Interview: “Frank, Pigeon Enthusiast and Suburban Philosopher”
Author: Graham Bridgefield
September 21, 2024
Interviewer: Thanks for joining me, Frank. You’re a bit of a local personality here in the Toronto suburbs. Can you tell us about your unique passion for pigeons?
Frank: Oh, it’s my pleasure. Pigeons, you see, are misunderstood creatures. Most people think they’re just flying rats, but I call them “the guardians of the streets.” They’ve got their own little society, and I’ve been watching them for years. Call it a hobby—or an unpaid research project, if you want to sound fancy.
Interviewer: Fascinating. So how did this interest in pigeons start?
Frank: Well, I’ve always been out here, keeping an eye on things. One day, I noticed this group of pigeons sharing crumbs outside a bakery. It wasn’t just random—they had a system! One bird would grab the food, another would keep watch, and a third would hang back like a supervisor. I thought, “Well, look at that! They’re better organized than we are.” From then on, I started paying attention.
Interviewer: What have you learned about pigeon behavior in the suburbs?
Frank: Oh, plenty. They’ve got territories, for one. The pigeons by the grocery store? Different gang from the ones by the park fountain. You can tell by how they walk—grocery store pigeons are confident, like they know they’re getting fed. Park pigeons? A bit more laid back, almost snobby. They’ve got personality, you know?
Interviewer: That’s incredible. Do you have a favorite pigeon?
Frank: Oh, absolutely. There’s one I call Big Larry. He’s got this funny little limp, but he’s the boss of the fountain pigeons. You should see how the others follow him. Larry doesn’t even need to fight for crumbs—he just shows up, and the others scatter. It’s inspiring, really. Makes you think about leadership in a whole new way.
Interviewer: Have you ever tried to interact with the pigeons directly?
Frank: Oh, I wouldn’t dare. Pigeons are like royalty—you can observe them, maybe toss them a snack, but you don’t get too close. It’s about respect. I did try to whistle at them once to see if they’d come over, but they just stared at me like I’d insulted their ancestors.
Interviewer: Fair enough. Do you think people underestimate pigeons?
Frank: Absolutely. People are quick to dismiss them, but pigeons are survivors. Rain, snow, heat waves—they’re out here thriving. They don’t need fancy houses or 9-to-5 jobs, and yet they’ve been around forever. There’s a lesson in that: simplicity and resilience.
Interviewer: That’s a poetic way to look at it. Any advice for someone who might want to start observing pigeons like you?
Frank: Patience is key. Find a good spot, sit quietly, and just watch. Don’t bring expectations—just let the pigeons show you how they live. And always carry breadcrumbs. You never know when you’ll need to make friends.
Interviewer: Wise words, Frank. Before we wrap up, do you have any big plans for your pigeon observations?
Frank: I’ve been thinking about writing a guide. Something like “The Pigeon Chronicles: A Suburban Field Guide.” It’s still in the idea phase—I’d need to borrow a notebook from the library—but I think people could learn a lot. You don’t need a fancy life to appreciate the small things, you know?
Interviewer: That’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story, Frank.
Frank: My pleasure. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s feeding time, and Big Larry doesn’t like to be kept waiting.
About the author 
Graham Bridgefield is a Toronto-based freelance writer with a knack for uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. Whether he's interviewing local characters, exploring hidden corners of the suburbs, or waxing poetic about the city's lesser-known stories, Graham has a unique talent for making everyday life feel profound. A self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast and weekend birdwatcher, Graham spends his free time cycling through Toronto’s parks and scribbling notes on anything that sparks his curiosity. His work has been featured in various community blogs and lifestyle magazines.
