That pigeon appears to have ridden the subway before. Its all cool about it and then when it comes to the stop and the doors open, it gets off. I have seen tourists that were more confused.
My subway is the last stop so oftentimes the doors are left wide open. During the day, the pigeons get on and sometimes are trapped. They just shuffle about a couple stops and then “figure it out” when the doors open. They’re very smart and stupid at the same time!
From a Bona Fide Noo Yawka: This does happen sometimes. Part of some trains’ routes are outdoors, and pigeons sometimes get in when the doors open at those stops. There have also been occasional stray doggies getting on the trains, and there is a population of feral cats who live in some subway stations and tunnels (not to mention teh Ratz and mouses).
My darling precious Superduper cat Stinky was found on the subway tracks as a kitten. He was the best cat ever.
I think pigeons are very smart. I have seen them in Boston waiting at the corner for the red light and then waddling along with the humans to the other side of the street.
Now we have this Mr. Pigeon not saving money but saving energy by not flying and taking the T. Awesome!
@silentk: I once saw a story about a Great Tit who travelled from Finland to Spain in a plane… The crew was silly enough to let it outside once they landed, much smarter would have been to take it back home because the flight only took a couple of hours anyway. I can’t imagine what the poor bird thought when the outside temperature suddenly rose from -10 C to something like +25 C… :/
I was taking a subway through Brooklyn once, at one of the above-ground stations, when a squirrel boarded the train. Much shrieking (from passengers) and scurrying back and forth (by the squirrel) ensued. He got off at the next stop, and I have always wondered if he managed to find his way home.
@ camille, #28 – “Much shrieking (from passengers) and scurrying back and forth (by the squirrel) ensued”
I have always thought I would be calm and cool in situations like that, be/c I love animals so much. But I had a leetle mousie in my container of bird food last weekend in my garage, and when I first saw him, I was quite startled and I screamed like a girl.
I wish I could put the pigeons in my back yard on a train and send them AWAY! They are driving me and the cats crazy. There are about fifteen of them, and they stomp around on the roof over my bedroom sounding like a herd of buffalo, they scare away the little birds who want to eat at the feeder, and they just laugh at me when I yell at them. I used to be rather fond of pigeons, but since these guys invaded they are now the ENEMY!
The pigeons where I used to live are catching a ride on the local train. They get on in Asker, and stay on for 6 stops until they get to the next city, Sandvika. It’s a long flight, I totally understand why they catch a train. They usually stay on a perch the whole time, not just wandering around like this one.
Yeah, I thought I recognised the seats, the subway interior and the tell-tale sound of the chimes as the doors opened. How did you know that it was Runnymede station? (I wonder at which stop the pigeon boarded – Old Mill?)
@Theresa, Skippy is now 13 and is starting to slow down just a bit. There are places he used to jump to that I now have to pick him up to get to. He tends to be rather grave (maintaining his dignity among all the youngsters), and every so often when I catch him forgetting himself and playing, it warms my heart. I love them all, but Skippy is The One.
This is an awesome video! I too love how the pigeon looks like he does this all the time. I remember once my husband and I were driving along in a borrowed pickup with the windows down, and a bumblebee flew in and deposited himself in the map pocket in the door. I thought surely s/he had died (it was really hot out) but after about a mile s/he flew back out! I was amazed – did a bumblebee just hitch a ride with us?!? It was pretty cool.
LOL! Typical unflappable city dwellers hardly pay the silly birdy any mind! Meanwhile, birdy looks just like any other casual subway rider. “Oh, yeah, this is me. See yah!”
Didn’t think any NYC subways had orange doors. Seems it’s Toronto?
I was in Union Station in D.C. last Thursday, waiting for my Amtrak train. While I was sitting in the waiting area, a pigeon walked up and wandered around for a while. I totally wished I had a camera with me, but alas, this traveling bird went undocumented. Awesome that the subway bird was caught on camera!
Love how he (she?) keeps close to the pole, just in case he need to hold on to something. Also love the tiny jump off the train. He listened to the warnings with “mind the gap”, good birde!
LMAO.. there is no mistaking the three mistuned notes of the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) subway doors opening… ugh lol.
Perhaps he was headed Nathan Phillips Square (not TIMES square ;o) ).. though why he’s getting off at Runymede I don’t know lol… I suppose pigeons lose their sense of directions under ground
That is for sure Toronto. I’ve been through that station a thousand times. Listen to the announcer’s voice, she’s saying “Arriving at Run-a-meed, Run-a-meed station”. That’s how we pronounce “Runnymede” in Toronto.
Here in Chicago, I have seen a pigeon board the CTA Red Line at Loyola and ride the train, completely unflustered, all the way downtown to the Loop. Obviously, she had to make it to Oprah’s studios for an appearance and then some shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Anyone else also reminded of Meg Ryan on “You’ve Got Mail”? With the butterfly on the subway story?
I just showed this to my husband, and he said that he’s seen photos and read articles of stray dogs in Russia that regularly ride the subways. I was amazed, but with a quick google search I found several accounts of this. For some really cute photos, look at this blog (no affiliation, just loved the pictures):
@Theresa What a lovely cat that is – and how fortunate he is to have been rescued by you – but you say he was found “on the tracks” as a Tiny Kitteh – that makes me wonder what sort of person could leave a little critter in such a dangerous place – I guess it takes all sorts to make up a world.
@Skippymom – I sometimes look for your posts about your Kitty – I love to read of an Elder Cat being treated so well in his “Autumn Years”
Love to all Kitties and Owners (excuse me I mean Servants)
Patti
This happens all the time on the PATH train. Pigeons get on a Newark and ride to Harrison, about a minute and a half away by train, and probably about 10 minutes away by flying. There’s one pigeon who has a damaged foot who does it on a regular basis. I’ve seen him take the train back, too.
(waving across the states btw us)
Hi Skippymom — hey, Skippy should be around for quite awhile, if he is anything like my dear beloved Salinger. I had him from a kitten of about 3/4 cup of furriness, until approximately 18.
One of my mother’s close friends liked Salinger so remarkably, that she wrote a poem In Memorium of his & my relationship RIP.
So enjoy Skippy and let him appreciate you as long as you both can.
No wonder the transit companies are in such dire financial straits, with all these free-loaders riding the rails; Harrumph…!!!! Weez gunna hafta keep a broom handy; so that, when the next time one of these pigeon-type passengers tries to hitch a ride……
Awwwwww!!! Look at that!! Isn’t he just too Qte!! And he got off all by himself……
SQUEEEEEEEeeee!!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
That was so funny! Yep, guess this is my stop…
Thank you for riding Pigeon Air! Snerk
That was surreal. He must have a few Passenger Pigeon genes.
LOL! The pigeon was totally chill, too. No going cuckoo for that bird. *snicker*
Bwahahahahaha!!!
So…does that mean New York pigeons are as smart as Moscow Dogs?
And bonus points for reminding me of “A Cricket in Times Square”, one of my favorite books growing up, but one that I’d forgotten as an adult.
Uhmm… lazy pigeon!
That pigeon appears to have ridden the subway before. Its all cool about it and then when it comes to the stop and the doors open, it gets off. I have seen tourists that were more confused.
what a cutie! he didn’t seem nervous at all. must be a regular rider.
This is in Toronto!!! WOOT WOOT!!!! Runnymede Station!
EiceBleu
@ Passenger Pigeon.
Pigeons have been trained to do remarkable things. They are a lot smarter than people give them credit for being.
My subway is the last stop so oftentimes the doors are left wide open. During the day, the pigeons get on and sometimes are trapped. They just shuffle about a couple stops and then “figure it out” when the doors open. They’re very smart and stupid at the same time!
Can anybody tell me which stop I want for the Hall of Statues?
Ah that was HILARIOUS!!! I loved how it just walked off the train when the doors opened
Hey! He didn’t pay! Lol
From a Bona Fide Noo Yawka: This does happen sometimes. Part of some trains’ routes are outdoors, and pigeons sometimes get in when the doors open at those stops. There have also been occasional stray doggies getting on the trains, and there is a population of feral cats who live in some subway stations and tunnels (not to mention teh Ratz and mouses).
My darling precious Superduper cat Stinky was found on the subway tracks as a kitten. He was the best cat ever.
I think pigeons are very smart. I have seen them in Boston waiting at the corner for the red light and then waddling along with the humans to the other side of the street.
Now we have this Mr. Pigeon not saving money but saving energy by not flying and taking the T. Awesome!
I bet he didn’t even but a ticket!
buy*
Awww, that was so adorable! He looked completely natural like any subway rider!
LOL. Love how he just strolls on off the train. Cute.
@Theresa, I LOVE that you had a cat named Stinky.
Next I would like to see a pigeon sneaking a ride on an airplane.
I would have followed that bird to see if it got a cup of coffee and a paper from a corner shop…
A Cricket in Times Square was my all time favorite book when I was younger. I still keep it on my bookshelf.
lol pigeon in the video is awesome too.
@silentk: I once saw a story about a Great Tit who travelled from Finland to Spain in a plane… The crew was silly enough to let it outside once they landed, much smarter would have been to take it back home because the flight only took a couple of hours anyway. I can’t imagine what the poor bird thought when the outside temperature suddenly rose from -10 C to something like +25 C… :/
Very cool birdie!! Paasenger Pigeon, yes!
LOL! I live in NYC but have never see a piegon on the subway, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
There is a small flock of piegons who hang out in Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd & 8th.
I was taking a subway through Brooklyn once, at one of the above-ground stations, when a squirrel boarded the train. Much shrieking (from passengers) and scurrying back and forth (by the squirrel) ensued. He got off at the next stop, and I have always wondered if he managed to find his way home.
Adorable
Love how it looks around all excited when it knows the train is stopping and then just casually waddles off when the doors open. Too cute.
@ camille, #28 – “Much shrieking (from passengers) and scurrying back and forth (by the squirrel) ensued”
I have always thought I would be calm and cool in situations like that, be/c I love animals so much. But I had a leetle mousie in my container of bird food last weekend in my garage, and when I first saw him, I was quite startled and I screamed like a girl.
I wish I could put the pigeons in my back yard on a train and send them AWAY! They are driving me and the cats crazy. There are about fifteen of them, and they stomp around on the roof over my bedroom sounding like a herd of buffalo, they scare away the little birds who want to eat at the feeder, and they just laugh at me when I yell at them. I used to be rather fond of pigeons, but since these guys invaded they are now the ENEMY!
@Nikki, he was the Best Cat Ever. He was my heart. Here he is trying to kill a little scrap of paper:
http://good-times.webshots.com/video/3022471400054217802GjUIIz
like!
The pigeons where I used to live are catching a ride on the local train. They get on in Asker, and stay on for 6 stops until they get to the next city, Sandvika. It’s a long flight, I totally understand why they catch a train. They usually stay on a perch the whole time, not just wandering around like this one.
Theresa, Stinky sure was a gorgeous big boy. How old did he get to be?
p.s. I like how the television is playing in the background, all superfluous-like, since the real show in the room is the kitty.
That pigeon was all like “well, here’s my stop” and nonchalantly walks out the door.
haha… my boyfriend was on that subway car when this happened!
He tried to take his own video, but just caught the end.
@ melissadesa:
Yeah, I thought I recognised the seats, the subway interior and the tell-tale sound of the chimes as the doors opened. How did you know that it was Runnymede station? (I wonder at which stop the pigeon boarded – Old Mill?)
Not nearly as much excitement as the time I was taking an elevator and a mouse got on . . . .
I love Chester Cricket! And Tucker Mouse, and Harry the Cat! Loved those books as a child!
@estlin: The announcement says Runnymede. This looks like it’s westbound, so perhaps the pigeon got on at Keele?
T.O. represent
@Skippymom, he lived to almost 18. This vid was taken when he was 16– he was very strong and active and “young” for a long time. I miss him every day.
@Theresa, Skippy is now 13 and is starting to slow down just a bit. There are places he used to jump to that I now have to pick him up to get to. He tends to be rather grave (maintaining his dignity among all the youngsters), and every so often when I catch him forgetting himself and playing, it warms my heart. I love them all, but Skippy is The One.
ceejoe, I’m the same way-if I see something moving where it shouldn’t be, that gets a yelp out of me..once I realize what it is, I’m okay.
While amused at the pigeon, I’m VERY pleased that the people on the train did no harm to him, becasue, you know, that’s how some people can be.
This is an awesome video! I too love how the pigeon looks like he does this all the time. I remember once my husband and I were driving along in a borrowed pickup with the windows down, and a bumblebee flew in and deposited himself in the map pocket in the door. I thought surely s/he had died (it was really hot out) but after about a mile s/he flew back out! I was amazed – did a bumblebee just hitch a ride with us?!? It was pretty cool.
Also, corianne, that Moscow dogs link is FULL OF WIN!!! I love oddly-translated stories, plus the subject matter is excellent. Thanks for posting!
I also wouldn’t let him drive the subway train…
LOL! Typical unflappable city dwellers hardly pay the silly birdy any mind! Meanwhile, birdy looks just like any other casual subway rider. “Oh, yeah, this is me. See yah!”
Didn’t think any NYC subways had orange doors. Seems it’s Toronto?
Nice Mo Willems ref, Kar!
This isn’t New York! It’s Toronto! I go to Runnymede station all the time. Besides, I’d recognize those fuzzy maroon seats anywhere.
I was in Union Station in D.C. last Thursday, waiting for my Amtrak train. While I was sitting in the waiting area, a pigeon walked up and wandered around for a while. I totally wished I had a camera with me, but alas, this traveling bird went undocumented. Awesome that the subway bird was caught on camera!
Canadian pigeons are smarter than the average!
yeah it is Toronto…
This was one friendly sky rat 
Love how he (she?) keeps close to the pole, just in case he need to hold on to something. Also love the tiny jump off the train. He listened to the warnings with “mind the gap”, good birde!
He’s very wise in the ways of public transportation!
While I would love to take credit for NYC having the cleverest pigeons, that was in no way, shape, or form a NYC subway car.
I believe someone higher up mentioned Toronto?
LMAO.. there is no mistaking the three mistuned notes of the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) subway doors opening… ugh lol.
Perhaps he was headed Nathan Phillips Square (not TIMES square ;o) ).. though why he’s getting off at Runymede I don’t know lol… I suppose pigeons lose their sense of directions under ground
That is for sure Toronto. I’ve been through that station a thousand times. Listen to the announcer’s voice, she’s saying “Arriving at Run-a-meed, Run-a-meed station”. That’s how we pronounce “Runnymede” in Toronto.
Canada is so cool. Even the pigeons who live there are cool!
Here in Chicago, I have seen a pigeon board the CTA Red Line at Loyola and ride the train, completely unflustered, all the way downtown to the Loop. Obviously, she had to make it to Oprah’s studios for an appearance and then some shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Anyone else also reminded of Meg Ryan on “You’ve Got Mail”? With the butterfly on the subway story?
this actually isnt in New York… it’s the subway in Toronto
Yeah, definitely Toronto…
I just showed this to my husband, and he said that he’s seen photos and read articles of stray dogs in Russia that regularly ride the subways. I was amazed, but with a quick google search I found several accounts of this. For some really cute photos, look at this blog (no affiliation, just loved the pictures):
http://englishrussia.com/index.php/2009/04/07/smartest-dogs-moscow-stray-dogs/
@Theresa What a lovely cat that is – and how fortunate he is to have been rescued by you – but you say he was found “on the tracks” as a Tiny Kitteh – that makes me wonder what sort of person could leave a little critter in such a dangerous place – I guess it takes all sorts to make up a world.
@Skippymom – I sometimes look for your posts about your Kitty – I love to read of an Elder Cat being treated so well in his “Autumn Years”
Love to all Kitties and Owners (excuse me I mean Servants)
Patti
heh, I’ve seen pigeons a few times on the train-I always worry too that they didn’t find their way home…
Out and about.
Yuck, those flying rats are everywhere
This happens all the time on the PATH train. Pigeons get on a Newark and ride to Harrison, about a minute and a half away by train, and probably about 10 minutes away by flying. There’s one pigeon who has a damaged foot who does it on a regular basis. I’ve seen him take the train back, too.
Brilliant!
(waving across the states btw us)
Hi Skippymom — hey, Skippy should be around for quite awhile, if he is anything like my dear beloved Salinger. I had him from a kitten of about 3/4 cup of furriness, until approximately 18.
One of my mother’s close friends liked Salinger so remarkably, that she wrote a poem In Memorium of his & my relationship RIP.
So enjoy Skippy and let him appreciate you as long as you both can.
Peace.
Hilarious…..
Of course nobody gave up a seat. There were plenty of empty ones near the door.
No wonder the transit companies are in such dire financial straits, with all these free-loaders riding the rails; Harrumph…!!!! Weez gunna hafta keep a broom handy; so that, when the next time one of these pigeon-type passengers tries to hitch a ride……
Awwwwww!!! Look at that!! Isn’t he just too Qte!! And he got off all by himself……
SQUEEEEEEEeeee!!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
He’s not heading for Times Square, he’s heading for the McDonalds right beside Runnymede Station. He is a pigeon, after all.
What a smart pigeon!
I wonder if he had a ticket … XD
OMG I remember that book
Just when you think you’ve seen everything in NYC…
That is Runnymede station in Toronto! There are lots of good bakeries there. This pigeon knows where it’s at.
That’s not time square it’s at Runnymede station in Toronto Ontario. you can hear it say Runnymede.
harper should give him a key to the city.