Blog Post #5

 Carrier Pigions 

Tess grabbed my attention the most during presentations while sharing information on the carrier pigeons and how they effected communication technology. I had never fully realized that carrier pigeons were so widely used. 

In Tess' presentation, I learned the significance of the "rat with wings" that as a native New Yorker have always seen as a useless and disgusting bird The process of how pigeons were once domesticated serves as an answer to why these so-called pests are so dependent on humans, and our crumbs. For centuries these birds were bred and trained, with food and care supplied for by humans, and tragically when our technology advanced beyond them- there was no need for them leading to them to be hunted for sport and kicked in the street. 

The use of pigeons to share messages dates back to early Egypt, where their talents were utilized to announced Olympic winners. This is interesting to imagine, now living in a time of smart phones and fast paced media- where Olympic winners are announced as they pass the finish line.

To fast forward to what I though was not only the most interesting bit of information shared in Tess' presentation but the entire day's presentations- was how the carrier pigeons aided in war efforts. Pigeons were used in later years because of not only share urgent messages but also in order to avoid the capture of highly sensitive information by enemies. Many even received military bravery awards such as the Dickin Medal, which recognizes the bravery of war animals. 

 Of these brave birds I was most taken with the story of Cher Ami, one of the 600 Army Signal Corps pigeon sent to France in World War One. Cher Ami is known for her heroic act of saving the 77th Division (the Lost Battalion). The 77th Division was split up from the other American troops and there was no radio signal to contact to let them know their position. Soon the Americans began bombing the area,
because of their belief of it only being left with German troops. The troop attempted contact through
carrier pigeons but the Germans stopped them by shooting the birds, and thus their message down. Flying alone was Cher Ami who was abled to deliver the message, although being shot twice and regaining flight. It read, "We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven's, sake stop it". This ultimately saved the lives of soldiers, though Cher Ami was permanently blinded and lost her leg eventually succumbing to his injuries. 

Finally, I learned that pigeons are still used to transport messages today! Although far less heroic, pigeons are notorious for smuggling drugs and other contraband to prisons. I enjoyed hearing that regardless of how technology has advanced beyond the need for carrier pigeons an Indian police force still maintains a flock of carrier pigeons "just in case". 

After this presentation and further research, I will be sure to thank a pigeon and share my crumbs the next time one greets me in the concrete streets of New York.