Pigeons dirty? Not this one! Like all pigeons, PP loved a shower, a roll around in wet grass or a bath - his was originally an oven dish (intended for drinking water), just big enough for him or his mate to have a splash. But since 'the pigeons that bathes together, stays together' , it was soon replaced by a large plant tray.

PP and his mate didn't mind posing for the camera. They're on a large piece of wood I'd fixed over the balcony corner to provide shelter from the wet and windy weather for their nest sites. Of course, pigeons don't suffer from mere human traits like vanity....but when I look at this pic, well, I wonder!

I'd call softly through the open window "pidgie, pidgie" and on this occasion, just after this pic, he jumped down onto the floor and stood looking through the glass door at me until he got a handful of peanuts. I realised then he'd learned to recognise that particular human sound. (Of course, he then figured it must be 'pidjin English' for peanuts!)

Idle he may seem, but PP is working at incubating a couple of eggs. He had the day shift while Mrs. PP took night duty. Early morning and evening, either or both might be seen at the nest. Almost nothing would budge him - when cleaning up, I'd often move tray complete with nesting pigeon across the balcony and he'd still stay put!