The lockdown has made me better acquainted with a lot of neighbours. This one visits us every spring.
When I first saw one, I rubbed my eyes, took a photo and showed around to check if it was really green, and really a pigeon. May be, it was a parrot or a barbet…People suggested I needed to invest in a better camera, or perhaps, a psychologist.
I questioned my sanity.
A couple of years later, I saw a group again, I took pictures. People suggested, may be it was just the morning light. I showed them Google Search for green pigeons. They said they might exist but not here. The shots aren’t clear enough for a proof.
For another month, I hung around on my rooftop everyday, looking for clearer evidence. Even though they had moved in the trees around my house, the green mean guys hung around, always out of range.
I prayed.
Then, one fine day, one of the elusive guys came close enough for a clear shot. There he sat for 10 minutes, letting me take 15 shots, and prove to myself that I hadn’t been hallucinating.
The experience inspired this painting.
Short Stories | Fish-eye Perspective 
I had never heard of a green pigeon. They are more interesting than the grey ones we have here. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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They are state birds of Maharashtra state of India, but they are too shy and most Indians are not aware of them.
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Wow! I couldn’t actually believe the first time. I had to google it. They actually exist!
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Exactly my thought. My husband and everyone knew Googled them just to believe
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The photo and artwork are a pleasure to see.
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Thank you! I am painting after 13-14 years so, it’s a pleasure to try again.
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What a lovely visitor.
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Thanks EIizabeth! It had me charmed for many years.
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