As my grandfather would say, "Woody Allen is for the birds"

Posted by: smelly bob at February 21, 2008 3:31 PM

Is the president of the New York Bird Club's name really Anna Dove? Is that why she wants to save the pigeons? Does she feel as though they're distant cousins?

Posted by: confused at February 21, 2008 3:34 PM

I love Doing the Pigeon. Maybe they could recruit me as spokesperson.

Posted by: Bert at February 21, 2008 3:36 PM

I want this day to happen and I want him to apologize for giving a war cry to the people who spread lies and fear about pigeons and make it seem like it's okay to just kill them.

Posted by: cmerry at February 21, 2008 4:30 PM

Woody, I've worked with you a number of times in your films and love you as a creative person. That's one reason why I want to ask you to revise your response to one misunderstood section of our population, The Pigeon. Too often I've noted alot of cavalierness towards birds and animals in the media. It tends to get a ready laff, but ultimately leads to general disregard for the validity and rights of other living things existing here besides us. You have the platform, please think about giving a break to some fine pigeons, and us actors, too!

Posted by: amanda Trees at February 21, 2008 4:40 PM

Great idea Ann Dove. Woody Allen is a New Yorker, no? Pigeons are New Yorkers too, they all deserve respect, consideration and have the right to the pursue of happiness and safety.
Come on Woody, you are being call publicly, step up to the plate.
Pigeon would love to have you there.

Posted by: Lilito at February 21, 2008 4:42 PM

Just to preclude anyone complaining about pigeon droppings-related disease, please read the following from the NYC Dept. of Health -- the risks are really very small:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/epi-pigeon.shtml

Please note that 2 of the 3 diseases occasionally associated with pigeon droppings are from fungal bacteria that also grow in soil. The third is a rare infectious disease that mainly affect the parrot family and is usually transmitted from pet birds.

Pigeons really get an undeserved bad rap!

Posted by: HamsterWhisperer at February 21, 2008 4:43 PM

Woody Allen has done such a disservice to pigeons (I know, guffaws all around). But seriously, his wry and comic line has been accepted as truth, when it fact it could not be further from the truth. I daresay most people in New York will be surprised to learn the facts about these clean and highly intelligent birds, who are unique in that they can only survive in close proximity to humans. (read about Cher Ami, the carrier pigeon who saved hundreds of soldiers' lives: http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/part1/3b_cherami.html)
Time to make amends and educate people--and to correct the anti-pigeon bias. Woody Allen, please take this invitation seriously.
Sincerely,
Alice Ruth

Posted by: Alice at February 21, 2008 4:52 PM

Laugh all you like but think of a world with just humans - because it seems we are hell bent on destroying everything else sharing this planet

Posted by: Lorin Lindner at February 21, 2008 4:53 PM

Another misunderstood section of our population are The Rat and The Roach.
Please ask James Cagney to appear as well.
Maybe he can apologise for the way he would refer to a foe as 'a dirty rat'. Such a nasty thing to say about our small furry city dwelling friends.

Posted by: Fat Squab at February 21, 2008 4:57 PM

Pigeons are much maligned birds and most people I know have adopted the 'rats with wings' attitude. It has popped into our common phraseology and thought processes. I'd love for Woody to have a care for these creatures. Many folks are overly concerned with bird droppings and in the meantime we're passing and handling millions of germs just by touching poles on our subways!

Posted by: Madmaggie at February 21, 2008 5:08 PM

Pigeons have every right to share living space in NYC just like everyone else. Humans are so hell-bent on killing every creature and this says more about humans than about any other creature.
I love pigeons and will continue to feed them and support their right to live free from harm from hateful people. These same people have little regard for humans as well. Enough with the hatred of pigeons. Spend time doing something kind for both human and non-human animals. We all benefit from kind acts and compassion.

Posted by: Ana at February 21, 2008 5:16 PM

Pigeons are cute!
Come on Woody- make an appearance.

Posted by: Lainey at February 21, 2008 5:26 PM

We just got an email from The New York Bird Club of someone observing children trying to kick pigeons, and the adults not stopping them. The disregard for harmless grey headed lives might just carry over into these children's attitude for all grey headed life that needs to be cared for.. mom, dad, make sure that retirement fund is safe.

Helping the helpless is the true mark of a great person because when you die you can't take your fortune with you but your character is eternal.

Posted by: cmerry at February 21, 2008 5:43 PM

You must be kidding, and it's not even April yet. Allen calling pidgeons "rats with wings" is not a racial slur. Such twisted thinking only dilutes the real meanings of this term.

Pigeons can be a nuisance and destructive as well. Ever been crapped on by a pigeon? Their fecal matter causes problems with architectural surfaces such as stone and brick--and yes excess pigeon poop is a public health hazard regardless of any uninformed environmentalist rhetoric to the contrary .

Get a life folks. This is an insignificant thing that happened nearly 30 years ago. Methinks thou dost protest too much. Perhaps just a case of people with too much money and too little common sense espousing yet another moronic cause.

Posted by: Blogmudgeon at February 21, 2008 6:03 PM

Get real. There are as many reasons to hate pigeons as love them, so both sides deserve respect. They're great in pictures, but in real life they shit where you walk and on your head. And they carry disease.

They're not endangered, so go help something that is.

ijs

Posted by: at February 21, 2008 6:36 PM

Waiting until something is endangered it too extreme for me. It would be nice to never add to this list anymore:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_extinct_animals_of_the_United_States

Most people who care for little creatures don't just care for one they have others they help including endangered species. I think the point is to find a way to not just kill, but find ways (kind ways) to keep populations under control and teach new generations compassion for the smaller things that share this planet with us. The message of, don't like it? So just kill it. Is obviously not a good one.

Posted by: cmerry at February 21, 2008 7:54 PM

Hey Woody,
It's payback time. Years ago, in your film Stardust Memories, you made a species slur, referring to pigeons as "winged rats." People have been using your phrase to denigrate and decimate pigeons for over two decades. In case you haven't noticed (and I believe you have) this world is a hostile, violent, troubled world. Your words perpetuated more violence.

To "undo" this (as we say in psychology), you should publicly support pigeons' rights (no, not to vote... but to be left alone to live their lives without torment and torture from humans).

The war on pigeons was fueled by your words. You have the power to reverse it.

Rina Deych, RN and Wildlife Rehabilitator
PS: For the record, humans carry far more (and deadlier) diseases than rats and pigeons.

Incidentally, documentarian Lionel Friedberg recently released a film entitled A Sacred Duty, Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World, which examines the connection between animal agriculture and global warming. You can read a synopsis and get access to the film here: http://www.asacredduty.com/
As a filmmaker, I would imagine you'd be very interested in seeing it.

Posted by: Rina Deych at February 21, 2008 8:08 PM

A man with a penchant for young step-daughters has the audacity to call pigeons rats-with-wings? Look who's calling the kettle black!

Posted by: Lee Byrd at February 22, 2008 8:30 AM

Come on Woody help us out.You are a respected and loving person.Pigeons are noble and deserve a place in peoples hearts.

Posted by: Fred Hencken at February 22, 2008 9:09 AM

I don't believe that it was Woody's intention to hurt pigeons since "that" phrase has no meaning and in itself is angelic; however, it is used by the media in a negative connotation and by former Parks Commissioner Thomas Hoving, and former Mayors Koch and Guilliani to unfairly exterminate the pigeon population and cause them harm.

In view of this, Woody should either rewrite the line in the movie or let the public know he meant no harm to come to pigeons. He does quote: "I think people should mate for life, like pigeons or Catholics."unquote, which shows his respect for the pigeon.

Please visit our blog to learn about how pigeons saved the lives of thousands of humans in world wars, how pigeon extermination companies make billions of dollars by killing innocent and vulnerable birds, and how The NYC Department of Health and avian vets tell us that pigeons carry no more disease than your captive parakeet or cockatiel.

Bless all who care about all wildlife in our city and please feel free to contact the New York Bird Club (www.manhattanbirdclub.com) with any pigeon concerns or questions you have.

Posted by: Anna Dove at February 22, 2008 11:30 AM

You people all make me sick. There are plenty of interesting, compelling stories in this blog upon which to comment. And instead you losers routinely look for the celebrity topics. Pathetic, star-obsessed weirdos you all are!

Posted by: BitchyBetty at February 22, 2008 12:21 PM

To Blogger Bert - I've heard of the Funky Chicken, The Chicken Dance, Dances With Wolves...but this, the Pigeon, escapes my extensive knowledge of dances based on animals.... how does one do the pigeon??

Posted by: Goody Two Shoes at February 22, 2008 12:25 PM

Do my friggin' eyes deceive me?? What kind of lunatic is Anna Dove to suggest that the great Woody Allen rewrite a line in his movie? I suggest Ms. Dove consult with the birds first before making any further ridiculous proposals.

Posted by: arthur at February 22, 2008 12:33 PM

Dear Mr. Allen,

You have been a big influence in New Yorkers lives for decades now, with your public image and power comes a greater moral responsibility.
By using a demeaning and devastating phrase in one of your movies, you have cost (I am sure not intentionally) a tremendous hardship in the lives of millions of helpless pigeons around the city.

I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and believe me, it is very difficult for pigeons to survive, not only are they starving to death, on a daily basis they are kicked, poisoned, glued, and simply hated, even by small children, who learn to hate from their parents.

These innocent animals have the capacity, as you and me do, to feel pain.

You see, New Yorkers as other Americans, unfortunately, follow public figures and truly believe what these "famous" people say, whether they are in the movie business or politics. It is just part of the idiosyncrasy of the people of the USA, easy to influence and gullible.

Please, Mr. Allen, I urge you to make a public announcement, written would be the best way, to retrieve the phrase "pigeons are rats with wings", and explain to people that it was "just a movie phrase", that in fact scientific fact prove the opposite, they cause no harm, just joy, by giving us the chance to interact with nature in this cement and glass city.
Respectfully,
Lily R

Posted by: Lily at February 22, 2008 1:02 PM

Hey Bitchy Betty,
Then go to another site!
Where you can find plenty of interesting stories, about winners!
GET OUT OF HERE IF YOU HATE PIGEONS - THAT IS WHAT THESE COMMENTS ARE ABOUT:
P R O - P I G E O N S
get it??

Posted by: Pigeonlover at February 22, 2008 1:06 PM

Hey there Arthur,
What kind of lunatic are you attacking Anna Dove personally?
Maybe you are a Woody Allen advocate?
Maybe you just hate pigeons because they are an easy target and prey?
How gentlemanly and brave from your part!
GO TO A BLOG WHERE PEOPLE HATE PIGEONS, THIS IS A PRO-PIGEON BLOG!

Posted by: anonymous at February 22, 2008 1:11 PM

HEY PIGEONLOVER! I DON'T HATE PIGEONS!! My problem is with the nuts advocating on their behalf - - a real bunch of bananas who all come crawling out of the woodwork the minute it's realized a celebrity name can further their own cause. Yuk!

Posted by: BitchyBetty at February 22, 2008 1:35 PM

Finally! A PRO-PIGEON BLOG! What a relief!

Posted by: agnes at February 22, 2008 1:38 PM

OK Bitchy Betty,
Now you really put your big foot inside your big mouth. You don't just hate pigeons, you also hate the people that for pigeons, advocate to further their cause.
Do you know what your real problem is?
YOURSELF, GO LOOK IN THE MIRROR, BUT TAKE A CHILL PILL FIRST.
YUK BACK TO YOU!

Posted by: Pigeonlover at February 22, 2008 2:20 PM

Hey Woody:
Give the pigeons a break! it's been proven it lowers blood pressure just to observe birds and animals in their natural habitat! Besides, humans spread more germs on a airplane (recycled toxic air) or by sharing a computer terminal, than pigeons ever possibly could! Its erroneous info. or lack thereof, to blame disease on these innocent birds. . These birds deserve to live safely and share our community. Give pigeons a break and remember to wash your hands agter using a community computer terminal!

Posted by: at February 22, 2008 10:26 PM

My name is Brian Pigeon and I am London's premier blogging pigeon. Pigeon Blog is my online diary and, frankly, tells it how it is for pigeons living in London. Not easy at all.

Also, I have to say I'm most disappointed it was Woody Allen who came up with the 'rats with wings' concept. I was a big fan, till now.

As for National Pigeon Day - the whole idea totally rocks and I will be pushing hard for it in London.

Pigeon Blog recently got into the top 50 websites in London in Time Out magazine, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Your pal
Brian Pigeon

Posted by: Brian Pigeon at February 23, 2008 5:29 AM

May I comment on another subject?
I live in the Village and before the snow storm had been watching a "family" of from 6-8 Robins in the trees and garden outside my window. Then the snow came yesterday. This morning walking my dog I found a dead Robin on the sidewalk, beak bloody and some feathers around. Do Robins live in the city year round? Did they come too early to the city and was it too cold for the one who died? I am very sad to have found it...any comments?

Posted by: chris rodin at February 23, 2008 10:29 AM

Great Brian - National Pigeon Day in London!! We can make it a World Pigeon Day and get other countries involved.

On another note, it is frightening that government officials in New York have been quoted as giving inaccurate information concerning pigeons to the press, which they most likely got from googling Yahoo without verifying the accurateness. It makes one wonder about other "facts" they write about.

Again, pigeons are not a major source of disease -- no more so than a parakeet or human is. The Minnesota Bridge collapse was due to faulty humans and was not the fault of pigeons. Pigeons poop, but so does anything alive, including plants, songbirds, cats, dogs, squirrels and humans. Shall we exterminate them all?

Posted by: Anna Dove at February 23, 2008 12:17 PM

does anybody review these posts before they make it online?? pigeon lover sounds very unstable (OR VERY VERY YOUNG)... if i were reviewing posts i might have sent an ambulance (complete with butterfly net, er uh, pigeon cage)to come to his/her aid.

Posted by: BitchyBetty at February 23, 2008 4:08 PM

Pigeons do not transmit disease. Please, can we "sophisticated" New Yorkers who think it's intellectual to use phrases such as "rats with wings" drill down into some fact-based discourse? People who respect wildlife in all its forms do not need to whisked to Bellevue. However, there is a well-documented association between early violence to animals and later violence to animals as well as humans. Please read about the "First Strike" campaign that the Humane Society of the United States launched in 1997. And please don't suggest that I "get a life." I have one and it is enriched by respect for all creation.

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/first_strike_the_connection_between_animal_cruelty_and_human_violence/
It is dedicated to illuminating the association between animal cruelty and human violence.

Posted by: Alice at February 23, 2008 8:42 PM

Oops, typo in previous URL! Sorry.

Read about Cher Ami, the war hero carriage pigeon, at:
http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/part1/3b_cherami.html

Posted by: at February 23, 2008 8:53 PM

Much to do about nothing! I never heard a Pigeon complain of being persecuted, nor of being annihilated.

Anna Dove, get a life!

Posted by: Norman R. at February 23, 2008 9:58 PM

This stupid statement was Posted by: Norman R. at February 23, 2008 9:58 PM"

"Much to do about nothing! I never heard a Pigeon complain of being persecuted, nor of being annihilated.
Anna Dove, get a life!

THAT IS THE POINT, YOU ASSHOLE !
IF PIGEONS COULD COMPLAIN AND ATTACK BACK AT PEOPLEM THEY WOULD NOT NEED ADVOCATES!
IF YOU EVER HERE A PIGEON COMPLAIN TO YOU, PLEASE LET US KNOW, OR BETTER YET, LET WOODY ALLEN KNOW.
WHAT KIND OF SHITHOLE DID YOU CRAWL FROM?

Posted by: Pigeonette at February 26, 2008 9:51 AM

Pigeonette - take a goddamn walk, wouldja? What the hell are you talking about let Woody Allen know?? You sound like he wrote that line in a movie just to offend YOU. Go do something valuable with your time and keep your shirt on for chrissakes, you sound like a maniac.

Posted by: frank at February 26, 2008 7:15 PM

Pigeons are defenseless birds and have absolutely no way to defend themselves; that is why this is so sad. People can always ask somewhere for help, but pigeons, birds and animals cannot. Humans prey on them and advocates try to help from the goodness of their hearts, but then there are idiots like yourself. It is obvious humans were not all created equal.

Pigeons cannot defend themselves....cannot make it any clearer.

Posted by: Anon at February 27, 2008 10:12 AM

Definitely rats with wings who will eat just about anything.........

Posted by: Matt at February 29, 2008 3:59 AM

National Geographic is calling pigeons "Pigeon Geniuses" which should replace Woody's moniker. Please see our blog for complete info which I am unable to post here. The program will be televised on cable television.

Please take note of this all media people.

Sunday, March 16th - 9 pm
Also showing on the following dates:

17 March, 1.00am
19 March, 8.00pm
20 March, 7.00am
23 March, 3.00pm
26 March, 11.00am

Brilliant Beasts will scientifically investigate some of our best-known creatures. We put them under the microscope and test their abilities to the limits. These are creatures we think we know and we come into contact with them frequently, often in bizarre ways. We take these human interaction stories and bust apart how they happened. We deconstruct the abilities of the animals and find out what it was they were trying to do when they met with us instead.

Posted by: Anna Dove at February 29, 2008 4:40 PM