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Christmas 2025
The Doves of Peace — How One Bird Became a Global Icon
Throughout human history, certain symbols have transcended cultural boundaries to become universally recognized emblems of our deepest aspirations. Among these, perhaps none is more widespread or immediately understood than the dove of peace. This simple white bird, wings outstretched against blue skies, has come to represent humanity’s perpetual hope for harmony in a world often defined by conflict. From ancient olive branches to modern political campaigns, the dove has fluttered across millennia, carrying with it a consistent message of reconciliation, hope and tranquility. But how did this particular bird—rather than countless other species—come to embody one of humanity’s most cherished ideals? The story behind the dove’s transformation into a global icon of peace reveals fascinating intersections of biology, mythology, religion, art and politics that continue to shape our visual language today.
The Biblical Narrative: Noah’s Ark and the Olive Branch
The most influential early story cementing the dove’s status as a peace symbol comes from the Biblical account of Noah’s Ark. According to the Book of Genesis, after the great flood, Noah released a dove that returned with a freshly plucked olive branch in its beak, signaling the receding of floodwaters and God’s reconciliation with humanity. This powerful narrative explicitly connected doves with the end of destruction and the promise of a new beginning. The olive branch in the dove’s beak became a visual shorthand for the announcement of peace after conflict, a motif that would be repeated countless times throughout Western art and literature. The Biblical story provided the fundamental visual vocabulary—dove plus olive branch—that continues to define peace symbolism in many parts of the world today. The emotional power of this narrative, teaching that even after catastrophic destruction there could be divine forgiveness and a fresh start, helped ensure the dove’s symbolic longevity
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The Cold War Era: Doves Versus Hawks
During the Cold War, the dove symbol gained additional political significance through its contrast with the “hawk” in political discourse. Political figures and policies became categorized as either “doves” favouring diplomatic solutions and nuclear disarmament, or “hawks” advocating military strength and interventionism. This linguistic framing reinforced the dove’s association with peace while embedding it deeper in everyday political vocabulary. Peace movements of the 1960s and 1970s embraced the dove symbol in protests against the Vietnam War and nuclear proliferation, often combining it with other emerging symbols like the peace sign. The dove appeared on countless protest banners, buttons and posters during this period, becoming a visual shorthand for opposition to military conflict. Cold War tensions made the dove symbol particularly potent, as it represented not just an abstract ideal but an urgent alternative to policies that many feared could lead to nuclear annihilation
Ceremonial Releases: Doves in Public Rituals
The practice of releasing white doves at significant public events has further reinforced the bird’s symbolic power through dramatic visual spectacle. Olympic opening ceremonies often include dove releases (or symbolic representations of them after an unfortunate incident at the 1988 Seoul Olympics when released doves were harmed during the lighting of the Olympic flame). Similarly, white doves are released at weddings, funerals, memorials, and peace celebrations worldwide, creating powerful emotional moments that reinforce the bird’s associations with hope and transcendence. The Vatican has established a tradition of releasing doves after the Pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” messages, connecting religious authority with peace advocacy. These ceremonial practices transform the abstract symbol into a living, flying embodiment of peace aspirations, creating memorable experiences that participants and witnesses carry with them. The photogenic nature of these releases ensures they are frequently covered in media, further cementing the dove’s place in public consciousness through repeated visual exposure.
In the Bible, there are many references to the dove. When the Three Wise Men carried gold, myrrh and frankincense as gifts to Christ, the shepherds following them carried fruits, honey and doves. In the 55th Psalm, King David said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then I would flee away and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and the tempest.”
These references give the dove special significance in the Christian religion and in the celebration of Christmas. Doves are symbolic of peace, purity, love and the Holy Spirit, all important concepts celebrated during the Christmas season. Because of this, doves became popular as Christmas tree décor.
If you are unable to make it in to the store on Tuesday for Senior’s Day discount, then you can call the store anytime on Tuesday to place and pay for your order, and then you can pick it up later in the week at your convenience.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is for customers who are currently signed up as a senior’s day customer and applies only to in-store purchases.
HOME DELIVERY SCHEDULE FOR MONTH OF December 2025
Every Thursday.
Fresh, top quality food is the foundation for successful backyard bird feeding. Follow these tips to ensure you’re storing bird food correctly:
- Always store your bird seed in a cool and dry location outside your home.
- If possible, ALWAYS store seed outside your home (PLEASE SEE NOTE BELOW)
- Store bird seed in rodent and insect-proof containers
- Never mix old seed with new seed
- During periods of warm weather, store only the amount of seed your birds can consume over a two-week period
- During the colder winter weather, store only the amount of seed your birds can consume over a four-week period
- Keep your bird feeders filled with a one-or-two day supply of seed to ensure it is eaten quickly and stays fresh
- Discard moldy, rancid or foul-smelling seed, because it can be a health hazard to birds
Wild Bird Store Tip:
After a heavy snowstorm have a “back-up” feeder already filled to replace the empty one at your backyard feeding station. That way you will only have to trudge through the snow once to keep the birds happy!
For those of you who may live in apartments or have other reasons for having to store your bird seed in your home, we have the following information.
All bird seed has the potential to contain Indian meal moth larvae which are harmless, but believe me you do not want them in your house.
So when you bring your bird seed home whether you leave it in the bag you purchased it in or transfer it to a secure container, do so outside and when ever you need to open the container always do so outside to prevent the larvae from escaping into your living space.
The birds will love the extra protein the larvae (if there should be any) provide, but you will have avoided the invasion in your home.
For more information, please google:
Don’t forget suet and peanuts (in-shell or kernels) and grubs that can be mixed right into you bird seed– all of which offer high-energy foods which are vital for wild birds during extreme winter weather
Some Gift Ideas
Galvanized steel seed cans with tight lids for larger quantities of bird seed. 2 SIZES
Scoops for easy Feeder Fills!
Birds Choice Heated Bird Bath
Available in Green or White. Comes with stand and 4 year in store warranty
Regular price: $278.54 (+GST)
Less 30% = $194.98 (+GST)
While quantities Last!
Hanging Seed Wreaths, Christmas Tree & Pinecones
Wreaths available in small or large size
Packaged for Christmas giving
All are “no mess”
Available while quantities last! These are a HOT item, so don’t wait and be disappointed.
FRUIT/NUT BELLS –ready to hang with net bag included, sold individually or case of 12 (mix & match if wanted)
Short answer:
Yes, birds get cold, but they stay warm with thick feathers, stored fat and smart habits. They puff up like tiny balls to trap heat.
Birds may feel the cold, but they face it with a brave kind of calm. Perhaps that is the reason the Black-capped chickadee is such a favourite winter bird in Calgary: they can make you day just by their cheery attitude.
Jim’s years of guiding bird walks for the Wild Bird Store has been instrumental in teaching “birders” how to get the most out of their birding excursions.
Unfortunately, Jim has decided he can no longer continue to spend many hours walking while guiding his walks. An option for Jim is to continue his lifelong passion, not only for birding, but for sharing his knowledge and passion in a different way. Birding by car has become the alternative, but might surprise you with the multitude of species you have the opportunity to see, especially when your guide is so proficient at finding wild birds.
IRRICANA STRATHMORE Saturday December 13, 2025
Ticket price $7.00 + GST
POLICEMAN’S FLATS, BLACKIE & FRANK LAKE AREA Saturday January 10, 2026
Ticket price $7.00 + GST
WATER VALLEY, GRAND VALLEY ROAD AREA Saturday January 24, 2026
Ticket price $7.00 + GST
NORTHEAST IRRICANA AREA Saturday February 7, 2026
Ticket price $7.00 + GST
PRIDDIS TO LONGVIEW AREA Saturday February 21, 2026
Ticket price $7.00 + GST
PLEASE NOTE:
All trips are by car. Bring lunch. Will usually be 5-6 hours. We will be searching for winter visitors such as Snowy owls, Snow buntings, Red-tail hawks, Gyrfalcons, Redpolls and others. As well as foothill birds like Great gray owls, crossbills & others.
All trips start by meeting at 9:00am at the rear parking of the Wild Bird Store. Carpooling is encouraged.
Any trips postponed due to weather may be held the following Saturday.
Birding from a car offers a unique mobile viewing platform, especially in open habitats, acting as a “blind” to approach birds quietly. To do this safely and effectively, drive slowly on low-traffic roads, using your car as a mobile hide to observe birds without disturbing them. Pull over on the shoulder, not the road, turn off your engine to avoid vibrations, and have your binoculars, camera, and essential accessories like a beanbag ready to capture fleeting moments.
We offer a discount if you return your 20 LB or 40 LB seed bags so that we can re-use them (sorry—not the Mother Nature bags which we cannot re-use), suet ball containers, or if you bring your own container or bag to fill . This discount is in addition to any other discount offered.
Question:
I seem to be hearing more and more reports of sightings of Eurasian collared-doves in Alberta. Is this something we should be worried about?
Response:
If you saw one Eurasian collared-dove in Alberta, that’s bad enough, but if you’ve seen a pair, that’s even worse. I don’t say that because I dislike Eurasian collared-doves. In fact, I make a point of appreciating all birds. But regrettably, these particular doves are an invasive species and one never knows what impact they might have on our native birds.
They were first released in the New World on New Providence, Bahamas in the mid-1970s and now they have spread northward all across our continent. Apparently, they were first sighted in Alberta in 2003 and specifically in Calgary a year later. There are now a handful of breeding pairs on the outskirts of the city. While we don’t know how these doves ended up being found in all parts of North America, it is safe to say that the great availability of seed from backyard feeders is a big reason for their success. But planting trees in urban and suburban habitats has also helped by providing nesting and roosting sites. They prefer to nest in mid-level mature trees such as spruce. And in prairie provinces like Alberta, I imagine that the widespread availability of stored or waste grain has not hurt. So, as long as there is plenty of food and cover available, Eurasian collared-doves will be able to withstand the cold weather of our Canadian winters when they gather in larger flocks for food and protection.
In short, this species is likely to become a widespread permanent fixture in North America birdlife, including Canada from east to west. But what impact that might have on our native doves like the Mourning dove is not yet known.
David M. Bird, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology, McGill University www.askprofessorbird.com
David M. Bird is Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology and the former Director of the Avian Science and Conservation Centre at McGill University. As a past-president of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, a former board member with Birds Canada, a Fellow of both the American Ornithological Society and the International Ornithological Union, he has received several awards for his conservation and public education efforts. Dr. Bird is a regular columnist on birds for Bird Watcher’s Digest and Canadian Wildlife magazines and is the author of several books and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications. He is the consultant editor for multiple editions of DK Canada’s Birds of Canada, Birds of Eastern Canada, Birds of Western Canada, and Pocket Birds of Canada. To know more about him, visit www.askprofessorbird.com or email david.bird@mcgill.ca.
The 74th annual Calgary Christmas Bird Count (CBC YYC) will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
To register or for more information, please visit: Nature Calgary Christmas Bird Count Calgary 2025
DONATIONS
Located at The Wild Bird Store (near the seed bins). We collect your cash as well as “wishlist” donations and arrange to deliver them to local wildlife organizations including Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation, Alberta Institute of Conservation and Ellis Nature Centre.
We ask for your support quarterly for each of these organizations.
For September, October, and November 2025 your donations will go to:
Thank you for your support
In Sweden, winter roads now come with a surprising twist of compassion—edible salt strips designed with wildlife in mind. Traditionally, rock salt is used to melt snow and ice, but it poses a hidden danger to birds who instinctively lick the salty paths. The excessive sodium leads to dehydration, disorientation, and in many cases, death. To counter this, Swedish engineers and ecologists collaborated on a more harmonious alternative.
These new salt strips are formulated with reduced-sodium content, blended with natural beet extract and maize starch. The beet juice not only gives the mixture a deep reddish hue, making it visible even against snow, but also adds essential nutrients that prevent avian dehydration. Maize starch acts as a slow-release agent, allowing the salt to function longer while remaining safe for small animals.
The strips are spread behind snowplows in neat, consistent lines across icy roads and sidewalks. Birds that land on these surfaces to feed during harsh winters now consume a safer substance—one that hydrates instead of harms. The approach has been especially welcomed in forest-adjacent towns and migration corridors, where bird fatalities once spiked after each snowstorm.
Beyond animal welfare, the eco-salt leaves fewer chemical residues in runoff water, benefitting nearby soil and streams. Sweden’s snowplow reform shows that even routine maintenance can become an act of ecological stewardship. A simple change in salt chemistry is saving countless lives, feathered and otherwise
Wildwood Community Centre (4411 Spruce Drive SW): We will be on location the
FIRST
Tuesday of the month 3:00pm to 5:30pm through the winter months.
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2025, THE SEED TRUCK WILL BE AT WILDWOOD LOCATION ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2TH
Thank you for your continued support.
Crowfoot Arena (corner of John Laurie & Nosehill Drive NW: Every Wednesday 2:00pm to 5:30pm
PLEASE NOTE:
Will not be at this location on Wednesday, December 24, 2025
However, will be on location Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Please place orders by 12:00 noon the day before the truck is on location
Text us @ (403)701-4571 OR email us at orders@wildbirdstore.ca
Earn and redeem customer loyalty points on the Mobile Seed Truck
DELIVERY: Deliveries will still be made on Thursdays ONLY. Please phone the store at (403) 640-2632 any day prior to 12:00 noon on the Wednesday before your delivery; place and pay for your delivery. Please phone with your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you have any special instructions please do not forget to inform us when you place your order.
THE DELIVERY CHARGE WILL BE $10
MINIMUM ORDER FOR DELIVERY $25.
Creating an outdoor Christmas tree for the birds…
…Is a great way to spend quality time with family with the added benefit of knowing you’re helping wildlife in some small way.
Garlands made of popcorn (no salt or butter please), peanuts in the shell and cranberries prove to be especially alluring to birds during this time of year. Also rolling pine cones or bagels in peanut butter and then coating with seeds and hanging on the tree will attract a multitude of birds.
Have you checked out the Merlin app? Would you like a demonstration on how they will help you to identify birds? Stop by The Wild Bird Store during regular business hours and staff will be happy to show you how the app will enable you to identify birds in various ways.
Identify Bird Songs and Calls
Identify Birds by your Photos
Save Birds to Your Life List
Explore lists of birds near your location
Options for shopping at the Wild Bird Store
HOME DELIVERY SCHEDULE FOR MONTH OF December 2025
Every Thursday
NO Delivery
December 25, 2025 & January 1, 2026
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
THE DELIVERY CHARGE WILL BE $10. MINIMUM $25 ORDER FOR DELIVERY.
Store hours are:
10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday
Starting November 17/2025 Monday – Saturday 10:00AM-5:00PM
We offer a discount if you return your 20 LB or 40 LB seed bags so that we can re-use them (sorry—not the Mother Nature bags which we cannot re-use), suet ball containers, or if you bring your own container or bag to fill . This discount is in addition to any other discount offered.
Write a Google review on your experience at The Wild Bird Store, and as a thank you, we will give you 100 customer loyalty points ($5.00 value). To get a promo code, kindly email info@wildbirdstore.ca
(one Google review per customer)
Earn 200 customer loyalty points ($10.00 value) by referring a friend, acquaintance or fellow birder.
Please visit the store to get a promo code.
No need for a card, just give your phone number. You earn $1.00 for every $20.00 spent (excludes “sales” items, books & optics) and can be used in-store and on Mobile Seed Truck. As a loyalty member our monthly promotions and in-store “specials” are automatically given at the cash register.
Combining our Seniors 10% discount with the Loyalty Program. (Excludes “sales” items, books & optics).
Discount for membership 10% discount for members of Fish Creek Park, AIWC, Priddis Golf Club, Nature Calgary, Sandy Cross Conservation, Springbank Garden Club and Millarville Horticultural Society. Must present valid membership card at time of purchase.
Discount for Military Members & Veterans 10% discount on
purchases in-store or on Mobile Seed Truck (sorry—excludes “sales”
items, books, optics and consignment items)
Does your Aspects or Squirrel Buster feeder need some replacement parts?
Is the warranty & repair depot for:
Squirrel Buster® Bird Feeders
Aspects® Feeders
Did you know that we can repair/replace parts and make it look like brand new?
The Wild Bird Store’s hours to celebrate Christmas 2025 and the New Year
Christmas Eve: CLOSED
Christmas Day, Thursday December 25th CLOSED
Boxing Day, Friday December 26th CLOSED
Saturday December 27th OPEN
New Years Eve Wednesday, December 31, 2025: OPEN !10AM-3PM
New Years Day Thursday January 1, 2026 CLOSED
5901 3rd Street S.E.,
Calgary, AB T2H 1K3
email: info@wildbirdstore.ca
(403) 640 2632
The Store is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm
We are CLOSED Sundays, and ALL Statutory holidays for Faith, Family and Friends.
We still offer curbside pickup every day we are open and delivery service on every Thursday.
FOLLOW US ON:
Facebook @thewildbirdstoreyyc
Twitter @wildbirdstoreyyc
Go to YouTube, type in the search bar “The Wild Bird Store” to watch our videos and to help us become more visible . Be sure to click on “Subscribe” before you leave the page.
