As much as we like to pat ourselves on the back for our higher-order thinking and our problem solving skills, I think that there is much that we can learn from taking a step back and observing nature. Nature holds clues to the ways of the world, cycles of life, and traits of humanity; if only we will slow down to look. We can learn a lot about ourselves by studying nature.
Take birds, for instance. We have a large variety of birds who visit, feeding at the bird feeders, nesting, and enjoying the woods, bushes and trees around our house. A few days ago, I walked outside early in the morning and was greeted by a cacophony of bird calls. It was an incredibly loud mixtape of varied songs. I actually started laughing at the ridiculous sound of multitudes of birds trying to outdo one another in volume and intricacy of song pattern. It sounded like my class of preschoolers when everyone has a lot to say, and no one wants to wait for the other to finish talking.
But, more often, I see the birds in smaller numbers, feeding on my deck or sitting in the trees. I’ve noticed characteristics of some of the birds that visit frequently. Their mannerisms remind me of myself and other people that I know. When I study the birds, I discover universal traits and I contemplate lessons that we could learn. Some of the lessons provide insight into improvements that we could make to our human behavior. Things that we might be able to do differently.
Here is my collection of Advice from Birds. All photos are from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Eastern Bluebird. This is my favorite songbird. Every time I see one, I literally gasp & cry, "Look! Bluebird of Happiness!" We have quite a few Bluebirds, and they always behave politely. They get along well with other birds.
Advice: Spread your happiness to others.
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House Finch. There are flocks of House Finches. They always cluster around the feeder, pushing & shoving. They cackle noisily. None of them ever seem satisfied, and they carry on, arguing like siblings.
Advice: Don't hoard resources or crowd each other out. Share. Make sure everyone in your group gets due attention.
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Crow. Crows loudly caw to state their displeasure. The sound pierces the air. They seem to complain a lot.
Advice: Tell people what they need to hear, but do it gently and with tact. Put down the megaphone.
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Red-Bellied Woodpecker. The Woodpecker pecks relentlessly. Peck, peck, peck. It keeps working the problem. Peck, peck, peck. The Woodpecker is steady and sure. Peck, peck, peck.
Advice: Keep focused, stay persistent, but don't get all consumed. And try not to annoy others.
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Red-Tailed Hawk. The magnificent Hawk focuses intensely on its prey down below. Out on the road, it is common for a Hawk to be hit by a car when it swoops into an attack, because it fails to notice anything else, save its target.
Advice: Keep the laser focus when appropriate, but don't let it make you lose sight of other dangers or other opportunities.
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Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The Hummingbird is in constant motion, flitting from one feeding to the next. Its motor never stops, and there is a continual hum.
Advice: It’s OK to be busy, but give yourself permission to relax. Take a break. The world can go on if you stop for a minute.
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Northern Mockingbird. The Mockingbird mimics other birds. Its brash voice intricately echoes songs. It hides its true self by pretending to be someone else.
Advice: It's ok to evolve & try different things, but don't lose yourself by trying to copy others. Know who you are.
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Mourning Dove. The Dove is gentle. It has a soft lilting coo. It doesn’t startle easily. The Dove scratches purposely at the ground as it wanders among the bushes. It is not bothered by things happening nearby.
Advice: Don’t let things ruffle your feathers. Chill.
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Barred Owl. Another favorite of mine. The mysterious owl is self-assured and deliberate. It sits upon the branch in solitary contemplation. It ponders the secrets of the night.
Advice: Don't sit alone high in your tree looking down on everything. Share your wisdom with others.
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See the lessons we can learn from birds? If I think about it, I am mostly a Bluebird/Woodpecker/Owl combo (maybe not the wise part, but definitely the loner part), with traces of a few other birds thrown in. I take their advice to heart, because I know that it relates to me. I can learn more about myself by paying attention to the birds.
How about you? What kind of birds are you most like? Do you enjoy watching them? Can you learn from our avian friends? Will you take Advice from Birds?