10,000 Birds

JUNE 2, 2015

Second, reading about birds courting and parenting brings out the tendency to identify, which leads directly to anthropomorphism, the tendency to assign birds human emotions and thoughts. And of eggs and nests and birds on nests. We simply refuse to squee. Some people love books like that. Oops, the curmudgeon in me slipped.)

Eggs 263

Eggs Family 2006 New York 263

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 6, 2020

His first surmise seems like a good one – that the feathers are meant to hide the eggs from other female swallows seeking to parasitize the nest, by disrupting the parasite’s timing (if eggs are present, the parasite would know that the nesting mother is ready to incubate – that is, incubate not only her own eggs, but the parasite’s, as well).

Eggs 130

Eggs Emotional Bats 2014 130

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

She doesn’t know the species till it emerges, almost dreamlike, from the heavy glare of the sun. Fox encounters 69 species, some singly, some in huge feeding or migrating flocks. She is one of the best nature writers I’ve encountered in recent years, able to paint experiences with emotional immediacy.

Fox 100

Fox Albatross Geese Bald Eagle 100

Animal Ethics

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

In recent years, the prevalence of disease-causing bacteria in meat, poultry, and eggs has risen sharply, which is why health authorities insist that these products be carefully handled and thoroughly cooked, if they are used at all. [My emphasis] There are other reasons why families are looking more favorably at plant-based choices.

Animal 40

Animal Meat Cows District of Columbia 40