Avian Morbid Recluse: Rebirth

When I last visited the topic of birth death more specifically, "the natural expiration of our avian friends", in my post "Avian Morbid Recluse", I suppose I overlooked the most important part of the matter; the birds life. Simple mistake I suppose. Birds embody an existence that is ever present in our natural environment, much like the oak tree we surround for it's shade, the blades of grass that cushion our steps, and the field mouse that for very logical reasons stays out of our lives. We become blind to their existence, we take a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air and continue our lives as if we live on the same earth but in separate realms. I imagine back to a time when I marveled at their attributes, their grace, their freedom, but like all wonders with age, I suppose I have begun (subconsciously) to accept their actuality and submit to the monotonous life I once denied I would ever settle into. This is my rebirth. As I have continually been reminded in Digital Commons, I too often look, but do not observe. I glance at the bird, the oddly dark haired squirrel, the deer starring deep into the headlights of my speeding car, but I do not once think, or observe what they could possibly be doing or dare I say, feeling. "They're just animals", but I laugh, because I know we can never really describe what that means. "They do not think, they just do", but what do they see? How do they feel? What do they know? The majesty of our feathered, furry and scaly friends is an ode to human limitation. We strive to be like them, and study their virtues, but we still demean their existence.

Here are a few POV videos of truly amazing creatures. Step into their reality, embrace their abilities. Would you trade the eagles flight, for your cognitive abilities?

The Eagle:


Here is a link to more animal videos.

I would also like to suggest a book that exploits human inquiry in nature and explores our place here on earth. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Kimmerer is a plant ecologist, writer, and professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Here are some reviews if you are skeptical in exploring this book on my word alone.

To be further explored...

Climate Change: Retire Your Binoculars

source

While browsing NPR, a chilling title crossed my page, jabbing a needle through an issue that has grown to be near and dear to my heart.

More Than Half Of U.S. Bird Species Threatened By Climate Change

Bologna, there's no way that climate change has begun to affect anyone, it is still being debated..
Wrong, while the government has been disputing where the finger should point, mother earth has not been waiting for an answer.

It is easy to get caught up in how this can affect us, the "center of existence", but who is the real victim and how are they going to be affected?

BIRDS

In the study outlined by this article, of 588 species of birds in the U.S. and Canada, 314 of them will be facing, as the ornithologist have the displeasure of saying, "unsure outcomes" in the near future due to climate change.

Warmer climates have forced many birds, for example 40 species of Western song birds, to seek refuge in the cooler climate of the Western Mountains. But, as is discussed: What happens when these animals leave their natural habitats for lands they are unsure possess the ingredients they need for life? Uncertainty.

Climate change is not discriminative; your favorite all-american birds such as the bald eagle and the common loon will experience drastic reduction in habitable landscape within the next 65 years (up to 75%). Is it fair to our symbol of freedom and glory to be limited by humanly negligence?

Is it natural for record setting droughts in California, now exceeding the 1988 drought and the 1930's Dust Bowl? Is it natural for 90-95% of raptors nests to fail, in these areas because of droughts? The absence of these apex predators (such as raptors) will have a profound effect on the ecosystems they live in.

The effects of global warming are not localized to droughts and bird population. The effects go much deeper than the news media cares to cover:
1. Higher temperature
2. Changing landscapes
3. Wildlife danger
4. Rising seas
5. Increased drought, fight and flood chances
6. Stronger storms and increased storm damage
7. More heat-related illness and disease
8. Economic losses
For more comprehensive information on climate change and it's effects go HERE.

The summation of these consequences will bring changes in your lifetime and change the world as we know if for your children and your children's children.

Climate change is now, and collateral damage is imminent if we cannot find a way to secure the global environment.

What excuse will you use for spying on your neighbors when the local birds are dead or gone?