Winged Wheels

26/05/2026

We had a few intakes yesterday but this little one made us smile.

This is Pony, a young wood pigeon - They've fledged just that little bit early and though comfortable in a shaded stable, they had been trying to make friends with the many horses there. Apparently the horses were being very accommodating and gentle but size wise the friendship was a bit of a safety concern.

Carolyn got in contact with us when they realised the parents had moved on to planning their next batch of babies. No longer watching over Pony, alone, and with the danger of them being trampled we went and collected.

Pony is a typical woodie, full of fiery spirit - more of a stallion really! They are in our release aviary working on building their wing muscles, and learning some pigeon etiquette with some other young'uns. It won't be long until they are all soaring off in to the sunset.

We love taking on fledglings like this. Just giving them a safe short term space to prepare for life is an easy win for us and very fulfilling.

We deal with so many complex cases, involving round the clock care and long term recovery. So having these brief rescue, rehab, and releases is lovely.

🐎

22/05/2026

Hello pigeon lovers 👋

We have lots of messages and comments awaiting responses, however it might take us a while to respond if your message isnt about a pigeon that needs help. We have been very busy over the past few days with lots of high need pigeon intakes.

As a thank you for being understanding, here is a photo of a loved up Skittle and Louie ❤️ 🕊

20/05/2026

We are looking for artists to work with us to create some art work promoting the rights and lives of disabled pigeons. If you, or someone you know, might be interested please send us a message:

14/05/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to our Go Fund Me so far. The donations have gone on finishing the small aviary, vet costs, food, and transport.

We will be dedicating any donations from today towards finishing the large aviary. We want this aviary to be a purpose built space with the needs of our disabled birds in mind. We have the floor rodent proofed, and the frame up, ready for the final, but most important touches- think roof, cladding and mesh!

We need £400 to get this finished. Please donate if you can, any amount helps towards rehabilitating and releasing pigeons, and providing a permanent sanctuary to disabled pigeons.

https://gofund.me/59fc4482c

13/05/2026

🌿❤️

11/05/2026

Photo shoot of Oscar, Blueberry, and Mole going through their awkward fluffy phases.

08/05/2026

Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough 💚

05/05/2026

Jenner acclimatising to the outdoors and practicing their flying skills in preparation for release day tomorrow. Aren't they clever? 😍

04/05/2026

Shimmer Of Hope Wild Bird Sanctuary- Exeter needs our support. Please have a read of the petition, and check out the work they do.

They offer groundbreaking sanctuary for gulls, in particular caring for disabled gulls - Which so often are unnecessarily euthanised. Shimmer of hope is perfectly described in the name. Let's keep that hope alive for these persecuted birds.

Ask Exeter Council to reconsider planning application 25/0846/FUL ( Shimmer of Hope )

01/05/2026

Hello wildlife lovers 🐦

Winged Wheels will be CLOSED on Saturday 2nd May.

We have some essential DIY that needs doing for the birds. This week Bee has spent 2-3 hours in the van every day doing wildlife transport, and we have been unable to do the DIY due to this.

We will only come out if all other options have been exhausted AND it is an emergency.

Thank you for understanding ❤️

29/04/2026

Yesterday we picked up this adorable fledgling dove from on the floor at the front of Shire Hall.

At this age it's normal for them to be on the ground developing their flight muscles, and they're usually being looked after by their parents.

Despite the tiny thing being there all day their crop wasn't empty, and we spotted the nest high up nearby - so they were definitely still being fed by their parents.

In a safer area that would be perfect. However, we felt that due to the exposed location in the centre of town, and the high foot traffic of Shire Hall, we should intervene.

We will feed them, keep them safe and warm, and give them the space they need to get ready for flight. If all goes well, we will do a soft release before they return to the wild when they are ready.

We have called them Jenner - after Edward Jenner.