In 1967, Trafalgar Square was one of London’s most lively outdoor spaces. Tourists and locals alike gathered there daily, drawn in part by a simple but beloved ritual — feeding the pigeons.
Vendors set up right in the square selling small bags of birdseed. The most well-known among them was Bernard Rayner, whose family had worked that spot for generations, calling out “Feed the birds!” to passing crowds.
American traveler Harrison Forman was among those who witnessed the scene firsthand. He watched as dozens of pigeons descended the moment seeds hit the ground, creating a rush of wings and feathers.
The birds had no fear of people. They hopped around visitors’ feet and crowded in close, searching for the best scraps of seed and breadcrumbs.
Families with children were a common sight. Kids laughed as pigeons swarmed their outstretched hands, and parents snapped photos to remember the moment.
City officials raised concerns over the years about pigeon droppings damaging the square’s stonework and monuments. Discussions about controlling the pigeon population ran alongside the ongoing tradition.
Despite those concerns, the ritual carried on for decades. For many visitors, buying a bag of seed from Rayner and scattering it across the pavement was as much a part of London as seeing Big Ben.
In 2001, Bernard Rayner — the last birdseed vendor in the square — was officially told to stop selling. The tradition that had defined Trafalgar Square for generations came to a close.
