Ahmed’s love for pigeons is unconditional
Shamim Ahmed from South Hills simply loves pigeons and feeds them daily, like a labour of love.
SHAMIM Ahmed from South Hills simply loves pigeons and feeds them daily, like a labour of love.
The 51-year-old, who was born and bred in Bangladesh, said his love for pigeons started at five years old. He claims his love for these birds even enables them to be able to communicate with him.
He moved to South Hills in 2013 with the purpose of growing his supermarket Wamal Bugal, but ended up taking care of the pigeons behind his shop. He said his first encounter with pigeons was back in 2014.
“I saw them next to my shop and I decided to give them bread and after that, they kept on coming back,” said Ahmed.
His daily job is to manage his supermarket while also making sure the pigeons receive their daily provision. He said he doesn’t own any of the pigeons he feeds. He emphasised to the COURIER the time he spends with the pigeons doesn’t affect his business.
He uses bread from his stock to feed them and he feels devastated if he doesn’t have enough bread.
In his spare time, he reads books on how to take care of pigeons.
“Reading and learning more about pigeons is important for people like us. The more we know about pigeons the easier it is to understand how they should be treated. I know how to talk to them and they know my voice, which is amazing,” said Ahmed.
One of the residents said: “Ahmed loves them so dearly. There is not a day that goes by without us seeing him speaking with these pigeons. He is always lively when he is with them.”
Ahmed says he feeds the pigeons three times a day – 9am, 1pm and 5pm.
“I never miss the feeding time, no matter what happens. I show these pigeons love and care. It would be nice if people treat pigeons the way I treat them,” concluded Ahmed.
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