'Mother of pigeons' dedicates life to saving birds

A woman dubbed the "mother of pigeons" said some of her birds were so ingrained in the family they had watched TV with her.

Sharni Paterson has rehabilitated more than 100 injured and diseased pigeons from her home in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.

The 26-year-old dog walker said she was first called into action in 2022 and had not looked back since.

"Even the police know me now and contact me when people drop pigeons off at the station," she said.

Her mission started when her friend gave her number to a person who had found a racing pigeon in distress two years ago.

"I had no clue what to do at the time, so I had to learn very quickly how to care for her," Ms Paterson told BBC Essex.

"She ended up becoming famous in the town as I’d walk into Frinton with her sat on my shoulder."

The pigeon enthusiast said the bird stayed at her house for five months and would even sit on the sofa and watch the news with her.

"My friends accept I don't have much of a social life," she added.

Her house went on to become a pigeon haven, kitted out with heat lamps, incubators and nests knitted by the community.

She said the birds were "very grateful" for the help that poured in following an appeal on Facebook.

"The knitted nests make them feel secure and stop their legs from splaying," Ms Paterson explained.

However, she said the birds were underestimated in today's society - a far cry from their heyday.

"Many years ago pigeons were an exotic pet, they were worth so much money," the carer added.

"How have we gone from that to now calling them rats with wings?

"It’s so sad that people see these birds as pests sitting on buildings, they only do that to be close to humans for their survival.

"They have wonderful personalities. They’re loving, gentle and comforting. They ask for nothing in return."