"Rather than viewing animals like pigeons or squirrels as pests to be controlled, we can see them as fellow urban dwellers with legitimate claims to shared spaces."
Beautifully said, Ed. How we view pigeons and squirrels says a lot about our human hearts.
Thank you, Perry, for your kind words! I couldn’t agree more—how we treat the animals around us is a reflection of our own compassion and empathy. When we see pigeons, squirrels, and other urban wildlife as fellow inhabitants of our shared spaces, it opens the door to a more harmonious and respectful coexistence. I’m happy the message resonated with you!
Thank you! I have 110 pigeons that I feed daily. When I started, I never realized how smart they are. I have coffee at the same coffee house in Minneapolis each day. I prefer to sit outside, so the birds at around 2ish come to get me. It's an amazing sight to see 110 pigeons flock to the rooftop of the building. They aren't intrusive at all - they just let me know through their presence above that it's time to go.
I grab my bag of bird seed and walk them down a block to vacant lot. It really is amazing for people to see all these birds follow me. Some walk with me or catch a ride on my shoulder and some fly to the vacant lot. I spread the seed, and they'll eat out of my hands too. I've probably run into over 100 people walking by and maybe five have been confrontational or negative. The rest look on in astonishment and I offer them an opportunity to feed the birds, or they'll ask to do so. It's really the highlight of my day to interact with the birds and humans. It's a wonderful connection that these pigeons provide. A few people have come back to do it again. I even had a guy tell me that he thought this was the best day ever for him. lol
What a beautiful story, David! It sounds like you’ve created such a special bond with those pigeons, and I can only imagine how magical it must be to see them gather and follow you. It’s wonderful that you’re also sharing that joy with others and giving them a chance to connect with the birds. Thank you for being such a kind and compassionate presence for both the pigeons and the people around you—what an inspiring way to brighten each day!
I think part of the enjoyment is the interaction with strangers with the birds. A lot of people that stop by I get the sense they had a rough day at work or whatever might be going on. Feeding the pigeons is just a calming and peaceful feeling for them.
There was a woman today - very nicely dressed who had just got off work. She wanted to be covered in pigeons. I have no idea what that was about. She did have ten at one point. lol
Such a beautiful and humane story. Thank you, David. I feed all the squirrels and birds that come my way and, lately, a beautiful grey cat I have named Henry Newton. This is always the highlight of the day. Such joy.
What a lovely, hopeful and inspiring article – it came at the right time. I have not been around Bryant Park in years so was not aware of Djhn Williams and his love for pigeons. It is hopeful.
At the same time, maybe people would be surprised to know that many New Yorkers care about pigeons. I know this because I have volunteered at the Wild Bird Fund on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. The WBF opened in 2012 and is New York City's only wildlife rehabilitation and education center. There is such a need for them and so much support, that they have expanded their facility and opened another in Brooklyn.
Particularly in the summer, the WBF takes in hundreds of pigeons with cages stacked high. They need lots of volunteers to clean the cages, feed and water the birds and do many other chores. New Yorkers bring these injured or sick birds to the WBF to be cared for and hopefully rehabilitated and released. It is endless and at the same time inspiring that so many people care.
Prior to that, if I found an injured pigeon, I would network with others to find someone to take the bird. Having cats, I never took one home. It was always a challenge.
If you care about pigeons, I recommend the extraordinary book by Andrew Garn – “The New York Pigeons” filled with beautiful pictures and stories.
Lastly – I am repeating Ed’s last paragraph – it’s so worth it.
“In this way, Bryant Park becomes more than just a patch of green amid concrete; it becomes a symbol of what is possible when we embrace our role as stewards of the natural world. And perhaps, if we follow Williams’ example, we will find that there is room enough in our cities—and in our hearts—for all who call this planet home.”
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing this! It’s heartwarming to hear about your experience with the Wild Bird Fund and the incredible work they do. It’s truly inspiring to know how many New Yorkers care deeply for pigeons and other wildlife. I love that you’ve found a way to connect with these birds and help them, and I’ll definitely check out Andrew Garn’s book—it sounds fascinating! Your story is a wonderful reminder of the impact we can all make when we open our hearts to the animals around us.
This is such an important message. Thank you for reminding all of us that it’s not some conservation society or big money projects that will make a difference in keeping the animals we have left safe. It is each one of us who must do the work of the heart and realize that we are all animals on this planet and we all deserve love and care.
Thank you , Miranda, for your kind words! I'm so glad the message resonated with you. You're absolutely right—real change starts with each of us recognizing our shared responsibility and compassion for all living beings. Together, through small acts of kindness and awareness, we can make a big difference for the animals we share this world with. Thank you for being part of that important work!
This was fantastic 👏. It is refreshing to know that anyone would notice anyone helping pigeons. All animals are gifts...birds are one of the top gifts next to dogs in my own opinion. That is why it is also imperative we work to save the wolves. It was not frowned apon when Mary Poppins fed pigeons...yet now in 2024 everyone shuns them. It is really sad. My mom actually 2 yrs ago adopted one from animal friends. A domestic white one someone just tossed outside like garbage. Someone brought him in bc like most birds...he was getting tormented by neighborhood cats😔. My mom always wanted a dove. So a white pigeon seemed almost as simpler. Same family lol. He is just starting to "come around" now (after 2 yrs). He has a fantastic vet and has been diagnosed with bad PTSD. Pigeons are smarter than ppl realize. I mean for gosh sake...they used to deliver mail with no GPS. Humans could not do that. My mom's new mailman is still after 4 months giving ppl the wrong mail lol. I really enjoyed this! God bless this man that the article was written about as well. It is nice that ppl who do good (that aren't usually noticed) are given credit and recognition. What is sad is, all humans should be doing what this man is doing in some way shape or form.
Thank you, Autumn, for sharing your story! I’m touched by your mom’s kindness in adopting that pigeon—what a beautiful way to give him a second chance. It’s heartbreaking how misunderstood pigeons are, especially given their intelligence and history of service to humans. I love your comparison to Mary Poppins—so true! And yes, all animals are indeed gifts, each deserving of care and respect. I’m so glad the article resonated with you, and I completely agree—people like Djhn Williams deserve more recognition for the quiet, compassionate work they do. Thank you again for your thoughtful note!
"Rather than viewing animals like pigeons or squirrels as pests to be controlled, we can see them as fellow urban dwellers with legitimate claims to shared spaces."
Beautifully said, Ed. How we view pigeons and squirrels says a lot about our human hearts.
Thank you, Perry, for your kind words! I couldn’t agree more—how we treat the animals around us is a reflection of our own compassion and empathy. When we see pigeons, squirrels, and other urban wildlife as fellow inhabitants of our shared spaces, it opens the door to a more harmonious and respectful coexistence. I’m happy the message resonated with you!
Thank you! I have 110 pigeons that I feed daily. When I started, I never realized how smart they are. I have coffee at the same coffee house in Minneapolis each day. I prefer to sit outside, so the birds at around 2ish come to get me. It's an amazing sight to see 110 pigeons flock to the rooftop of the building. They aren't intrusive at all - they just let me know through their presence above that it's time to go.
I grab my bag of bird seed and walk them down a block to vacant lot. It really is amazing for people to see all these birds follow me. Some walk with me or catch a ride on my shoulder and some fly to the vacant lot. I spread the seed, and they'll eat out of my hands too. I've probably run into over 100 people walking by and maybe five have been confrontational or negative. The rest look on in astonishment and I offer them an opportunity to feed the birds, or they'll ask to do so. It's really the highlight of my day to interact with the birds and humans. It's a wonderful connection that these pigeons provide. A few people have come back to do it again. I even had a guy tell me that he thought this was the best day ever for him. lol
What a beautiful story, David! It sounds like you’ve created such a special bond with those pigeons, and I can only imagine how magical it must be to see them gather and follow you. It’s wonderful that you’re also sharing that joy with others and giving them a chance to connect with the birds. Thank you for being such a kind and compassionate presence for both the pigeons and the people around you—what an inspiring way to brighten each day!
I think part of the enjoyment is the interaction with strangers with the birds. A lot of people that stop by I get the sense they had a rough day at work or whatever might be going on. Feeding the pigeons is just a calming and peaceful feeling for them.
There was a woman today - very nicely dressed who had just got off work. She wanted to be covered in pigeons. I have no idea what that was about. She did have ten at one point. lol
Such a beautiful and humane story. Thank you, David. I feed all the squirrels and birds that come my way and, lately, a beautiful grey cat I have named Henry Newton. This is always the highlight of the day. Such joy.
What a lovely, hopeful and inspiring article – it came at the right time. I have not been around Bryant Park in years so was not aware of Djhn Williams and his love for pigeons. It is hopeful.
At the same time, maybe people would be surprised to know that many New Yorkers care about pigeons. I know this because I have volunteered at the Wild Bird Fund on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. The WBF opened in 2012 and is New York City's only wildlife rehabilitation and education center. There is such a need for them and so much support, that they have expanded their facility and opened another in Brooklyn.
Particularly in the summer, the WBF takes in hundreds of pigeons with cages stacked high. They need lots of volunteers to clean the cages, feed and water the birds and do many other chores. New Yorkers bring these injured or sick birds to the WBF to be cared for and hopefully rehabilitated and released. It is endless and at the same time inspiring that so many people care.
Prior to that, if I found an injured pigeon, I would network with others to find someone to take the bird. Having cats, I never took one home. It was always a challenge.
If you care about pigeons, I recommend the extraordinary book by Andrew Garn – “The New York Pigeons” filled with beautiful pictures and stories.
Lastly – I am repeating Ed’s last paragraph – it’s so worth it.
“In this way, Bryant Park becomes more than just a patch of green amid concrete; it becomes a symbol of what is possible when we embrace our role as stewards of the natural world. And perhaps, if we follow Williams’ example, we will find that there is room enough in our cities—and in our hearts—for all who call this planet home.”
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing this! It’s heartwarming to hear about your experience with the Wild Bird Fund and the incredible work they do. It’s truly inspiring to know how many New Yorkers care deeply for pigeons and other wildlife. I love that you’ve found a way to connect with these birds and help them, and I’ll definitely check out Andrew Garn’s book—it sounds fascinating! Your story is a wonderful reminder of the impact we can all make when we open our hearts to the animals around us.
He is the St. Francis of Bryant Park!
This is such an important message. Thank you for reminding all of us that it’s not some conservation society or big money projects that will make a difference in keeping the animals we have left safe. It is each one of us who must do the work of the heart and realize that we are all animals on this planet and we all deserve love and care.
Thank you , Miranda, for your kind words! I'm so glad the message resonated with you. You're absolutely right—real change starts with each of us recognizing our shared responsibility and compassion for all living beings. Together, through small acts of kindness and awareness, we can make a big difference for the animals we share this world with. Thank you for being part of that important work!
This was fantastic 👏. It is refreshing to know that anyone would notice anyone helping pigeons. All animals are gifts...birds are one of the top gifts next to dogs in my own opinion. That is why it is also imperative we work to save the wolves. It was not frowned apon when Mary Poppins fed pigeons...yet now in 2024 everyone shuns them. It is really sad. My mom actually 2 yrs ago adopted one from animal friends. A domestic white one someone just tossed outside like garbage. Someone brought him in bc like most birds...he was getting tormented by neighborhood cats😔. My mom always wanted a dove. So a white pigeon seemed almost as simpler. Same family lol. He is just starting to "come around" now (after 2 yrs). He has a fantastic vet and has been diagnosed with bad PTSD. Pigeons are smarter than ppl realize. I mean for gosh sake...they used to deliver mail with no GPS. Humans could not do that. My mom's new mailman is still after 4 months giving ppl the wrong mail lol. I really enjoyed this! God bless this man that the article was written about as well. It is nice that ppl who do good (that aren't usually noticed) are given credit and recognition. What is sad is, all humans should be doing what this man is doing in some way shape or form.
Thank you, Autumn, for sharing your story! I’m touched by your mom’s kindness in adopting that pigeon—what a beautiful way to give him a second chance. It’s heartbreaking how misunderstood pigeons are, especially given their intelligence and history of service to humans. I love your comparison to Mary Poppins—so true! And yes, all animals are indeed gifts, each deserving of care and respect. I’m so glad the article resonated with you, and I completely agree—people like Djhn Williams deserve more recognition for the quiet, compassionate work they do. Thank you again for your thoughtful note!
Awesome 💕