San Francisco’s “Swan” (or sometimes “Birdman”) can most often be found feeding the pigeons at 16th and Mission. Where he’s been hanging out and selling his daily newsletter’s for the last decade. Though he’s usually by himself, there’s been another dude that’s been joining him for about an hour a day to feed the pigeons. The two don’t talk much to each other, in fact I don’t think they even know each other’s names, though you can find them sitting by each other around noon at the 16th st BART.

If you see Swan, please consider donating a couple bucks for his most recent newsletter (or “rag” as he calls it), which features his own drawings, poetry, and ramblings.

[Most of these photos were taken on my old Nimslo 3D camera with Ilford HP5 film except for the wide shot above, which was done on my Lumix 3D1] More shots after the bump.

Somehow I didn’t know that Troy Holden has a tumblr. It’s full of gems like this breathtaking shot of local pigeon whisperer Swan, and I don’t know why he isn’t racking up thousands of “likes” per post. Go follow him, if you’re into this internet stuff.

Be sure to check out the documentary on Swan, while you’re at it.

MrEricSir posted these videos about Swan, AKA the Pigeon Whisperer, who we mentioned a few of days ago. The documentary was directed by one of his best friends and ex-coworkers of 30 years.

Turns out Swan’s real name is John Ratliff. He was once a gifted television news reporter and father of four until schizophrenia overtook his life and moved him into the streets, where he has rejected any help from his family and friends. It’s really an amazing and tragic story that you should set aside some time to watch today.

[via MrEricSir]