Corvus: Part II

I am almost finished with Corvus: A Life with Birds. I had intended to try to read excerpts from this novel, but instead am intrigued to read the entire book.

Woolfson discussed anthropomorphism, the ascribing of human characteristics to non-humans, as, "the desire to mould ideas and images of animals in ways which allow humans to control or understand only within the narrow framework of what we ourselves may be..." (155) Often, we are unable to view animals as unique individuals, we are trying to relate to them or only allowing ourselves to see them in one distinct way. Woolfson has been living with birds for much of her adult life and has been able to see them for who they are, unique, intricate beings. She invites them into her life and they coexist together. Her birds are capable of observing Woolfson and her family's behaviors as well. In the book she recalls certain birds learning her language and having conversations in the same tones and inflections as herself. One particular bird, Spike, when called by name, would respond, "What?" Responding louder when not heard the first time.

Many times visitors to Woolfson's home would be frightened of particular birds, mainly the corvids, with their black feathers and prominent beaks. This brings so many images to mind of the silhouette of the raven on the cover of a horror novel. The birds in folktales symbolizing death or bad luck. Hitchcock's film, The Birds. Because these birds were born with black feathers rather then yellow or blue or gold they will continually invoke feelings of fear in some humans.

Woolfson does not guess as to why birds perform certain behaviors. She creates a handful of reasons and understands that still she may never know why a bird is taking a bath at a particular time and day. Although, she is around them so often, not purposefully observing, rather just noting behavior as you would by spending time with a close friend. You begin to learn their unique habits, their quirks, their tone and inflection in certain situations. You are able to go beyond guessing as to why they do what they do because you know them.

"No one knows the true purpose of birds' sunning. They may do it to help regulate temperature, to increase their exposure to vitamin D, or to reduce feather parasites, but whatever it is, pleasure too appears to be involved." (Woolfson, 68)

Again, Woolfson goes back to bird song. "As dawn is still too dark for effective food-searching, birds may use the time to re-establish territorial rights, singing their most elaborate songs to impress and attract mates, among them new migrators who arrive at dawn. They may sing too in a post-darkness burst of enthusiasm, an expression of pleasure or an affirmation of rights, a bird's rare moment of dominion." (250) I love how Woolfson is able to observe her birds behavior sincerely and to get to know them better as companions. She does not need to know all of the answers and willingly accepts that she may never know all the answers. She is thankful for these birds existence in her life. If they decided to leave in the morning and never come back she would still have gratitude for them.