Two Thousand Pigeons Illuminate the Night

Artist Duke Riley has trained some two thousand pigeons of different breeds to participate in an unusual art project that will take place in the skies above the East River every weekend at sunset through June 12th. 

Artist Duke Riley prepares for his work "Fly by Night."

(Will Star/Creative Time)

“Fly By Night” is reminiscent of pigeons carrying tiny messages, but instead these pigeons will have tiny LED lights affixed to their talons. As they soar, sweep and dive above the Brooklyn Navy Yard, they will create a massive light show.

“It will look like a constellation or tiny shooting stars the darker it gets,” Riley told WNYC's Richard Hake.

Riley has trained some two-thousand pigeons of different breeds to participate in an unusual art installation that will take place in the skies above the East River.

(Will Star/Creative Time)

Presented by Creative Time, it’s a free exhibit, but you will need a ticket if you want the best view from the launch site and pigeon coop housed on a historic aircraft carrier docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. 

The pigeons will have tiny LED lights affixed to their talons.

(Will Star/Creative Time)