UR own Andy Murray was pictured on the front of several newspapers yesterday kissing what looked like a gold stuffed pigeon, celebrating his triumph in the well-known Timbuktu Open. Which brings Alba to the subject of bird-brains.

A US scientist whose famous African grey parrot, Alex, died earlier this year, is to write a memoir. Irene Pepperberg’s book will be called “Alex and Me”, not “This Parrot is Dead”.

Alex and Pepperberg spent 30 years together. He learned to count to six and mastered enough English to identify 50 objects, seven colours and five shapes.

Not to be outdone comes an enthusiastic press release from Bonhams auctioneers for a January sale to celebrate “unsung animal heroes of World War II”.

It includes oil paintings of prize-winning pigeons owned by Jule Janssen, used to send messages from behind the lines.
For detailed report check here.