Autumn has come.
We took off our short-sleeved shirts and changed to long sleeves.
We thought it was about time to start observing pigeons again.
Winter pigeons are quite nice, but once in a while, it is fun for the whole family to go out by car.
–Vroom–
“Kanade, who is that sitting next to you?”
Ah, sitting next to me is Kiyoko Natsui, a cameraman.
She is a new staff member at the animal hospital.
I am proud to say that thanks to her technical shutter speed, a new side of pigeons can be seen. So Karen, please don’t hit on her, no matter what.
Hinato is sitting in the back seat, after all.
“Let me introduce myself properly… Please call me Kiyoko…”
Kiyoko is a little quiet.
I remember that with the movement of her fingertips, many animals were massaged, and their blocked blood circulated in a good direction.
If ever we suffered from stiff shoulders, we brought her along thinking she could massage us. There is even a legend that with those hands, she managed to win over a woman on the level of Karen or so it feels.
Also, we brought swim rings today.
It is said that a “pigeon that floats and swims even on deep water” was discovered at the riverbank we are heading to, and although there are still few people around, the owner of a dog named Pedu secretly told us about it as a hidden spot. Pedu boasts enough propulsion to float on the water.
Also, that place is apparently called a natural pool.
It would feel great for the three of us to swim there.
Popporo is entrusted to my hospital, though…
–Riverbank of the UN Valley
“Hey, Kanade, are you cheating again?”
I am not.
“Eh? Kanade Mom, are you going to hit on her like Karen Mom?”
I can’t talk like Hinato in the first place, and I’m only thinking about observing as a specialist. I just want to peek a little, I guess—
“Harui-san, I need to go pee…”
I was going to ask you to take pictures, but you get nervous easily, so go ahead.
There are tissues and a trash can in the car parked near the valley.
By the way, it seems a rare pigeon lives in this valley, but the water surface is calm and there are many places you can swim to. Are they hiding in the shadows of the rocks?
I have prepared a swimsuit, just in case.
It will also help show off my adult allure as a 39-year-old.
That is, assuming the pigeon is male.
“Hey, Moms. Look at that?”
Hm? Where? You want me to look at that place rustling in the grass?
“Kanade, the rare pigeon must be over there! It’s probably a female…!”
You really gained a sense of smell sharper than an animal.
You’re hitting on people too much.
“I-I’m backkk—, hey, photo opportunity!”
Kiyoko… ! Nice.
Karen, Hinato, and I quickly change into our swimsuits and approach the bushes.
While we’re at it, let’s have Kiyoko take pictures of the rare pigeon’s ecology.
Even though it’s a riverbank, it’s only about 80 centimeters deep, so we won’t drown.
We swim, splitting into three directions.
The swimsuit feels a bit tight, though…?
Splash, ripple
We approach the bushes.
Karen seems to have a well-developed sense of smell for her age, which comes in handy.
I must praise Hinato for having strong enough senses to understand the language of pigeons…
Hmm? I feel movement in the shadows passing across the water’s surface.
Could it be a female?
Coo-coo-coo–
This cooing voice echoes muffledly.
And, that coat shining like a rainbow…
What are you saying?
“Kanade Mom, she says she wants to lay eggs, so she wants us to put her down on the ground?”
Um, by any chance, was she washed away by a flood or something?
“I’ll carry her.”
At that moment, I thought, “Kiyoko, now’s your chance, it’s a photo opportunity!”
However, Kiyoko’s reaction was weak. Although we tried swimming, as long as we put the rare pigeon down on the ground, we can take as many pictures as we want, so I guess it’s fine.
–Shallow Area of the Valley
This is the moment when a pigeon lays an egg.
To avoid causing as much stress as possible, I have Kiyoko turn off the shutter sound and flash. Originally, I wanted her to take a picture of the three of us sticking to the rare pigeon together on the water’s surface, but knowing its ecology is better for now.
Mmm-prrroppo
Unlike humans, pigeons strain less and their cries are quiet. I feel the weight of life.
I prepared a natural nest in advance, layering with withered leaves and twigs which are a pigeon’s home, and let the rare pigeon and egg rest there. The pigeon was guarding the egg and resting peacefully. She probably got separated from her flock. Let’s take care of her at the animal hospital, and once she gets well, leave her at the pigeon center until she leaves the nest.
And since I was able to take several photos, let’s pass them on as research material for the future.
Still, we look like three beautiful sisters.
Not only Karen’s toned body, but Hinato too. I swallow my saliva, wondering when she grew so big. As a token of gratitude for now, I gave a kiss of “thank you” to the resting rare pigeon.
Then, a voice echoes from somewhere.
“Thank you. As a reward–your family will continue to grow from now on. The preparations you have made will likely blossom from here on out.”
“Kanade Mom, the pigeon god is saying thank you?”
Yeah. I know.
I heard the pigeon’s voice too.
Still, it goes without saying that this was the first and last time.