Pigeon Park

This pigeon park known as Parque de las Palomas, is part of the treasures with which the island of Puerto Rico enchants its visitors. Located in the Old San Juan at the intersection with the Fortaleza Street on the lower end of the street name Calle del Cristo and above the City Wall overlooking La Princesa, the San Juan Bay, and the cruise ship docks.

This famous cobblestone courtyard park is where families feed the pigeons and share an entertaining moment. Other visitors just want to appreciate the amazing view from it. Some will just stay near the fence to watch from a distance the many pigeons that live in the park.

Near the gate of this park is found the chapel dedicated to Saint Catalina from around 1635. Inside the chapel, a painting of the Christ was hung in June of 1750 commemorating the legend of a horse and its rider that miraculously were saved from the fall by the structure during the traditional horse race of the Festival of Saint Peter.

We, the people, have individual characteristics that distinct us from others. This is so well appreciated at this park. Mark Twain said: "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." This park definitely provides a good time and space to stop and pause from our busy lives.

At the entrance of the park, an old man is found sitting as he plays an accordion. The rhythm he makes gives a pleasant touch to the squeak and coos coming from the young and old pigeons. He will be very grateful to receive a spare dollar from visitors.

The old chapel may talk about time flies, as well as the old trees which the roots, trunk, and branches inspire us into the activities we do daily. Get a rest sitting on one of the benches that this park provides and admire the picturesque environment.

My husband and I decided to share the wonders of this island for many reasons; one because of the lack of information that was out of the island and inside of it. These bronzed shoes pictured to the side, are one of those 'lacks of information'. What we know is that some people decided to immortalize their shoes. How, who, when, etc. is not found.

This park offers the view of the San Juan Bay where the sun will give its best shot as the world rotates permitting the sun to shine on the Old World. You don't have to be a professional photographer to grip the beauty within nature itself.

This time of the year caterpillars are crawling around their colorful show. They announce the appearance of the lepidopteras that will reveal, in its warm fluttering, the beginning of the Summer Solstice.

This hibiscus flower pictured to the side grows in warm climates. It is one of the hundreds of different hibiscus species. It is one of God's creation that not only provides a beautiful blossom to our eyes, but is edible for every living life. Birds will suck their syrup and eat their stamens. People may have them in salads, or drink them in a nutritious tea.

The next flower is known as Cruz de Malta (Maltesse Cross). This is a perennial flower. Both flowers come in different colors and are part of the visual charming that the Pigeons Park offers.

This park is absolutely one of the best spots in Puerto Rico. Definitely one of those spots that will never make you tired of visiting. Year round will surprise with its splendor offering what the each station brings.

It is said that if you feed the birds and one of them drops its poop on someone, this person has been anointed and blessed. Others will see it like bad luck, and for sure it is to me. Those that have not discovered their ornithophobia (bird phobia), this is the place to deal with it.

I really don't know if these pigeons are considered wild, domestic or feral; perhaps a mix of all. I will go after more information of them meanwhile, did you know that...

1. A squeaker is a young pigeon.
2. A fledging is a young pigeon learning to fly.
3. A yearling is a pigeon during its first year of life.
4. A hen is a female pigeon.
5. A cock is a male pigeon.
6. If you want to have them around, special care must be taken.
7. They are excellent pets.
8. Pigeons have a great sense of direction known as homing instincts

We have told you many times and we will keep saying that you are welcome to visit this island. Stay tuned to know more about this amazing island that never ends its offering to each one of the individuals in us.

Blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill