Victoria crowned pigeons at the San Diego Zoo

Although most people go to the San Diego Zoo to see the big wildlife — giant pandas, elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, polar bears, zebras — I find it much more relaxing to walk through the many aviaries and visit the other bird exhibits. Maybe that’s because I really don’t enjoy the big crowds that gather around the big animals.

One of the birds that I always enjoy seeing — and taking pictures of — is the Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria):

I love the red eyes.

The Victoria crowned pigeon is the largest of the pigeon species, weighing an average of 5¼ pounds. It is named in honor of Queen Victoria and lives in the lowlands and swamp forests of New Guinea and the surrounding islands. It is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and being hunted for meat and its beautiful plumes.

This post is dedicated to Steve Loynd, a real estate agent in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Today happens to be Steve’s birthday, but you’ll have to ask him how old he is. I have known Steve via the Internet for about three years and can highly recommend him for anyone needing real estate services in the Lincoln, New Hampshire, area.

Find other posts in my Picture of the Moment series by clicking on the logo at the upper right.