Nature Scenes with Lynn Bowen: Ten reasons to love birds

This guinea fowl at a zoo looks like a painting waiting for an artist to draw it! Even this cousin to a black vulture is attractive.

By Lynn Bowen
Beacon Columnist

posted Jan 20, 2013 - 10:13:38am

10. Beautiful – Even the drabbest-colored bird is beautiful. Its actions and skills make it gorgeous. Flying gracefully is even more important than colorful feathers. Wrens and sparrows in their own way are as beautiful as roseate spoonbills!

9. Preening, caring for self – No need for beauty salons or clothing stores, of course, for birds.

8. Smart, great instincts – Instincts rule most birds' lives, but many birds, like crows, actually learn some behaviors from their peers or from humans! However, to have crows in captivity is illegal nowadays. Pet parrots are often taught to talk.

7. Compassionate – Parents adore and care for their chicks with amazing love.

6. Resourceful – Food isn't always abundant, but Plan B always exists. Finding nourishment in unexpected places usually prevails.

5. Funny – Flying birds don't always land as perfectly as expected. Brown pelicans are an example. A quick recovery is needed!

4. Family-oriented – Ninety-nine percent of birds are excellent parents. Cowbirds are in the remaining 1 percent!

3. Adaptable to circumstances – Often, if the weather is too hot, birds fly to where the climate is nicer or at least to a shady tree.

2. Accept reality – If a storm has knocked a nest out of a tree, a bird will usually build a new one. I've seen snowy egrets do this.

1. Interesting – Viva the differences in personality, looks and habits in the world of birds! All our feathered friends are amazing!

There are exceptions to my 10 generalizations, but birds are phenomenal to watch, study and enjoy!

— Bowen lives in DeLand. Send email to her at lynnindeland@gmail.com.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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