The pigeons of Madeira are on the move. They’re on the wing and on the take. The pigeons of Madeira are making out like bandits, if you want to know the truth.

After only a few days on the island I’ve witnessed more bird-sponsored thievery than I have in years. Pigeons snatch french fries from the plates of unsuspecting diners. Diners fight back. Pigeons, unrepentant, try again. Diners give up and move inside.

I’m a bird person, as many of my posts will reveal, but the birds here have gotten entirely out of hand. They are undeterred by swats, towel flaps and glasses of water thrown their way. I would say these pigeons are hungry, but they don’t appear to have missed many meals. I will give them this, though. They know how to pose for the camera.