Castries has many defining features — the hustle of the market, the colonial-era buildings, the sea breeze curling through the streets — and, increasingly, a thriving population of pigeons.
Walk through Constitution Park, stroll down Micoud Street, or sit near the Derek Walcott Square, and you’re bound to spot dozens of the grey-feathered city dwellers waddling, pecking, or simply cooing from ledges and lamp posts. Pigeons have become such a familiar part of the Castries landscape that most people hardly notice them anymore — except perhaps when they scatter at the sound of footsteps or swoop low to grab a fallen breadcrumb.
And yet, strangely enough, there’s one place where you might expect to see plenty of pigeons — but there are none. Pigeon Point, a popular beach and national landmark just north of Castries, is completely free of pigeons.
The irony hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Castries has more pigeons than people sometimes,” jokes one street vendor near the Cathedral. “But go to Pigeon Point — not a feather in sight!”
So why the difference?
Some say it’s all about food. Castries, with its abundance of street vendors, open bins, and constant human traffic, provides a buffet for opportunistic birds. On the other hand, Pigeon Point, with its cleaner environment, controlled food waste, and less urban structure, may not be as appealing to the feathered foragers.
Others wonder if the absence is natural — perhaps Pigeon Point never truly lived up to its name in terms of birdlife. Or maybe it’s just a case of urban pigeons knowing where the people (and food) are.
Whatever the reason, the contrast is amusing, if not a little ironic.
For now, the pigeons of Castries will continue to strut their stuff in the heart of the city. And visitors to Pigeon Point can enjoy a peaceful, bird-free beach — at least until the pigeons finally discover it.