First meeting with Philly Pigeon Tours

On September 4th, Envirolab hosted the first meeting of the 2026-27 academic year with Philly Pigeon Tours. We took to the streets of Philadelphia’s Italian Market, led by urban ecology expert Aspen Simone.

Along the way, we picked up basic birdwatching techniques and learned about how pigeons navigate and thrive within the city. We identified predators, water and food sources, and the edges of buildings that resemble the cliffs where pigeons naturally nest.

We also learned about how pigeons’ presence in cities today is part of a history in which they served as sources of food, companion pets, and messengers, with humans transporting them across the world. We took time to talk about the events, public health narratives, and popular media that made pigeons increasingly associated with dirt and disease.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to Philly Pigeon Tours for leading such an insightful tour!