity awarded pigeons a total of 32 Dickin Medals — the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Pigeons have been recognised for their outstanding bravery during military conflicts. (ABC News: Justin Hewitson)
“There are noted cases of birds saving hundreds of lives,” Mr Spencley says.
“In times before technology, they were extremely important.”
How do they find their way home?
While homing pigeons have raked in plenty of awards, how they do it is still the subject of contention and a mystery to science, according to Birdlife Australia’s Sean Dooley.
“There are many different theories,” Mr Dooley says.
There’s plenty to learn about pigeons. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
These include the birds’ ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field, their strong sense of smell, and using the position of the sun.
“What we certainly know is that they make visual maps, they take visual clues of their route,” Mr Dooley says.
A special bond
For pigeon fanciers like Ms Darling and her family, it’s about the special bond and peaceful animal interaction the birds offer.
A nurse by trade, Ms Darling encounters stressful and unpleasant situations but coming home to her pigeons helps her to relax.
Ms Darling says her pigeons help reduce stress. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
“My mental health has definitely improved by having pigeons,” she says.
“It’s something I can always rely on.”
Mr Spencley has had pigeons since his early childhood and is fascinated by the birds’ facial recognition, trust, and how breeders can train them.
“They are great stress relief,” he says.
Ms Darling loves sharing knowledge about her unique pigeons. (ABC Rural: Jessica Schremmer)
With some hidden pigeon secrets unveiled, Ms Darling will continue her mission to share knowledge at country shows and events, sharing her pigeons with others.
“Some kids have never seen a bird or held a bird and they are always so excited to see how soft the feathers are, and it’s so wonderful to share that with them,” she says.
“I love to share knowledge and interesting facts about our pigeons with people.”
