The birds were discovered on Saturday when the mother pigeon was spotted clambering back into her nest, hidden in the vehicle's chassis. Royal Mail employee Louise Thomas estimated the family had spent almost a month riding along with drivers, with the nest built, eggs laid and hatched, and young raised entirely within the van, unbeknownst to staff until they were heard.
Rescue team Curious Critters responded and found two baby pigeons, or squabs, near the van's chassis. Two volunteers lifted the van with an A-frame to reach the nest, which was located in an extremely narrow gap at the back of the chassis. According to Daily Mail, volunteers Sarah and Emma described the gap as extremely narrow and noted that all three birds were clean and in excellent health. The family was taken to the team's rehabilitation aviary in Backwell, where the mother continues to feed her babies; they will be released together as a family when recovered.
The gap they had nestled into was extremely narrow and right at the back of the chassis. Surprisingly all three were clean and in excellent health. The squabs' crops were full so the parents have been feeding them well.
Royal Mail spokesperson said a colleague spotted the bird trying to get under the van and realized a small nest had been there for a while. The company contacted the rescue team who safely moved the birds. Curious Critters spokesperson said they have heard of many animals nesting in or under vehicles but never for this length of time and surviving. The pigeons likely chose the van because it was warm, dry, and safe from predators.
Given pigeons sit on their eggs for around 18 days, and the squabs are at least three weeks old, they have been there for a long time.