While you will undoubtedly encounter many more varieties of
homo sapiens than of other
animals in
Boston Public Garden, it's probably wisest to limit your interaction to the furry and feathered
creatures. From personal experience, here's a guide to observing, attracting, and feeding the many
wild creatures of the area.
Squirrels
These little mammals might be the most rewarding creatures to feed here, because in suburban locations, it's difficult to approach them closely. Here, however, they will eat right out of your hand. It is possible to pet them as they eat, but be gentle. Squirrels of the red, brown, and gray variety have been spotted here. They all will respond well to sunflower seeds, which need not be de-shelled.
Waterfowl
Many ducks and geese frequent the Public Garden; however, you will have to decicde for yourself if feeding them is worth it. To get close enough for interaction, you will probably have to step through a large amount of mud and fecal matter. The ducks are mostly harmless, but be wary of the geese. You may experience a Hitchcockian terror when surrounded by a flock of these long-necked beasts. If threatened, they may hiss and even chase you. Ducks and geese will eat out of your hand as well, although they do not enjoy sunflower seeds. I imagine that bread crusts would do the trick. Use caution when proffering food in your palm; the waterfowl have no teeth with which to bite, but they could deliver an uncomfortable beak-chomp.
Pigeons
Like
Macauley Culkin in
Home Alone 2, you may be able to attract a large group of these
pestilential birds to perch on your arms. Unlike the other
creatures of the park,
pigeons will actually seek out
food from
humans- no tracking required. Pigeons like sunflower seeds and will not bite you. However, there are certain
disfigured pigeons which may seek
food from you. If the idea of a
one-legged pigeon landing on you does not sound appealing, be wary of each
bird that approaches. Of course, feeding
birds at close range carries the
risk of
getting pooped on. There are several types of
pigeons here, including
light gray,
white, and
mottled.