"Strut" by Dan Johnson

"Strut" original fine art by Dan Johnson

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Dec 31, 2025

Price: £125

Media: Oils on gessobord panel

Size: 6x6 in

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1 Comment

Pigeons are such underrated birds. Many people think of them as vermin, but they’re actually strong, clever, and historically resilient little creatures that can apparently recognise individual human faces.

I recently learned about 'stringfoot' - where pigeons get human hair wrapped around their feet, cutting off circulation and leading to pain, deformity, and even loss of toes/feet. There are groups of compassionate rescuers who go around catching affected pigeons and removing the hair to alleviate their suffering.

We have a few regular wood pigeons in our garden, but this "Feral pigeon" or Rock Dove lives in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens. I was taking photos of squirrels when I spotted it strutting confidently toward me, and I was impressed by its cocky swagger and the beautiful purples and greens around its neck.

Pigeons are such underrated birds. Many people think of them as vermin, but they’re actually strong, clever, and historically resilient little creatures that can apparently recognise individual human faces.

I recently learned about 'stringfoot' - where pigeons get human hair wrapped around their feet, cutting off circulation and leading to pain, deformity, and even loss of toes/feet. There are groups of compassionate rescuers who go around catching affected pigeons and removing the hair to alleviate their suffering.

We have a few regular wood pigeons in our garden, but this "Feral pigeon" or Rock Dove lives in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens. I was taking photos of squirrels when I spotted it strutting confidently toward me, and I was impressed by its cocky swagger and the beautiful purples and greens around its neck.

Available Paintings by Dan Johnson