They are fascinating, just for their own traits and also an an indicator species.
Does anyone know the difference between sparrows and starlings?
Some birds have the flock instinct while others are more independent.
Anyone like birds?
IM NOT A BIRD WATCHER REALLY OR KNOW THE NAMES...WE DO OWN FOUR PARAKEETS,20 HENS AND A PIGEON THOUGH.
shareI bought a new set of binoculars recently so I could delve into bird watching and star gazing. I thought it would be a good hobby during this time of Covid. But this time of year, although there are still birds around, they aren't as active as they are during warmer weather.
As for star gazing, we're into the cloudiest time of year, so I guess I'll have to wait a while to view the stars. I'm frustrated that I missed the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn due to clouds, but one of my grandson's got to see it and sent a picture. There was another conjunction this past weekend, of Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn but I missed that too, due to clouds. Oh well...
I forgot to mention that I got more interested in birds this past spring when I discovered that robins had made a nest in my backyard. The nest appeared on a shelf I'd installed on my fence so I could set my radio on it for when I was enjoying patio time. It took just one day to build the nest. I waited and a few days later there were four eggs in the nest. I was able to observe the nest for almost a month while the eggs hatched, the parents fed the babies, and they eventually left the nest. It was an interesting diversion during the early days of Covid shutdowns.
shareThank you. Not trying to make an overt covid post, just I've met people who are birders and sometimes I want to tap into that energy, observing the birds. What do they bring to our lives? What do they tell us?
Seems important in these fraught times, but then -- what do I know?
Sounds like the kind of experience we should all have, especially when we are young and can experience the wonder of something new and interesting and respectful of life at it's origin.
Yes - predators might interrupt this life cycle for their own natural needs, (CATS !!), but I love the idea of watching birth and hoping the little critter will move on to become a functioning adult.
At least one of us did ! (haha)
Cats were my fear for the baby robins. Thankfully, they were inside my fenced backyard. But I still worried because we have so many cat owners who allow their cats outside, even though it's against the city's ordinance. Not only a danger to birds, it's also a danger to the cats themselves. Getting hit by a car, for instance.
But I should add that Mama and Papa robin kept a close eye on their flock. There were times when I got too close to the nest while mowing and they put up quite a racket, sometimes flying right at me. I barely used my backyard during that month because I wanted to give them some peace.
Yes, I used to have a parakeet when I was a kid.
shareMy sister had a parakeet when we were kids. Unfortunately, it fell victim to my brother's cat. She kept the bird in her bedroom, but apparently, one time her door did not close properly, and... It was quite the murder scene with feathers everywhere.
shareI love birds, though I've never had one as a pet and I don't even own a pair of binoculars. There is a tree outside my window that gets small, chickadee size ones feeding on I guess seeds. I think my favorite is the mourning dove. It's such a cute plump bird. The prettiest around here is the Steller's Jay. But it has a shrieking call. I love the crows, such smart gregarious birds. I live across the street from the Truckee river and walk along it almost every day and love to see the ducks and geese. Believe it or not I also love the pigeons, so underrated, they are doves after all.
shareYou seem like a very smart bird person. We are lucky to have you with us.
shareNot as pets but scientifically yes. Many birds are highly intelligent even though they have small brains.
Once when I was a boy I noticed a small bird making a fuss on the ground. As I gazed at it it froze and I was able to see there was some problem with its wing. It allowed me to pick it up and on closer inspection I saw it had a burr sticking its wing to its side. I removed the burr and after a second or two the bird flew out of my hand. I always wondered whether the bird let me handle it because it was frozen out of fear or whether it thought what the hell what have I got to lose ?
That’s very heartwarming and good of you.
shareI’m not a bird watcher. We do own one rooster, nine hens and two pigeons though.
shareYes, I’ve worked with them from tiny parakeets to emus, taught others about them, done falconry, kept them (finches, chickens, budgies), have them now (chickens) as well as enjoy identifying them, watching them and collecting their skulls (mostly seabirds as they are the commonest to collect).
I’ve also hand raised a blackbird.