Lessons Learned From Big Fat Pigeon

There are lessons we can learn from pigeons. These “rats of the city” have adapted to living in Chicago’s Loop amazingly well. Considering the meager food sources and the trampling danger of hurried commuters, their survival skills have truly evolved to serve them. My son has shared with me observances of one feathered fellow we affectionately call “Big Fat Pigeon." This generously feathered fellow has not lost too many food battles. His stalky legs barely support his girth but he obviously doesn’t have trouble holding his ground among his fellow city rats. 

While hearing the perils of our friend, I drew some pretty distinct parallels to the world of Big Fat Pigeon and ours. We don’t just share the same concrete jungle.  Some principles of living cross into both worlds.  My son’s observations of Big Fat Pigeon have thoroughly entertained me and I must say he has a gift for words (my son, not Big Fat Pigeon) and so I decided to share with you what Big Fat Pigeon’s escapades have taught me.

Give people the benefit of the doubt, but be prepared to run.  

In the city, there are people constantly walking back and forth. Most of these people are in a hurry. These pigeons know it. These city dwelling birds have adapted so well to the environment they share with us that they can tell before you reach them, if they need to get out of your way.  They watch you out of the corner of their eye as they walk about their corner of the city. The quick change in their gait will tell if they have deemed you a possible butt kicker. Their leisurely surveyor stroll will turn into a panicky two footed jog. Their heads quickly bobbing back and forth at a record pace they get the heck out of the way before a foot shows them the other side of their concrete world. Lesson learned. Watch out for the butt kickers.

Don’t be afraid of confrontation.  Sometimes it’s necessary.                     

Most of the time, these feathered city dwellers can be found leisurely strolling back and forth, their heads bobbing front and back like a bobble head doll. They're surveying the area: checking for food and protecting their territory. Passing each other as they make their daily stroll, their low pitched, warbly gurgle serves as a signal to the other pigeons in the area. My son and I envision it as some sort of tough guy pigeon talk.

“That’s right, this is my area and I’m gonna defend it.”

Peace and harmony exist among them until food enters their concrete zone. One piece of a hamburger bun or the discarded scraps from a box of French fries will send all of them scurrying to grab a piece of the feast. Beaks and head butts are their weapons of choice. They are not shy about getting in there for the fight. This is survival and shy doesn’t get you food for the day. Lesson learned.  Know when to fight and take a stand.

We all need a little help at times. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Big Fat Pigeon is a master at assessing if you are a friend with food. He always starts out in a leisurely surveyor stroll, watching you out of the corner of his eye. If you don’t swack him or your foot doesn’t extend to boot him across the sidewalk (see butt kickers above), he will come a bit closer, head bobbing, moving in a circle in front of you. All of the while that eye is on you. If you aren’t moving and nothing foreign is flying past his head, he will move in closer; but that eye is always on you.  There is a line that he will not cross, however.  He knows how close to go to see if you will be a friend. If you extend your arm or throw a tidbit in front of him, he is there for as long as you will have him and he will take whatever you offer.  Lesson learned.  Don’t be afraid to accept help that is offered to you.

Life is pretty simple if you’re a pigeon. To humans, life seems pretty complicated.  But if you really look at what you have to do in life, it becomes as simple as the life of Big Fat Pigeon. Cary Grant summarized it pretty well. 

“My formula for life is pretty simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between I occupy myself as best I can.” 

Lesson learned.  Life really is pretty simple, don’t make it complicated. 

Thanks for teaching us some simple lessons, Big Fat Pigeon. Watch out for those butt kickers!