Some birds have a way of bringing out the worst in humanity. Perhaps it is an unconscious fear implanted by movies and literature. Take for example the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds” and you get a sense of how ominous and even perhaps deadly some wild birds are to mankind. Look at what a flock of crows is called. It is called a murder. Certain birds have been associated with death and even as messengers of death. Perhaps it is just a bum rap but regardless, mankind has this fascination with anything avian.

To get an idea of the role that the birds in this world have played, you can turn to literature. Edgar Allen Poe’s tale of “The Raven” and its sinister cries of “nevermore” have long riveted audiences. Ravens and crows have definitely gotten their fair share of a bad rap. Even in the classic Disney tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” the evil villainess has a pet crow/raven that is her evil spy.

The wild bird definitely deserves some respect. It is just like other wild animal. You have to keep in mind that it is territorial, will defend itself and has to find a food source. And while crows/ravens have received some bad press thanks to authors and filmmakers, vultures and other carrion eating birds have repulsed mankind for eons. This bird species is a scavenger. Anytime you see vultures or buzzards circling in the air, you know that there is either something dying or something that has already died. Most people do not set up bird feeders to attract these types of birds. They want colorful birds, songbirds and delicate hummingbirds to grace their gardens and yards.

Perhaps it is time that people got over their fear of the birds that have gotten such a tough break in literature and movies. You do not have to worry about going outside and a murder of crows attacking you for no reason. The raven is not a symbol of death or a portent of bad things ahead. They are just two legged, winged wild animals that serve a specific function in the animal kingdom.

Are The Birds A Scary Species? is a post from: my Pet Kingdom

Technorati Tags: bird feeders, bird species, hummingbirds, songbirds, species of birds, the Birds, wild animals, wild bird, wild birds

Related posts:

1. 8 Reasons Why We Love To Watch Birds

Have you given much thought to birds of prey? These are a species of birds that are incredible in their abilities. They have speed capabilities that are equal to that of some land animals. They have the ability to lift large prey. They are fantastic hunters that put the best human hunter to shame. When people compare themselves to animals, a bird of prey should be on the top of their list.

The birds of prey group covers quite a few different species. Even within the same family, there are many variations. Being a big bird is not actually a requirement. Falcons and hawks are actually quite small when compared to larger birds, such as the Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle is a wild bird that is enormous. It has a length of 24-48 inches and has a wingspan of 72-96 inches. This bird can weigh anywhere from 6 pounds on up to 15 pounds. Add in its razor sharp beak and dangerous talons and it is one of the ultimate predators in the wild.

While the Eagle family has some of the largest birds, there are other groups that are predators as well. You have undoubtedly heard of people using falcons and hawks as game birds. This is not a reference to someone eating the birds but instead it is the birds that are used as hunting weapons. It is not easy to gentle a falcon or a hawk. These are wild birds that come equipped with razor sharp talons and beaks that can easily tear flesh. Gentling a hunting bird requires time and a lot of patience. They have to be trained to return to their coop or the hunter’s gloved arm.

Birds of prey are fascinating. If you consider how long they have been around and the abilities that they have, it is amazing that more people do not immediately consider this bird species as a viable contender for top animal. Their superior eyesight, ability to track minute movements and excellent hearing moves them to the top of the food chain in the animal kingdom. The only natural enemy of many of these birds is mankind. The more you learn about these birds, the greater respect you will have for their abilities. Hopefully, you will want to do everything you can to protect their habitats.

Birds Of Prey – A Fascinating Powerful Birds is a post from: my Pet Kingdom

Technorati Tags: big bird, bird of, bird species, birds of prey, game birds, songbirds, wild birds

Related posts:

1. 8 Reasons Why We Love To Watch Birds

Birds are everywhere. For bird watchers this is a fabulous thing. Bird watchers enjoy spotting new bird species to cross off their checklist. It not only gives them something to research but it also gives them the opportunity to get outside and interact with nature. This is a hobby that is growing in popularity and it is doing tremendous good in educating the public about how easily mankind can wreck havoc on nature. As a bird watcher you have the opportunity to really see how mankind interacts with wild animals in a natural setting.

Birds range in size. Sometimes a bird is easy to spot based solely on the size. Take for example the ostrich. The ostrich is the largest bird in the species. You will not even need a set of birding binoculars to see this huge example. But on the opposite end of the spectrum are the hummingbirds, which range in size from a few inches in diameter to the size of a bumble bee. Even if the bird is sitting still, you would have trouble spotting it. When it is in flight and zipping around you only get a brief glimpse unless you have special hummingbird feeders set up in your yard to attract them.

If you are a real fan of birds, then you will undoubtedly take steps to attract them to your garden or yard. Even if you live in an apartment with a small patio or balcony you can still find bird feeders to lure certain species in. But you need to take into consideration the type of bird you want to attract. If you are hoping to attract a blue bird then you do not need a feeder that caters to swallows. The more that you put into researching the type of bird you want around your home, the more you will know about their particular eating habits. One further note: make sure that you buy bird feeders that squirrels cannot get into.

If you decide that you do not have the time to fully devote to a new hobby such as bird watching, then you can still appreciate birds for the beauty that they give the world. The next time you are strolling outside, just take a look around. Chances are pretty high that you will see a bird or two. They may not be the exotic ones found in zoos or the rainforest but at least you are getting a glimpse of a wild bird in its own habitat.

Helping You Find Birds is a post from: my Pet Kingdom

Technorati Tags: bird feeders, bird species, birding binoculars, blue bird, feeders, hummingbirds, species of birds, wild bird

Related posts:

1. 8 Reasons Why We Love To Watch Birds

wild animals

The name “bird’s eye” has been given to many companies and mapping mechanisms. Who could forget Bird’s Eye vegetables? There are many applications that want you to make the connection between the bird eye and high quality products or software that can show map details for miles. The bird’s eye is a remark that is often tossed around when someone is referring to a high vantage spot that allows them to see the lay of the land for several miles. How much do we owe these wild animals?

The bird eye is quite similar to the human eye. It has many of the same working parts. The basic structures of a bird’s eye are: eyelids, cornea, retina, anterior chamber, iris and lens. These are the same structures that a human’s eye has but there are differences in how each works. The most obvious difference is that birds have larger eyes in comparison to the rest of their body. The starling’s eye is 15% of its body. The human eye is 1%. Birds can see a greater area but often cannot move the eye itself.

The size of the eye depends on the bird species. Owls, for example, have huge eyes that allow them to take in more at once. For a wild bird that is important because it means that they can spot enemies and their prey much easier. Owls cannot move their eyes so they rotate their heads. How far do they rotate their heads? They rotate a whopping 200 degrees. Another difference to be found is the number of eyelids a bird has over humans. The human eye only has an upper and lower eyelid.

All species of birds have three eyelids. They have an upper, lower and a nictitating membrane that cleans and protects the eye. Another difference is in the positioning of the eyes. Humans and most wild animals, especially predators, have eyes that are not as centralized as a bird’s eye. A bird’s eye is on the front of the skull and they lack the ability to see very far to the sides. This is why birds turn their heads often.

The bird eye is a complex and fascinating organ. And while it may share many of the same structures and functions as a human eye, it is somewhat superior. Wild birds depend on their eyesight. If something were to happen to its eyes or even just to one of the eyes, it would have drastic and dire consequences, in terms of survival.

Animals Cannot Survive Without The Bird Eye is a post from: my Pet Kingdom

Technorati Tags: bird eye, bird species, species of birds, wild animals, wild birds

Related posts:

1. How Do You Know Your Pet Bird Is Sick?