Unfortunately the deformed baby pigeon that Aileen found last night didn't make it. Named Delmas for the road she was found under, she is buried in Aileen's yard and the spot will be marked with a lilac bush.

Little Delmas, born into a hard world with the terrible disadvantage of a missing upper beak, didn't live long but she made a lasting impression.

Aileen has already emailed her neighborhood association about this little orphan in their midst and told them about MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue and encouraged people to donate. She's also sharing Delmas' story on Facebook and Aileen says she's better prepared now for the next little one that needs help. That's a lot for a baby pigeon to accomplish.

For me, learning that Delmas didn't survive was painful two ways. I'm saddened that she won the Birdy Lotto too late to reap all the rewards and I'm saddened (and kind of horrified) at the twinge of relief I felt when I realized I wouldn't have to find her a home. The only answer for the latter is more people. We all need more people to help. Aileen has NINE parrots and was still trying to figure out how she could perhaps foster some doves. That's not the answer- most of us are PAST FULL! I know I am and Aileen is too. We need more people to help us to help the birds.

So please- tell somebody about little Delmas and ask them to get involved. We've got budgies and cockatiels and macaws and amazons and doves and pigeons and volunteer opportunities and donations are needed and there is truly something for everybody!

Thank you to Aileen and Leslie and Friederike and Holly and Cathy and Tammy and Michelle for their efforts, large and small, on behalf of little Delmas.