Valletta’s pigeons are wondering if they are in charge of the city now.
With the government ordering more businesses to close their doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the birds outnumbered the few remaining people walking through the capital’s mostly deserted streets and squares.
“What’s going on? Valletta has been getting quieter and quieter these past few days, and today it was practically dead,” said pigeon Simon Ħamiema, who roosts on top of the Burger King building.
“I’ve barely seen any politicians or lawyers in recent days. Have the humans finally given up their claim to the city? Are we in charge now?” asked fellow pigeon Sarah Ħamiema, who hails from the roof of St John’s Co-Cathedral.
Meanwhile, a pigeon called Mario declared himself the new ruler of Valletta in front of a large flock in St George’s square.
“Comrades, our times has finally come. Let me lead you into a glorious new age of pigeon domination – an age in which any pigeon, no matter how shiny its plumage is, can poop on whatever it wants without worrying about being shot with an air rifle,” he said, to much cooing and head-bobbing of approval.
Meanwhile, one pigeon in the crowd who pointed out there would be less food to eat now that the humans had gone was summarily pecked to death and left as an offering to the city’s stray cats.
