The Birdman of Bryant Park: A Lesson in Compassionate Conservation

Meet the Man Bringing Bryant Park’s Birdlife to New Heights

In the heart of Manhattan, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling avenues, lies Bryant Park—a grassy oasis that offers respite to New Yorkers and tourists alike. It is here, amid the carefully manicured lawns and historic monuments, that one might encounter an unlikely figure: Djhn Williams, a sanitation worker known affectionately as the "Birdman of Bryant Park." Williams is not just another city employee; he has become a symbol of something much deeper—an ambassador for compassionate conservation in an urban setting.

Williams' daily routine involves more than just keeping the park clean. He has formed a unique bond with the park’s avian residents, particularly the pigeons. As he goes about his work, he pauses frequently to feed and care for these often-overlooked birds. To some, pigeons are little more than "rats with wings," but to Williams, they are living beings deserving of care and respect. His interactions with them have made him a beloved figure in the park—a quiet reminder of the potential for human-animal connection in even the most urban environments.

AI depiction of Birdman of Bryant Park.

A Call for Compassionate Conservation

Williams' story is not just about one man’s relationship with birds; it speaks to a broader movement in environmental ethics known as compassionate conservation. This philosophy challenges traditional conservation methods that often prioritize ecosystems over individual animals. Instead, compassionate conservationists argue that all sentient beings—whether they are pigeons in a city park or endangered species in a remote wilderness—deserve moral consideration. The movement is guided by principles such as "do no harm," inclusivity of all animals, and peaceful coexistence.

In cities like New York, where wildlife is often seen as an inconvenience or even a threat, compassionate conservation offers a new way of thinking. 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. Djhn Williams embodies this ethos through his actions. By feeding and caring for the birds in Bryant Park, he is practicing what compassionate conservationists preach: stewardship.

Urban Wildlife: A Shared Responsibility

Bryant Park itself has undergone a transformation over the years. Once a neglected space plagued by crime and drug activity, it has been revitalized into one of New York’s most cherished green spaces. This transformation mirrors a broader trend across U.S. cities, where urban environments are increasingly becoming habitats for wildlife as green infrastructure expands. As cities become more hospitable to animals, humans are faced with the challenge—and opportunity—of learning how to coexist with them.

Williams’ interactions with the pigeons highlight an important lesson: urban wildlife is not separate from us; it is part of our community. The pigeons that flock around him each day are not invaders—they are residents of Bryant Park just as much as any human visitor. This shift in perspective is crucial if we are to foster peaceful coexistence between humans and animals in our cities.

The Power of Human Connection

At its core, Williams’ story is about connection—both between humans and animals and between people themselves. In a city where millions pass each other by without so much as a glance, Williams’ relationship with the birds has sparked conversations among park-goers. People stop to watch him feed the pigeons or ask him about his work. In these moments, they are reminded of their own capacity for empathy and care.

This kind of human connection is essential not only for fostering compassion toward animals but also for building stronger communities. When we take time to notice the non-human lives around us—whether it's a pigeon in Bryant Park or a coyote on the outskirts of Los Angeles—we begin to see that we are all part of something larger. We share this planet with countless other species, each with its own role to play in the intricate web of life.

A Vision for the Future

The story of Djhn Williams and his feathered friends serves as a powerful reminder that compassionate conservation is not just an abstract philosophy—it can be practiced every day, even in the heart of a bustling metropolis like New York City. By recognizing the intrinsic value of all living beings and fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife, we can create urban environments that are not only more humane but also more sustainable.

As we continue to grapple with environmental challenges on both local and global scales, it is clear that traditional conservation methods alone will not suffice. We must expand our moral community to include all sentient beings, recognizing that their well-being is intertwined with our own. Djhn Williams may be just one man feeding pigeons in a park, but his actions point toward a future where compassion guides our interactions with all creatures—human and non-human alike.

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.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments, and a former Board Director of the National Animal Control Association. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.