“The cowbird means well, but I should mention that the bluejay is even worse in his behavior. Those blue things are downright mean critters – others may say they’re just tough birds –
and almost a match for Purrrl,” said Rachelle. Our feline friend may look calm and gentle, but I don’t think too many animals will pick a fight with her.
Ralph chimed in, “On the other hand, some of our relatives – not named Rodney – get no respect. I’m talking about the pigeon, who showers down more than perspiration on the people underneath. Isn’t that what umbrellas are for?”
“Now you can read a book that sets the record straight on these much maligned birds.
Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World’s
Most Revered and Reviled Bird by Andrew Blechman achieves some balance – although not in the manner of Fox News – talking about these ever-present animals. You will learn quite a few things about them besides their role in carrying important 73
news from one place to another without charging the exorbitant rates of the United States Postal Service,” added Rachelle.
“There’s another great work by Peter Watkins and Jonathan Stockland entitled Winged
Wonders: A Celebration of Birds in Human
History. The numerous species of birds – and there are more than one can imagine – are all touched on with wonderful stories that will inform and delight you.”
“Dad, you may not give a hoot about this one, but I loved Stacey O’Brien’s Wesley the Owl:
The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His
Girl. If you haven’t guessed, Wesley and the author are the two participants in the love affair and it will make you laugh and cry at the same time,” said Rhoda, Ralph and Rachelle’s oldest offspring.
The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One
Woman’s Fight to Save the World’s Most
Beautiful Bird by Bruce Barcott was mentioned earlier. It’s about a truly spectacular creature, who probably would do well on Jeopardy – talk about a smart creature!
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