<b>Photos:</b> The Birdman of Silver Lake
Actor Rik Martino, 58, poses behind a flock of pigeons on Griffith Park Boulevard in Silver Lake. “I should be out looking for a job,” he jokes. “I don’t have a car. I’m a poor guy. I shouldn’t be doing this. I know some people don’t like it, but I put the birds first.”
See full story (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Martino wheels his cart of two 20-pound bags of bird seed along Hyperion Avenue in Silver Lake. The native of Italy, whose love for birds began in 1984 when he rescued a pigeon hit by a car and nursed it back to health, feeds the pigeons every day.
See full story (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Martino heads up Hyperion, spreading bird seed as he goes. He sprinkles handfuls in planters for small songbirds. He flings cupfuls on the edges of parking lots and landscaped strips for pigeons.
See full story (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Martino tosses seed on Hyperion Avenue. Many along the street dislike the bird feeding -- and the resulting droppings. But most seem to genuinely like the friendly, outgoing Martino.
See full story (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Martino holds a pigeon up close. “Pigeons get a bad rap because people don’t know pigeons,” he says. “They say they are dirty and bring disease. I’ve been taking care of them for 30 years and look at me.”
See full story (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
