FLAKES: In praise of birds

Birds are special. There is no other creature in the animal kingdom that is quite like the bird. Birds are the undisputed lords of the sky. ILLUSTRATION| JOSEPH NGARI

What you need to know:

  • In many countries, birdwatching is a popular sport. Of course I would not try it in my family. I can imagine the reaction of my late grandmother: “What are you doing?”

  • “Birdwatching.”

  • “You want to catch a bird and eat it?”

  • “No, I am looking for the different species.”

Birds are special. There is no other creature in the animal kingdom that is quite like the bird. Birds are the undisputed lords of the sky.

For centuries human beings longed to soar effortlessly up into the blue yonder and glide on the air currents while enjoying a panoramic view of the earth beneath. Eventually, as human beings do, we found a way to do it – but of course involving a variety of unwieldy contraptions. Birds do it better. They just flap their wings and fly. Many of them are equally at home in the air, on land and in water.

Birds are beautiful. Whether perched on a tree, soaring in the sky or pecking about on the ground, birds have a peculiar gracefulness. The seemingly superior mammals appear in various shades of black, white or tan - but consider the birds.

Every shade of red, green, purple, blue and yellow is represented in the glorious plumage of these creatures. Special effects such as iridescence were first perceived in birds. An animal world without birds would lose most of its lustre. And birds have a voice.

There is nothing quite as uplifting as being awakened each morning by birdsong. As soon as the sun’s light begins to creep along the ground, the birds arise with songs of praise. And what pieces of music! Each is unique, clear and beautiful. Which other creature has a voice that is only used for singing?

PEACEFUL CREATURES

Birds are among the most peaceful of creatures. Few human beings need to have any fear of a bird. Many creatures in the animal kingdom, insects, molluscs, reptiles, mammals are all capable of holding their own against a threat. They eject poisons, bite, sting, scratch and growl.  But what do many birds do when you harm them? They just twitter a simple melody of distress.

In many countries, birdwatching is a popular sport. Of course I would not try it in my family. I can imagine the reaction of my late grandmother: “What are you doing?”

“Birdwatching.”

“You want to catch a bird and eat it?”

“No, I am looking for the different species.”

 “Mpishi (cook)? You are looking for a bird to cook for you?” (At this point, Granny’s eyes are darting around the compound looking for a bush that produces the kind of green sticks that are suitable for thrashing children without doing any permanent damage.)

“Not quite. I am just interested in the different types.” (I can see Granny giving me the kind of beady-eyed look that means that she suspects that I am manifesting signs of insanity originating from the genes of her in-laws. She strategises how to use her elderly bones to manage the stick-picking and the thrashing before my more agile young limbs help me to escape.)

“Woo, woo! What shall I do with a child who is so lazy that she stands in one spot looking for a cook to fall from the sky?”

Here’s yet another bird story, paraphrased from wildbirds.com: A judge once said, “Young man, it says here you shot and killed a Madagascar fish eagle. How do you plead?

Defendant: Guilty your honour.

Judge: GUILTY!? Don’t you know how endangered these eagles are? There are hardly any left at all. Defendant: Yes sir, najua. Lakini inabidi nitafutie jamii yangu chakula. Tuko maskini. (I know, but I had to get my family some food. We’re poor).

Judge: That’s no excuse. I sentence you to 30 days in jail. By the way, what does a Madagascar fish eagle taste like?

Defendant: It’s delicious! It’s like a cross between a dwarf olive Ibis and a Taita apalis!

And lastly, Jesus Christ noticed the birds and used them to teach us about God’s abiding love for His creation. In Matthew 10 verse 29 he said: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. However, recently the voice of the chainsaw is heard in all the woods and the song of the birds is becoming a rare sound in our cities and towns.

Estate developers across Kenya, consider the birds this weekend.