Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue

13/06/2025

Together, our community of compassion can accomplish anything!! Happy Pigeon Appreciation Day, and thank you Chicago Fire Department Engine 57!!!!

11/06/2025

Rocki and Stanza’s story begins with moments that changed everything – a collision with a window for Rocki, and for Stanza a car that left him with multiple fractures in his left wing. But as with any good story, what matters most isn’t how it begins, but how it unfolds. In Rocki and Stanza’s case, their journeys from injured street birds to beloved rescues have revealed characters of remarkable grace, patience, and quiet courage.
When Stanza first came into GLPR’s care, multiple wing fractures required careful rehabilitation. While his wing injuries mean he can no longer fly as adeptly as before, he has adapted to his new reality with remarkable dignity. And along his journey to recovery, he met courageous little Rocki! Rocki was rescued at Joliet City Hall after crashing into a window while trying to escape being attacked by a hawk! She sustained several wounds from the hawk’s talons but still managed to escape death, with a determination unmatched even by her name’s inspiration, film legend Rocky! Stanza and Rocki found love as they healed , and together support each other in navigating their new life thoughtfully, finding joy in the simpler pleasures of bird life – soft places to rest, interesting things to observe, and the comfort of gentle routine. Like the carefully arranged lines of a poem, their love brings rhythm and meaning to everyday moments.
Rocki and Stanza’s ideal forever home would be one that understands and accommodates their physical limitations while appreciating his gentle spirit. They need understanding humans who recognize that limited mobility doesn’t diminish quality of life, offer patience as the birds adjusts to new surroundings in their own careful way, and gentle handling that respects their history and builds on the trust they have both so carefully rebuilt.
Are you ready to give these special birds the forever home they deserves? Could you be the one to provide the safe landing spot where Stanza and Rocki can continue writing the next verses of their life story? After all, the most beautiful poems often come from hearts that have known both storm and calm. 💞

10/06/2025

Can-can‘s parents tried their very best, but it can be challenging as an urban bird trying to find enough nutritious food to raise babies. Without the proper nutrition for growth in the earliest days, one of Can-Can‘s legs grew curved out to the side. But when she was rescued, this happy baby amazed us all with her bright and cheerful attitude to life! As she hops around on her one straight leg, unbothered by her curved left leg, she looks perpetually like she is doing a can-can dance step, hence her name! She loves hanging out with her people friends on the couch in her foster home, and has a perpetually joyous approach to life. She says Can-Can CAN! She wants nothing more than to be loved and pampered in her forever home! 💃

10/06/2025

During his racing days, Parmesan suffered vision limitations in his right eye, an injury that likely marked the end of his usefulness in that unforgiving “sport.” But what those who abandoned him couldn’t see is that losing some sight only seemed to sharpen his ability to see what truly matters - the kindness of people who care. Since his rescue, Parmesan has revealed himself to be an extraordinarily grateful bird. There’s something deeply moving about the way he carries himself, as if he understands exactly how precious his safety is and doesn’t take a single moment of it for granted. He’s determined to repay every kindness with his own tender spirit.
While many pigeons find comfort in flocking together, Parmesan has made it clear that he’d rather spend his time with the people who’ve shown him what love looks like. And despite his vision limitations, Parmesan navigates his new world with remarkable grace! His partial vision doesn’t slow him down or dampen his spirit - if anything, it seems to have made him more appreciative of the gentle touches and soft voices that let him know he’s loved. Parmesan will thrive in a household where he can be the center of attention. He longs for a family who understands that his racing days are behind him and that his future should be filled with the quiet joys of companionship rather than the pressure to perform. His ideal home will be peaceful and consistent, where his gentle nature can flourish without competition or stress. His journey from the racing world to rescue has taught him to value the simple pleasures of safety, warmth, and human kindness. He’s not looking for grand adventures or exciting challenges - he’s found that the greatest adventure is simply being loved for exactly who he is. Parmesan has already proven that love doesn’t require perfect vision to see clearly - perhaps you’re the home he’s been looking for all along! 🧀

10/06/2025

Some birds wait quietly for rescue, but not Azucar! This remarkable Oriental Roller took matters into his own wings when he found himself lost and abandoned. With the kind of boldness that speaks to his spirited personality, brave Azucar simply walked right into a restaurant as if to say, “Excuse me, but I could use some help here!” Now safely fostered by our wonderful volunteer Kathryn, Azucar has blossomed into the social butterfly he was always meant to be. This gorgeous Oriental Roller has a gift for charming absolutely everyone he meets, and it’s easy to see why! His playful nature shines through in everything he does, from his animated conversations to his theatrical displays of those stunning tail feathers he’s so proud of.
Speaking of conversations, Azucar is quite the chatterbox! He genuinely loves having talks with his people, nodding along enthusiastically and adding his own commentary with delightful chattering sounds. It’s as if he’s been waiting his whole life for someone to really listen to what he has to say, and now that he’s found his voice, he’s making up for lost time. When he’s not busy chatting, you’ll find Azucar engaged in his favorite activities. He has a particular fondness for plush toys, approaching them with the curiosity and playfulness of someone who’s discovered that life can actually be fun. He will also jump right onto your hand when he wants attention - no subtle hints from this fellow! As an Oriental Roller with an exceptionally long and flowing tail, he’s got plenty to strut about, and strut he does! He’ll parade around with all the confidence of a bird who knows he’s gorgeous, fanning those magnificent tail feathers and preening under the admiration he receives. He’s already shown the world he’s not afraid to walk through doors when he needs something - he’s ready to walk through yours and into his forever home! 🤩

09/06/2025

Beignet’s journey to safety started in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot, where this brave little racing pigeon was found lost, alone, and utterly exhausted. Beignet was far from home and at the end of his strength, when fate intervened in the form of a kind-hearted employee who simply couldn’t walk away. That compassionate soul stayed well past closing time, determined to help this weary traveler find safety and bringing Beignet home for the night to rest. The next morning, they brought him safely to one of our volunteers. It was an act of pure kindness that saved a life and brought Beignet into our care.
True to his dessert-themed name, this exceptionally handsome pigeon has quite the fondness for snacks! Beignet has quickly learned that his foster mom often comes bearing treats and he’s always on the lookout for her approach, politely nibbling each morsel from her hand with gentle manners. His love for snacks isn’t just about the food itself, but about the connection and care that comes with each shared moment. Despite the hardships he endured before his rescue, he has embraced human companionship with an open heart.
Beignet will thrive in a home where his social nature can flourish. A patient family who can provide him with proper pigeon nutrition, a safe environment, and plenty of gentle interaction would be perfect for this sweet boy. Beignet has proven his resilience and his capacity for love - he’s simply waiting for the right family to show him that his days of being cherished are just beginning. Beignet has already shown us what happens when kindness meets a willing heart - imagine what he could bring to yours! 🍩

09/06/2025

Caspian came from a loving home who was no longer able to care for him, and brought him to GLPR to ensure he would be safe. His first family clearly adored him, and he definitely knows it! He is very confident once he’s had a little time to observe his surroundings. His foster mom even brought him to work for a day and he was so perfectly behaved! Caspian immediately charmed all his new colleagues and confidently chatted with everyone he met! He is also a sassy guy who loves to roughhouse, play-fight, and show off. He’s very curious and loves to sit on your head or shoulders! This bold feathered gentleman is ready to strut right into a new loving forever home! 🤩

08/06/2025

Picasso is an adorable Siberian High Flyer. The breed is known for its sass, its independence and its absolute cuteness! And Picasso embodies all of those traits abundantly! Picasso’s foster mom calls him Ducky because he has the most amazing coo when he is flirting with the girl pigeons that are being fostered. It’s a combination of a coo and a quack! Picasso/Ducky was very happy in his original adoptive home, but circumstances changed for them and they had to reluctantly return Picasso to the care of Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue. Since then, he has adapted well in his foster home, but really is looking for a forever home where he can get lots more attention, and hopefully have a lady friend that he can sing and quack to! 🦆 🖼️

06/06/2025

Sprinkles is a beautiful domestic pigeon with striking dark grey feathers adorned with delicate white markings that look just like sprinkles scattered across her plumage - hence her charming name! This lovely lady came to us after a frightening encounter that could have ended tragically, but instead became the beginning of her journey to finding love and safety. Her story began when she was found lost and disoriented, picked up and shaken by a dog before a kind-hearted person intervened just in time. What struck her rescuer most was how readily Sprinkles allowed herself to be scooped up to safety - she didn’t struggle or try to fly away, as if she knew help had finally arrived. Her calm demeanor during rescue indicates a pigeon who appreciates human kindness and feels secure when properly cared for. She has maintained a sweet disposition that makes her a joy to be around, proving that her spirit remains unbroken.
Sprinkles will thrive in a home where she can continue to feel secure, along with patient adopters who understand she may need time to fully settle in. Sprinkles has already shown her resilient spirit and capacity for trust - she’s simply waiting for the right family to show her that not all of life’s surprises are scary ones. Sprinkles has been through enough uncertainty - let’s help her find the stability and love she craves! 🍨

06/06/2025

05/06/2025

Get ready to fall in love with Hot Cocoa and Eggnog! These two sweethearts were rescued as babies and grew up together under the loving care of our dedicated volunteers, who hand-raised them with patience and devotion. As Hot Cocoa and Eggnog matured into adulthood, their bond deepened into something truly special. Their friendship naturally evolved into love, and they are now a devoted married couple who demonstrate daily what true partnership looks like. Watching these two navigate life together is like witnessing a masterclass in love, loyalty, and mutual support. Pride month is indeed the perfect time to celebrate this wonderful “LesbiHen” couple who prove that the heart knows no boundaries. Hot Cocoa and Eggnog’s relationship is a beautiful reminder that love is love, whether between humans or between two devoted pigeons who found their soulmate in each other. Hot Cocoa and Eggnog are just as loving and gentle with their human friends as they are with one another. These affectionate ladies have no reservations about sharing their warmth with the people they trust. They absolutely love to perch on your hands, finding the perfect balance as they settle in for some quality bonding time. Your shoulders become their favorite observation deck, where they can survey their world while staying close to their human friends. Perhaps most endearingly, Hot Cocoa and Eggnog have claimed the top of people’s heads as prime real estate for perching. There’s something absolutely delightful about having these two sweethearts choose your head as their preferred resting spot – it’s like being crowned by two gentle queens who have decided you’re worthy of their trust and affection.
Together, Hot Cocoa and Eggnog create an atmosphere of warmth, love, and joy wherever they go. Their names perfectly capture their essence – they’re as comforting and sweet as warm drinks on a cozy day. These two ladies await the loving forever home where they can continue their beautiful love story surrounded by the care and celebration they deserve! 🌈