Philadelphia residents now have a new way to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods while learning about an often‑overlooked feathered resident. Aspen Simone and Hannah Michelle Brower, a couple who met in Boston before moving to the City of Brotherly Love, have created “Philly Pigeon Tours,” a weekly walking tour that highlights the lives of the city’s pigeons.
From rescue to tourism
The idea began when the pair stumbled upon an injured pigeon during an impromptu rescue. “We couldn’t just walk away,” Simone recalled. After nursing the bird back to health, they discovered a deeper fascination with the birds that populate Philadelphia’s streets, parks, and rooftops. Their shared passion soon grew into a mission: to change how Philadelphians view these urban birds.
Tour details
The tours run every Saturday morning, with two regular routes. The first starts in the bustling Italian Market, weaving through historic storefronts and alleys where pigeons often perch. The second route travels through Center City, offering participants a glimpse of how the birds interact with the city’s iconic architecture and bustling crowds. Each tour lasts about ninety minutes and is limited to a small group to ensure an intimate experience.
Participants receive a brief history of Philadelphia’s relationship with pigeons, learn about the birds’ habits, and hear anecdotes about the couple’s rescue efforts. “We want people to see that pigeons are more than just city pests; they’re resilient creatures that have adapted alongside us,” Brower said.
Community response
Local residents have responded positively, noting the tours provide a fresh perspective on familiar streets. “I’ve walked these blocks a hundred times, but seeing them through the eyes of a pigeon is eye‑opening,” said longtime Italian Market vendor Marco DeLuca. The tours also attract tourists seeking off‑the‑beaten‑path experiences, adding a modest boost to nearby businesses.
Beyond education, Simone and Brower hope the tours inspire broader stewardship of urban wildlife. They partner with local animal shelters to promote humane treatment of pigeons and encourage participants to report injured birds.
How to join
Interested riders can sign up through the “Philly Pigeon Tours” Instagram page or the official website, where they can view upcoming dates, pricing, and safety guidelines. The couple emphasizes that all participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for typical city weather.
As the tours continue to grow, Simone and Brower remain committed to their original goal: fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s feathered friends and the lessons they offer about resilience, community, and coexistence.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
