A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching
A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching explores the hidden lives of New York City’s pigeons and our complicated relationship with them. Often dismissed as “flying rats,” pigeons are deeply tied to the city’s history — resilient survivalists shaped almost entirely by human intervention. Adapted from Rosemary Mosco’s book of the same name, the film moves through rooftop coops, parks and city streets, bringing together a mosaic of New York voices that are affectionate, skeptical and indifferent. Shot on 16mm and Super 8, the film reconsiders one of the city’s most overlooked residents and invites us to look again. To soften our gaze, and recognize that coexistence, even with the most familiar or misunderstood neighbors, is an act of choice.
A film by Adam Elliott
Based on the Book “A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching” by Rosemary Mosco
A Switchboard Magazine Original
In Association with Inwood Art Works
Produced by Stephen Tucker
Director - Adam Elliott
Cinematographer - James P. Gannon
Original Score - Andrew M. Edwards
Editor - Cameron Taddeo
Sound Mix & Design - Trevor Misplay
Colorist - Esteban Palma
Executive Producers - Celia Aniskovich, Adam Elliott, Sean Glass
Producers - Andrew Grell, Brian Miller
Co-Producer - Marissa Heringer
Associate Producers - Mia Allen, Jaub Brooks
Featuring @motherpigeonbrooklyn @live_action_fyl @receivingu
Poster & BTS 📷 Mia Allen
Poster 🖼️ Matt Ferrin
Shot on Kodak 16mm + Super 8
About Adam Elliott:
Adam Elliott is a New York City–based filmmaker, actor, comedian, and playwright whose work often explores overlooked people and communities with humor, curiosity and compassion. His films have screened all over the US and internationally. His short documentary and directorial debut, David Again, premiered at Tribeca Festival 2024 and received a Special Jury Mention at Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia. His latest short documentary, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, based on the book by Rosemary Mosco, premieres at Rooftop Films Summer Series 2026.
