Happening at the Crossroads
February 5, 2007
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, so at Crossroads at Big Creek, our thoughts are turning to love. Actually, we are thinking love in relation to birds and animals. Which brings up that question, are there really "love birds?"
It certainly looks like some birds are in love. But sscientists don't think birds "fall in love" with hearts and flowers and violin music in the background. But most species of birds do form pairs.
When two birds form a pair bond, they do many of the same things humans do when they fall in love. For example, on Valentine's Day, some men bring boxes of chocolate or flowers or gifts to their sweethearts.
Some male birds also bring food to their mates. Of course, a female bird wouldn't be particularly interested in a heart-shaped box of chocolate,. so the male bird brings foods his mate would appreciate.
For example, as we get closer to spring, female cardinals suddenly start acting like babies. Certainly they know how to feed themselves, but instead they crouch down and quiver their wings. When they open their mouths wide, male cardinals cram them full of sunflower seeds.
Birds called waxwings seem very romantic. A male waxwing will pick a berry and tenderly place it in the beak of his intended mate. She gives it back. They may pass it back and forth several times before she swallows the berry. When spring gets here, the male waxwing will bring flower petals to his mate. But she doesn't put the flowers in a vase. She eats them too.
Harriers have a spectacular gift-giving ceremony. The male hawk flies about fifteen or twenty feet above the nest and drops dead mice on his lady love. She is very good at catching mice with her talons. Apparently, the female harrier finds this gesture quite a turn-on.
By human standards, the Valentine of a male gull is a bit gross.. The male comes up to the female and throws up at her feet. If (and only if) she finds him attractive, she gobbles up this "gift".
Scientists have several theories about why male birds bring food and flowers to females. Maybe this helps a female select a good mate. A male bird who brings good presents would probably provide well for the baby birds.
Some scientists think female birds need extra food in the springtime. Gifts of food would provide a nutritional supplement so the female could develop eggs and have the energy to raise her young.
But most scientists--even unromantic ones--will admit that the most important function of gift giving is to keep the pair together. For many species of birds, courtship actually stimulates hormone production. If the female bird is not courted, she will not be able to lay eggs.
Birds probably do not have emotions the way we think of them. They can't truly fall head over talons in love. But most birds have some sort of courtship during which the male either sings for, dances for, or brings gifts to a female. Maybe it isn't love, but it does seem romantic.
A lecture on "Love Birds" is scheduled for 3:30 on Valentine's Day. It will not be long, so those in attendance will still have plenty time to get ready to go out for a romantic dinner.
Crossroads will offer several family programs this week. On Saturday morning at 11:00, a Miltie-media presentation called Beaver Tales. While the program is intended for children aged four through eight, learners of all ages are welcome. On Sunday afternoon, Friends of Crossroads loan skis to families between 1:00 and 3:00 as a way of encouraging families to experience nature together.
The ski trails are open and will be groomed for as long as snow is adequate. Hikers are asked to avoid walking on ski trails.
Crossroads at Big Creek in an environmental learning preserved dedicated to life long learning in science history and the environment. It is located in Sturgeon Bay at the crossroads of Michigan Street and Highway 42/57.
Saturday, February 10, 11:00 Family Program: Beaver Tales
Intended for children aged four through eight (but learners of all ages are welcome) this one hour multimedia presentation introduces young people to the beavers. The program includes a visit to the wildlife exhibit. Free.
Animals on the snow - January 1 News
Watching the skies at Christmas - December 17 News
Christmas presents for wildlife - December 3 News
Find out what Christmas trees wildlife prefer - November 22 News
Learn about middens - November 20 News
