As I have said in an earlier post, I can’t help being fascinated by freaky and horrible stories. Warning, this story may contain images which are disturbing to pigeon fanciers.
A pelican in St James’ Park, London, carried a pigeon around in its beak for 20 minutes before swallowing it alive.
Puts a whole new spin on that limerick…
A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His mouth can hold more than his bellican,
He can hold in his beak,
Enough food for a week!
I’m damned if I know how the helican!
Attributed to Dixon Lanier Merritt, a newspaper editor and President of the American Press Humorists Association.
5 Comments
October 26, 2006 at 10:22 am
I’m sorry, but I find that so hilarious, I can’t stop laughing – does that make me a sick person??
October 26, 2006 at 10:24 am
Well, yes, it probably does, but you are in the best of company (ie, MY company). I couldn’t stop laughing either. If pigeons were slightly nicer (and not “flying vermin”) I might feel more sorry for them…
October 26, 2006 at 3:03 pm
My mother now tells me that there’s a video of the pelican swallowing the pigeon. She said it made her feel sick. We both wondered if anyone tried to save the pigeon?
October 29, 2006 at 7:12 pm
Actually pigeon is considered quite good eating if cooked right
)
But really it is a part of life that some creatures eat others and perhaps the squeamishness comes from empathy with the prey rather than celebrating the predators. Where I live I occasionally see the harsher aspects of nature but I bet most of the people in the city have never seen the animals that they eat actually slaughtered and their flesh prepared for consumption. It is a humbling experience that more would benefit from.
LE can I suggest that as you moderate the comments anyway that you do not need the word verification It is a pain and I have given up on it at mine
)
October 29, 2006 at 9:59 pm
For some reason, Iain, you’ve come out as “anonymous”. Thanks for the tip – I have amended my comment settings.
I must confess that I have actually eaten pigeon (with spicy salt and chilli). It wasn’t bad, but I prefer quail, it’s a bit more tender.