Columba Collection (#6)

Gnats hover above a Wood Pigeon

Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) adult, preening

Wood Pigeon preening its feathers. Note the gnats flying above the head of the bird

Wood pigeon in snow
Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) in snow. Photographed in Dorset, UK, in January

Iona Cathedral, off the south west coast of Mull, Scotland. In 563, St. Columba landed here from Ireland and established a monastery and a base for his evangelism

ROCK DOVE (Columba livia)

STOCK DOVE (Columba oenas) so called because it likes to nest in the stocks of trees

St Columba Preaches
SAINT COLUMBA Preaches Christianity to the heathen Picts

Scotland / Iona
The remains of the Nunnery at Iona, Scotland. Founded at the same time as the Monastery, it was built by St. Columba, who landed there in 563. Portions of the chapel are 13th century

Saint Columba (Skelton)
SAINT COLUMBA Irish saint arrives in Inverness to convert the heathen Picts, using a miracle to unbar their fortress gates

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"Saint Columba: A Legacy of Faith and Connection" In this captivating image, we see Saint Columba seated beside a cross fixed into a millstone, his tired figure finding solace in the presence of his faithful horse, and is said that on this fateful day before his passing, the wise animal sensed the saint's impending departure from this earthly realm. With a heavy heart, the horse laid its head upon Columba's breast and let out a mournful wail, as if bidding farewell to their cherished companion, no ordinary man; he was an Irish abbot and missionary Evangelist who dedicated his life to spreading Christianity. His influence reached far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on history. As we delve deeper into his story, we encounter various symbols associated with him - muffed flying tumblers and pigeons gracefully soaring through the sky. One cannot forget Iona Cathedral, where Columba established one of Scotland's most significant religious centers. Its grandeur stands as a testament to both his devotion and architectural prowess. Another tribute to this revered figure can be found in the form of statues erected in honor of St. Columba across different lands. The poster showcasing Scotland's Western Highlands and Islands takes us back in time to when RMS Columba sailed these picturesque waters. This Scottish ferryboat carried travelers along "The Royal Route, " offering breathtaking views reminiscent of ancient legends such as Fingal's Cave. Even beyond human connections lies another species linked by name - the Ryukyu pigeon or columba jouyi - reminding us that nature too pays homage to great individuals like St. Columba. As our journey continues, we come across diverse representations of wood pigeons (columbus palumbus) engaged in courtship preening displays or diligently collecting nesting materials for their future offspring – perhaps mirroring Saint Columba’s commitment not only towards spirituality but also nurturing life itself.