I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~ Psalm 139:14
Among the numerous ways to make mundane birding trips interesting is creating unique lists, or at least imagine creative listing. I’ve long considered starting a list of birds I’ve seen from a vehicle. It would have sub-categories involving whether the vehicle was moving, at what speed, and if I was driving. A Sage Thrasher from a parked car is lucky, and a Pileated Woodpecker while driving on an Interstate is more nuanced. A funnier idea is doing a literal version of the list that folks maintain of those who have gotten on their bad side. You know the one I mean. I’m talking about listing the species that I have seen defecating.
When I see a rarity I’ve chased take a little dump, I am prompted to start that list, but really, bird droppings are pretty common and can be interesting. Have you ever noticed how often a bird poops right as it takes off in flight? Doesn’t it make sense to be as light as possible when exerting so much energy to fly? This adaptation is seen in other animals, particularly prey species, who will attempt any slight edge possible when running for their life. This also explains why the same thing can happen in humans in extreme fear. The scat of some of the land and water fowl is more similar to human scat, with some mass and shape to it, but for the most part avian digestion produces a wet, slimy, usually white mess. Some solids may work their way into it and can provide some color, particularly if berries have been in the diet. While it may not be possible to identify species by these presents they leave, it can be a great way of finding a favored perch when hunting a secretive species such as an owl. While there is no research to demonstrate that birds target freshly washed cars, there is at least one species, the Green Heron, who clearly uses that strategy to deter any potential predator who lingers too long under their nest. It has even earned them a nickname that modesty prevents me from sharing. Perhaps the most innovative use of defecation is among vultures, who will intentionally go on their own legs. The reason is that they are unable to perspire, so as the liquid evaporates it provides some cooling.
Aside from per-adolescents, who would no doubt giggle about the topic and want to know more, few of us are likely to spend much time considering bodily functions, even of our feathered friends, but definitely not discussing it in polite company. I’m not suggesting that standards should change, but perhaps examining our attitudes about our bodies as well as all the bodies in nature would be helpful. The second creation story in Genesis is quick to identify our tendency to feel shame about our natural state. This powerful emotion regularly hampers our ability to appreciate the beauty of our physical forms that scripture reminds us were fearfully and wonderfully made. So maybe we should ease up a bit and actually marvel at how well the messy parts of our being keep us healthy and well.
Prayer: Holy Plumber, great job, thank you! Amen.
