Learn about stringfoot
Get to know how hair and string tighten around pigeon toes, and why NYC Bird Aid relies on patient, hands-on rescue to free them safely.
NYC Bird Aid
NYC Bird Aid helps New York City pigeons who are hobbled and constricted by hair, string and floss. Human garbage is tripping them up, big time.
Through the NYC Pigeon Rescue initiative, I share compassionate, street‑level guidance and stories so you can understand stringfoot, learn safe ways to help, and keep care going with donations for bird seed that safely attract pigeons for rescue. Birds in serious condition are taken to the Wild Bird Fund for critical care.
Safe, humane rescue guidance
Local NYC volunteer network
Stringfoot awareness
Learn safe, step-by-step rescue tips.
Our Mission
Helping city pigeons one rescue at a time
In New York City, pigeons often get string, hair, and plastic threads wrapped tightly around their feet. This condition—known as “stringfoot”—can cut into skin, restrict blood flow, and make it difficult for birds to walk, perch, or forage. Over time, it can lead to infection or even the loss of toes.
NYC Bird Aid is a one-woman operation devoted to gentle, low-stress rescues through the NYC Pigeon Rescue initiative. Many people across New York City are also helping stringfoot pigeons, and rescuers support each other, meet on the street, share tips, and lend a hand when birds need extra care.
Donations for bird seed are essential because the seed attracts pigeons safely, giving the rescuer the chance to catch the birds who are in need of assistance. It can take 2 pounds of seed to catch one bird. Birds requiring surgery, amputation or other critical care are taken to The Wild Bird Fund. Every time a bird goes to WBF, the founder of NYC Bird Aid makes a contribution to their organization.
I believe urban wildlife deserves compassion. Pigeons are part of our city’s story, and when we help them, we make New York kinder for all living beings, including ourselves.
Careful, respectful rescues
We focus on low-stress handling, clean tools, and swift release—prioritizing the bird’s comfort at every step.
How You Can Help
Small, practical steps that change a pigeon’s day
NYC Bird Aid is a one-woman effort, and every share, lesson, or gift helps the NYC Pigeon Rescue initiative reach pigeons suffering from stringfoot. Please don’t toss hair, string, thread, or dental floss on the street—these materials can wrap around birds’ feet, trip them up, and seriously endanger them. Seed donations let me attract pigeons so string, hair, and other detritus can be removed, and they also help me safely catch birds who need transport to the Wild Bird Fund for critical care.
Share awareness
Help this operation by telling neighbors how to spot stringfoot, why littered hair or dental floss is dangerous, and who to contact when a pigeon needs a careful rescue.
Donate for bird seed
Seed donations help safely attract pigeons so string, hair, and other detritus can be removed, and they help the rescuer catch patients who need a Wild Bird Fund transfer for critical care. A 15 lb bag of sunflower seeds costs $32.53, while a 12 lb bag of ground-feeding bird seed costs $13.76—one bag or several bags makes a real, immediate difference.
Send a seed donationRescue essentials
Basic tools for pigeon aid
These are simple, non-medical items I keep on hand to attract pigeons, remove string or hair carefully, and transport birds without added stress.
Before you help
- Observe and avoid sudden movements. If you see a bird that needs help, don't take your eyes off it. You can also buy an extension fishing net to help catch the bird as birds in need are more wary because they're more vulnerable.
- The bigger the flock, the easier to catch the ones in need. Create chaos with a feeding frenzy.
- If a bird is injured, gently catch it and transport it in a paper bag to The Wild Bird Fund Hospital.
Ground feeding bird seed and hulled sunflower seeds
Attract safelyA small pile of seed helps bring pigeons close without chasing. It builds trust and lets you work calmly.
A paper bag is the best and easiest carrier.
TransportA ventilated carrier, paper bag, or secure box keeps a bird safe and contained for short transport to help.
Small clean tools
Gentle removalUse small, blunt nose scissors, a seam splitter, and tweezers to unwind the hair. Carefully cut away string or hair without tugging. If it's too embedded take them to The Wild Bird Fund. There's also a location of WBF in Brooklyn.
Cut-off sock or soft wrap
Calm coverCut the toe off a large sock. Covering their head and body keeps wings tucked and helps a bird feel secure while you work on their feet.
Neosporen for them, hand sanitizer for you
CleanlinessKeeping hands and tools clean protects you and the bird. Neosporen is not toxic to the birds. Massage the foot that has hair tied to it as this lubricates and makes it easier to remove and also disinfects.
Kwik Stop Styptic Powder
Stop the bleedA small pinch helps stop minor bleeding during rescue care. Use sparingly and only when needed, applying gentle pressure until the bleeding stops.
Community impact
Small, steady wins for city pigeons
NYC Bird Aid supports the NYC Pigeon Rescue initiative, rooted in careful, compassionate help. Each assist is one real bird relieved of suffering one tangle removed, and one neighborhood team of people choosing to show up for city wildlife.
Your donations keep this work going.
This is currently a one-woman operation, funded by the community for seed, rescue tools, and basic supplies. A 15 lb bag of sunflower seeds is $32.53, and a 12 lb bag of ground-feeding bird seed is $13.76, so a gift can cover one bag or help stock several.
Field moment
Compassionate rescues
Ongoing, hands-on care
Across NYC, rescuers work together, meet on the street, and share tips to help pigeons needing gentle stringfoot removal.
City awareness
Growing neighborhood reach
Community tips and sightings help us respond quickly and pass along safe, low-stress rescue practices.
Daily care support
Steady, reliable supplies
Seed donations help safely attract pigeons for rescue, plus fund kits, transport help, and basic aftercare.
Every contribution goes directly to bird seed, foot-safe tools, and travel costs for rescues across NYC. When a bird is in serious condition, rescuers coordinate to help transport them to the Wild Bird Fund for critical care — no inflated claims, just transparent, grassroots care.
See how you can helpPHOTO GALLERY
Stories of care across NYC streets
These spaces are reserved for real rescue moments from NYC Bird Aid. Each image will highlight the steady, compassionate work that keeps city pigeons safe and supported.
Rescue moment
A careful approach on the sidewalk before capture. I created the jacket so people would stop yelling at me for feeding the birds. Most are not aware of the end goal of helping them. When they understand they are usually sympathetic.
Gentle care
Normally I cover the birds head and wings with a cut off sock. Having their eyes covered calms them and the sock swaddles their wings while I work. This picture is not my own but is a sweet image.
Street outreach
Sharing tips and building awareness in the neighborhood.
An example of string foot
Hair is the worst because it's fine but very strong so when the bird tries to free itself it only gets tighter, cutting off circulation. This image is string, not hair.
FAQ
Questions from caring neighbors
Clear, compassionate answers about stringfoot rescues, safety, and how your support helps city pigeons thrive.
See ways to helpHave more questions? We’re happy to help.
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