When Ed Gale of Chesterfield County is asked to do a ceremonial dove release, no problem. Just don't expect doves. “If you do,” he said, “you’ll never see them again.” That might be OK with balloons .

Judy puffs up her chest and shows off her white coat, cooing at onlookers. She's not your typical beauty contestant. She's a pigeon. She was one of more than 4,000 birds that stuffed the Los Angeles ...