Posted on 12/10/2019 9:31:47 PM PST by UMCRevMom@aol.com
Las Vegas is a place where you learn to expect the unexpected — but one recent discovery has even locals surprised.
Facebook user Bobby Lee originally posted the video that has people either in stitches or up in arms, according to the New York Post: Apparently, at least two pigeons in Las Vegas are wearing little red cowboy hats.
The sight is amusing — pigeons wearing hats? How ridiculous is that? But of course, the concerning bit is how the hats got there and why they're staying put — something Mariah Hillman with the animal rescue Lofty Hopes is pursuing.
"At first, I thought, 'Oh my god, that’s cute!' " Hillman told KVVU-TV. "And then, I was like, wait a minute — how did they get those hats on there?"
Though many couldn't care less about the fate of these "sky rats," Hillman has a soft spot for them, likens them to homeless people and has made it her mission to educate the public on these misunderstood critters.
"We rescue racing pigeons, wedding release doves, and feral pigeons," the Lofty Hopes "About" page on Facebook reads. "We rehab for adoption or release based on their needs. We do not condone breeding."
"It is our intent to inspire the community, to create the resources allowing community members to get involved in promoting humane treatment of pigeons by building community programs, educational opportunities, and partnerships across the nation. It is our mission to act as an advocate to ensure these war heroes their legal, moral, and ethical consideration and protection."
Concerned about the birds and how the hats might cause issues for their wearers, Hillman and her daughter have set out to locate the pigeons and see if they can help them.
"Did they glue them? And what does that mean for them?" Hillman told KVVU. "Is it something that's going to impede their flight or attract predators?"
"I looked all over the area, contacted the founder and gave him my number, as well as other businesses in the area asking them to call if they see them again and feed them until I arrive," Lofty Hopes posted on Facebook. "I'm only 3 miles away so fingers crossed."
Others have spotted them since the original sighting, and it seems as if Lofty Hopes is still hoping to find the birds. Until then, they're doing their best to get the word out.
"We drove up and down here yesterday for a good two hours just handing out business cards to any location where I saw pigeons and people," " Hillman said. "If you see these birds, just feed them until I get here. I'm only 3 miles away and I'll come trap them."
The birds in the video don't seem too perturbed by their fashionable gear. Domesticated pigeons often wear identification bands and plenty of wild pigeons seem to get along well enough with bigger inconveniences like a missing leg, but it is a little worrying that someone clearly had no qualms gluing (or somehow otherwise permanently affixing) items to animals.
If you happen to be in the area and spot these unique birds, you can message Lofty Hopes to let them know.
Works for Trump look at Melania. Hubba hubba.
Irradiated? You want them to glow in the dark?
Yes, it is both of them. :)
I thought it was by Jerry Jeff Walker. :(
Rescue = WT.
According to Richard Dawkins they evolved the cowboy hats as an adaptation to the sunny climate.
radiation will sterilize them, right?
Gotta watch that autocorrect.
It gets me all the time.
Pard anytime you want to talk radiation let me know. Auto correct or eradicate. Cowboy hats on pigeons ain’t sh*t compared to what this country is going through.
It would probably be more stressful on the birds to be captured by two looney human females who intend to clip the hats off the birds’ heads than it would be to let nature take its course through gradual molting of the feathers.
Quite possibly they are domestic and return to their dovecote to roost every night. If not, they’ve been caught once, leave them alone.
The one on the right has a nice Clint Eastwood vibe about him.
I wouldn’t worry about the hats. The tiny pistols might be a problem, pigeons always hit what they aim for.
37 years in nuclear power, I know a bit about radiation.
I will put you on my Nuclear ping list.
Animal Rescuers Worried After Pigeons Are Found Wearing Tiny Cowboy Hats<<<<<<
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Wait until they start wearing six shooters.
Breeding is the thing all birds live for. Their whole life is dedicated to it, it dictates their physical appearance, their range and their song; it is their source of joy, their mission from God, their single greatest ambition. And these gals call themselves a 'rescue' when they want to 'rescue' them from their purpose in life. Nice sweaters you have there, ladies- it'd be a shame if someone sh!t on them.
Right here, in black:
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Miniature-Cowboy-Crafts-Decorating/dp/B07L19WTL1/
The song was written by Willie Nelson, what’s the most popular version was a Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson duet.
If they've got cowboy hats, then they have to own a horse, so the question is, why fly when they can ride?
Went to a funeral today for an old cowboy born in 1931, passed away the 1st of Dec this year. A very great American. A rancher raised sheep, cows, dogs in grizzlies country along with horse., the Idaho side of the Rockies. 88years, must have been close to 500 people there to say good by. Bill was a damn good man. Folks get fairly close even if they don’t get along all the time. A neighbor needs help you go, next thing you know it’s back at ya. Bill’s stories will be missed, 80 years with sheep and cows in grizzly country tends to add a little sand to your stance. The folks that turned out for the funeral were young, older, middle aged, and 68 and older like me. I wish I could call Bill about pigeons in Cowboy hats he would have got a kick out of it. RIP My Friend.
I’m sure Bill would have enjoyed you telling him. What a privilege to have been his friend. I enjoyed reading about Bill, and hope your good memories comfort you when you miss him.
Your friend sounds like one hell of a guy, I can understand missing him. I’m 73 from Texas so I’ve known a few Cowboys myself. Great people all of them!
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