In 1967, London’s Trafalgar Square was a lively place filled with tourists and locals. A popular sight was the many people feeding the pigeons that flocked to the square. Visitors often stopped to buy seed from the vendors who sold it right there. One of the most famous vendors was a man named Bernard Rayner, whose family had been selling birdseed for generations.
The scene was delightful. Families gathered, children laughed, and the sound of pigeons cooing filled the air. People would toss seeds and breadcrumbs onto the ground, and the pigeons would rush in, creating a flurry of feathers. The sight was charming, capturing the essence of London’s outdoor life.
Harrison Forman, an American traveler, found himself in the middle of this vibrant scene. He watched as people scattered seeds, and the pigeons descended in droves. The joyful atmosphere made it easy to forget the busy city surrounding them
The seed sellers had their own rhythm. “Feed the birds!” they would call out, their voices blending with the laughter and chatter around them. The pigeons seemed to know this was their moment. They would waddle up to the visitors, eager for a snack. The birds were not shy. They would hop around feet, looking for the best morsels.
For many tourists, this experience was iconic. It was a chance to be part of a London tradition that had been going on for decades. People took pictures, capturing memories of their time in the square. The act of feeding the pigeons became a small but meaningful part of their journey.
However, not everyone loved the pigeons. Some city officials worried about the mess the birds made. Their droppings could be a problem, and there were discussions about managing the pigeon population. Despite these concerns, the joy of feeding them continued to attract many visitors.
As the years went by, the tradition of feeding pigeons began to fade. In 2001, the last pigeon seed seller, Bernard Rayner, was asked to stop selling birdseed in the square. This marked the end of an era.
