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.