Philosophy Discussion Forums

My kitchen window, which is close to the crab apple tree where the wood pigeons eat is where a wood pigeon flew into the window pane, leaving a precise impression of its body as it tried to stall the crash. You can see the wing tips curved up like those bits at the ends of a jet aeroplane's wings. You can see the impression of the outthrust feet against the glass pane.

There is no concussed or dead bird to be seen. But I will get some window stickers like I have on the upstairs windows to deter deluded wood pigeons

The wings of a bird as it reduces its air speed are more graceful than a jet aircraft's wings. The bird's wings take on a beautiful concave curve more like The Dying Swan in Swan Lake.
I doubt if wood pigeons are among the brainiest of birds but they are very pretty in the crab apple tree and they obviously enjoy the crab apples. Perhaps they get drunk on overripe crab apples.

While I don't know much about birds, I do know that elephants and some other animals enjoy the effects of eating partially-fermented apples and other fruits and get quite a buzz.

Belinda, birds getting drunk is a lot more common than I'd imagined until your post: http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/ ... -the-wild/

I love the video, although I couldn't help thinking that big carnivores seem to have no equivalent means of intoxication (unless catnip grows locally) and they'd find these lolling herbivores to be easy pickings. Life seems to be a bit like that generally - focused aggressors exploiting and controlling those who are more gentle and light-hearted.

In view of your Australian Geographic article, Greta, I'd better put out the bird food now despite all the berries in my garden. There are a lot of cats sitting ready to pounce. You are right about predators and prey. Let's remember however that prey and predators applies between different species and only applies within the human species when the society or individuals are diseased. I hope.