Thursday, March 15, 2012

Birds On Top Of Other Things

For some reason The Society for Putting Things on top of Other Things was always one of my favorite Monty Python sketches:

Often times when I see some songbird or raptor perched on top of a bush, tree, or telephone pole, I am reminded of the smug satisfaction in putting things on top of other things. My previous post was about birds in the shade. While shady birds can have their own charm, it's very nice when birds put themselves on top of other things, and thus put themselves in the open and out in the light.

This mighty Starling made it all the way to the top of a saguaro, the world's tallest free-standing cactus! Unfortunately these invasive birds are a common sight around Arizona, but that does nothing to detract from this Starling's satisfied bravado.


On the other hand, this Green Heron seemed quite unused to the idea of being on top of other things. I don't think he knew quit what to do next. Perhaps to him the whole thing "seemed a bit silly..."


The epitome of confidence, this Northern Mockingbird has no qualms at all about being on top of other things. This audacious bird clearly puts itself up on a pedestal, which is in part why they are so entertaining to watch.


Here's to putting things on top of other things! As far as bird photography goes, I only wish there could be more.

12 comments:

  1. I like your post ideas. Very creative and interesting. The Northern Mockingbird.....I've seen these guys flying around a lot lately...up down all around flying in crazy patterns around the property. But it's in late May or June that we hear the mating calls of the male all night long....it's really nice to hear on the hot nights. I had not idea that Starlings live here....I'll have to keep my eyes open for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting point about the Starlings Chris. I noticed they are surprisingly absent in the Tucson area. About a month back when I was birding in the area, my day list was at 99 species. I really wanted to hit 100, and realized I had not seen/recorded a Starling all day, and rather amazingly I did not see a single one before night fall.
      They're all over in Phoenix. Thanks for stopping by chris, I appreciate your thoughtful and thorough comments.

      Delete
  2. Another wonderful, humorous post Laurence!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mia. It's very nice of you to always stop by and comment.

      Delete
  3. What a funny idea! I had never heard of or seen this sketch but there is a tendency to want to do that and I have a tendency to want to STAND on top of things! Perhaps I am part bird? Cute post. Great pics!

    ReplyDelete
  4. For shame - not one picture of a penguin on top of the telly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alas...I have no penguins nor any tellies.
      I'm sorry.

      Delete
    2. Haha... did you get the reference though?

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgoRDYZQMrQ

      Delete
    3. Oh sigh. I'm afraid I have a confession to make Nicholas. I got the reference, and it's true that would've probably been a better beginning sequence for the post as well as something to include with the current post. My trouble was that, when contemplating what to use to start things off, I thought the other clip would have a wider appeal, since I thought it the funnier of the two. I cowered to the potential of peer pressure, mass appeal, etc.

      I...I...just don't have the courage or uniqueness to be a real Hipster. I'm sorry I let y'all down...

      I deserve to be eaten by Western Bluebirds.

      Delete
  5. No, no - you made the right decision. I just wanted to make sure you were the Monty Python fan you claim to be, but it seems you're the real deal. You can call off the bluebirds... for now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for double checking. Unfortunately I got your response a little bit late...
      I would like to apologize though for the impending typos, as I will have to type all posts from now on using only my nose.

      Delete