Gregory, the Feather-Footed Pigeon, is Talk of the Tracks at Alexandria Station
VRE confirms stylish avian visitor is drawing attention at the station.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Commuters passing through Alexandria Union Station (110 Callahan Drive, across from the King Street Metro) have a new “regular” to look out for—and it’s not the morning train. Staffers at the station have nicknamed him “Gregory.”
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) recently shared on its Facebook page that a Lahore Pigeon, a domesticated “fancy” breed known for its tuxedo-style plumage and feathered feet, has taken up residence at the station. The bird, which sports a striking black-and-white pattern and an elegant feather-booted stride, has quickly become a minor celebrity among daily riders.
“He looks like he’s dressed for the opera,” laughed commuter Jennifer Morales, who spotted the pigeon while waiting for her train. “I’ve seen pigeons before, but never one with feathered feet like that.”
According to VRE, this avian guest has been making appearances in recent weeks, surprising regulars and delighting photographers. The Facebook post noted that along with the usual scenic views and city skylines, riders could now expect to catch a glimpse of “some rarely seen and unusual wildlife.”
Railway employees say the bird seems content. Amir Shah, a VRE staffer, said, “He just struts around like he owns the platform. Passengers have been stopping to take pictures—it’s like we’ve got our own station mascot.”
The Lahore Pigeon is one of the more ornamental breeds in the pigeon family, domesticated for centuries and often admired for its distinctive appearance. Seeing one perched at a commuter station in Northern Virginia, though, is a rare treat. An Amtrak employee told Zebra they guessed the beautiful bird must be missing from somebody’s residential cage. “He must have escaped somehow. He’s a domesticated bird, and quite rare.”
So the next time you’re traveling through Alexandria Station, keep your eyes peeled. Between the orange-and-silver VRE trains and the bustling platform, you might just spot the feather-footed celebrity stealing the show.
