April 30, 1981

It was to be an important learning experience - one of those lessons parents feel compelled to present to their children. What better way to illustrate life, death, cohabitation, and the responsibility than to raise a flock of pigeons?
The plans for the coop were sketched and the materials purchased. Nails were nailed, screws were screwed, and wire fence was attached, turning a mass of lumber into a pigeon haven. The excitement was building in the short people. Lessons were being learned.
When two silver birds, a male and a female, were released into the coop they seemed to enjoy their new environs. The male spent most of his time sitting idly near the nesting box while his mate diligently surveyed their new home, flying repeatedly from the roosting bar to the floor and back.
Having raised pigeons when we were short, we were able to wow the youngsters with our knowledge of the new winged pets. With appropriate vagueness we explained how the two would pair off, how they would work together to prepare the nest, how they would make themselves ready for parenthood.
With wide eyes the short people listened, obviously impressed with our pigeon proficiency. Their awe prompted us to further explanation. Pointing to the male, still sitting heavily near the nesting box, we informed the youngsters of how the cock assists in egg incubation. From the time the hen lays the first egg, she will sit on the nest from four in the afternoon until ten in the morning. During the late morning and early afternoon the male dutifully warms his future children. And when the eggs hatch in eighteen days, (The more specifics we tossed in the more the young eyes and mouths widened.) both parents will supply the squabs with a milky nourishment secreted from their crop glands.
It won't take long now for that lean female to deposit two eggs in the nesting box straw. The short people were excited. They demanded more details which we skillfully supplied.
It was wonderful. The project was even a better object lesson than we had planned. Not only were life, death, birth, and cooperation to be vividly exhibited, but the short ones were also gaining new respect for their parents. It was everything we had hoped for and more.
And then the "male" proudly laid two eggs. End of lesson.... ~T. Stucky