Pigeon Steals Poppies From Unknown Soldier's Grave And Builds Stunning Nest

by Damjan

19 Nov 2019

At the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, a tiny mystery started with a missing poppy and ended with a very unexpected nest. Staff noticed the flowers from an unknown soldier's grave slowly disappearing, one by one, until they realized the culprit was not a person at all.

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A pigeon had been collecting the poppies and weaving them into a bright, colorful nest inside the memorial. The strange little project turned into an even bigger talking point as Remembrance Day approached.

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It is a quirky reminder that even the most solemn places can still produce a surprise. Read on.

The Australian War Memorial

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The Australian War Memorial

The war memorial told the Sydney Morning Herald that the stained glass window, which was accidentally chosen by the bird, commemorates the wounded soldier and symbolizes the quality of “endurance.” The nest of poppies nearby serves as a “reminder of the powerful bond between man and beast on the battlefield.”

The war memorial told the Sydney Morning Herald that the stained glass window, which was accidentally chosen by the bird, commemorates the wounded soldier and symbolizes the quality of “endurance.” The nest of poppies nearby serves as a “reminder of the powerful bond between man and beast on the battlefield.” — The Australian War Memorial

Pigeons are sometimes considered to be unpleasant birds, but throughout history, they have been useful allies during battles.

Pigeons are sometimes considered to be unpleasant birds, but throughout history, they have been useful allies during battles.

“Particularly in the early wars, communication was really difficult. Wireless technology was in its absolute infancy during the First World War, and telephone wires were often broken apart in the shellfire on the Western Front. So pigeons were particularly useful in warfare when you had a couple of men trying to get a message from where they were back to the backline; a pigeon could sometimes get that through when nothing else could,” historian Dr. Meleah Hampton said.

“Particularly in the early wars, communication was really difficult. Wireless technology was in its absolute infancy during the First World War, and telephone wires were often broken apart in the shellfire on the Western Front. So pigeons were particularly useful in warfare when you had a couple of men trying to get a message from where they were back to the backline; a pigeon could sometimes get that through when nothing else could,” historian Dr. Meleah Hampton said.

During World War II, 32 pigeons received The PDSA Dickin Medal, which is awarded to any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

During World War II, 32 pigeons received The PDSA Dickin Medal, which is awarded to any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

Edward Dalmulder

Here is how people reacted.

It’s the same “deluxe digs” vibe as people sharing bird nests built in bizarre, unexpected spots.

Here is how people reacted.

Here is how people reacted.

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Before you judge pigeons, check out the elegant pigeon breeds that steal the spotlight.