Lest we forget ...

I SPOKE TO YOU IN WHISPERS

I spoke to you in whispers
As shells made the ground beneath us quake
We both trembled in that crater
A toxic muddy bloody lake
I spoke to you and pulled your ears
To try and quell your fearful eye
As bullets whizzed through the raindrops
And we watched the men around us die
I spoke to you in stable tones
A quiet tranquil voice
At least I volunteered to fight
You didn't get to make the choice
I spoke to you of old times
Perhaps you went before the plough
And pulled the haycart from the meadow
Far from where we're dying now
I spoke to you of grooming
Of when the ploughman made you shine
Not the shrapnel wounds and bleeding flanks
Mane filled with mud and wire and grime
I spoke to you of courage
As gas filled the Flanders air
Watched you struggle in the mud
Harness acting like a snare
I spoke to you of peaceful fields
Grazing beneath a setting sun
Time to rest your torn and tired body
Your working day is done
I spoke to you of promises
If from this maelstrom I survive
By pen and prose and poetry
I'll keep your sacrifice alive
I spoke to you of legacy
For when this hellish time is through
All those who hauled or charged or carried
Will be regarded heroes too
I spoke to you in dulcet tones
Your eye told me you understood
As I squeezed my trigger to bring you peace
The the only way I could
And I spoke to you in whispers......
- By Neil Andrew

Serena, Seeker and Aquagirl were high maintenance guests at our shelter for over 4 months. See this link for more information and to watch their release: https://fb.watch/aVAhGnorJ9/

No sooner had they rejoined their flock than little Forrest came limping into our care. (See the last photo).

Every year, we rescue increasing numbers of injured or poisoned street pigeons and unaccompanied nestlings and fledglings. Depending on their condition, a bird can remain in our care for several months or indefinitely.

We need a double door, walk-in aviary that will enable recovering or permanent birds enough space to use their wings and to have private areas to sleep.

If you know where a kit-set can be purchased or someone who custom builds aviaries from scratch, please let us know and we will then start a dedicated fundraising campaign.

After 4 months, it recently gave us great pleasure to release Serena (who came with a broken wing), Seeker (who was unable to walk) and Aquagirl (who was scalped and found near-death in a bowl of water). These are only three of hundreds of pigeons to pass through our care. To see their beautiful faces, click on this link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1965765230272963&id=276406992542137

We look forward to receiving your suggestions and link referrals. Our email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are able to donate towards our future aviary:
Givealittle: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/animalrehoming
Charity Bank Account: ASB Account number 12 3059 0650626 00

Donations of Wild Bird Seed, Poultry Grains and Neocare Hand Rearing Formula will also be much appreciated. We are based in Auckland. Thank you everyone!