Feeding the Pigeons, in Memoriam

Photo
Credit Victor Kerlow

Dear Diary:

A few days ago I saw my neighbor feeding pigeons in Riverside Park, a no-no for some, a cause for others. I asked him why he was engaged in an activity that city residents and the government so frown upon.

He told me that a friend, before he died, was very concerned about who would feed the pigeons he “took care of” all these years. My neighbor promised him he would take care of the birds, and now, even though he himself has a hard time getting around lately, he keeps that promise daily, rain or shine.

It should make us wonder why we decry the care of pigeons. Why not make room for them in our parks with feeders and watering stations?

Why can’t we all live together? Or is this just the Pollyanna in me?


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