The Birds and The Bees

Based on an original triptych watercolor by Jeannie Orloff*. Pigeon courtship rituals begin when the male puffs up his feathers to appear large and impressive. Approaching the hen quickly while emitting quiet notes, bowing and turning as he comes closer. The female walks a short distance away and the male follow until she stops. He then makes full-pirouettes, feeds the female by regurgitating food, and mounts her. It's very brief with the male flapping his wings to maintain balance.  My mom visted me in NYC when I first moved here and she saw some cute pigeon on a walk and started to take pictures of them, only to realize she was taking pictures of a mating ritual. She painted the pics, I converted them to outlines for tshirts.