Welcome to
Philly Pigeon Tours
Join us for pigeon-focused urban birding tours in the Italian Market and Old City neighborhoods of Philadelphia!Great for all ages, and perfect for locals and tourists alike!
See your closest bird neighbor from a new perspective
Nature isn't separate from us — it's in our own neighborhood!We can learn about our place in the world and in history through a closer look at the world's most misunderstood bird — the humble pigeon.
What is a pigeon tour?
Our pigeon tours are 90-minute walking tours, and are great for all ages.
Tourists will get to experience Philly from a unique perspective.
Locals will get to see their neighborhood in a new way.On your Philly Pigeon Tour, your pigeon expert guide will tell you all about the dramatic relationship between pigeons and humans, including how pigeons have been maligned and redeemed throughout history.We'll visit a few established pigeon flocks in the neighborhood, and our guide will teach the basics of birdwatching, including how to use binoculars. You'll come away understanding pigeon behavior — and you might even see an elusive baby pigeon!
What you'll learn
birdwatching technique, including how to use binoculars like a pro
the story of the pigeon-human relationship, including how pigeons have been valued, maligned and redeemed throughout history
how to interpret pigeon behaviors like cooing and wing clapping
pigeon biology and genetics, including different varieties, colors, and markings
how we're connected to the wider ecosystem
why you never see baby pigeons (you actually do, you just don't realize it yet!)
Italian Market tour
On our Italian Market Pigeon Tour, meet the pigeons of the historic market on 9th St and Washington Ave.Your expert pigeon guide will bring you through the historic market and visit nearby established pigeon flocks. You'll also get to see the market pigeons nesting in old buildings and braving traffic with confidence.
What you'll do
We'll start the tour at a local gelato shop, and we'll teach techniques for getting comfortable using binoculars.
Next, we'll visit the huge established flock at Washington Ave to see a variety of types of pigeons and all sorts of behaviors.
Then, we'll walk up 9th St, observing pigeons braving traffic, nesting in buildings, and snoozing on signs and ledges.
We'll swing by known pigeon nests, to observe nesting behavior and maybe catch a glimpse of a baby pigeon!
Lastly, we'll loop back to the gelato shop for gelato and coffee.
Old City tour
Coming soon! Tours likely to begin in late July / early August.
What you'll do
We'll start the tour at Washington Square Park, which has a unique and diverse pigeon flock. Washington Square is also a great place to observe how people, dogs, and even hawks (!) interact with pigeons.
Next, we'll teach techniques for getting comfortable using binoculars.
Then, we'll explore some local historic spots, and discuss pigeons throughout American history, including pigeons that served America in WWI, and Nikola Tesla's pigeons.
Lastly, we'll head back to a cafe near Washington Square park for a farewell and optional coffee hang.
Our story
Philly Pigeon Tours was started by Aspen Simone and HM Brower. After they adopted their pet pigeon Primrose (long story, you'll hear it on the tour), they became very interested in pigeons.They put together Philly Pigeon Tours to help people see "the pigeon layer", the world of pigeons that we mostly ignore as we go about our lives.They hope that, after a Pigeon Tour, you won't ever see pigeons the same.
Actual photo of Primrose the pigeon
What to expect
When you sign up, we'll send you an email with tour-specific details about accessibility, parking, and what to bring.Here's some general information about what to expect on a tour.
Accessibility
Tours involve about a mile of walking throughout the neighborhood. We choose routes that are easy to travel, but unexpected obstacles may occur.If you have specific mobility needs or questions, get in touch and we'll work to meet your needs.
Parking
Our tours held in locations near paid parking or near 2-hour street parking. When you register, location-specific parking advice will be sent to you.Since the tour is 90 minutes, you'll have a short buffer before you have to move your car.
What to bring
Pigeon tours are rain-or-shine, so please bring weather-appropriate clothes, sun protection, and a raincoat or umbrella.Bring some water to stay hydrated, and you may consider bringing cash or Venmo to tip your tour guide.If you have your own binoculars, we recommend bringing them. If you don't have binoculars, we will have a few loaner pairs to share among the group.
Get in touch
Feel free to email us with any questions!We can also provide quotes for large group or private pigeon tours — great for birthdays or celebrations, school events, or professional events.