Lessons from the Hoatzin

HOATZIN: Embrace Your Inner Oddness

Resembling a “punk-rock Chicken”, Hoatzin has little in common with any other living bird. Once thought of as a primitive Bird that linked today’s Birds with extinct reptilian species, Hoatzin is actually a thoroughly modern Bird. But even with the DNA that is available, scientists still argue over Hoatzin’s classification in the Order of Birds.

This baffling Bird has many extraordinary characteristics: such as Baby Hoatzins possessing true claws on their wings. Whenever a predator appears, They quickly jump out of their nest into the swamp. After the danger has passed, Baby Hoatzins will use their claws to climb back up the tree. Even though Adult Hoatzins lose their claws, They still can climb trees, using their wings. (Modern Birds cannot do this.)

Known as the “flying Cow”, Hoatzin eats leaves. Like a Cow, He has a ruminant’s digestive system. (In fact, Hoatzin is the only Bird, as well as, the smallest organism that is a ruminant.) He ferments his food in his crop, which is a pouch-like enlargement of his gullet. Because digesting his food makes Him top heavy, Hoatzin will often rest his breast against a tree branch. This makes Him seem to have an extra leg.

Unlike other Birds, Hoatzin lives in a commune. Because there is not much room for nesting in the Amazon swamps, Grown Hoatzins will often stay with their families. Forgoing their own breeding opportunities, these Birds will help with this year’s Chicks.

Hoatzin teaches you to embrace your inner oddness. Hoatzin may seem bizarre but He has a purpose in his strangeness. He is not like other Birds for a reason. Hoatzin’s odd characteristics help Him to live in the Amazon River basin, where the forests remain flooded for six months each year.

The Cuckoo Family: Union of Opposites

Most people know Cuckoo (Cuculus canarus) from cuckoo clocks. Famous for her two note call (cu-coo), this shy solitary Bird of the woodlands has become a timekeeping icon of clockmakers. She is named for her distinctive call in many languages: koe-koek in Dutch, cou-cou in French, kuctutin in German, and kak-ko in Japanese.

However, Cuckoo is also known for laying her eggs in other birds’ nests. (This is called “brood parasitism”.) Various members of the Cuckoo Family specialize by laying similar eggs in the nests of selected bird species. These brood parasites often crowd out the other young Birds in the nest. One mystery of these Birds is how They become Cuckoos when raised by non-Cuckoos.

However, the Cuckoo Family does include a wide variety of birds. New World Cuckoos such as Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) builds her own nest and raises her Chicks herself. Roadrunner of North America is also a Cuckoo. In addition, depending on how Cuckoos are defined, Coucals (Centropodidae) and Anis (Crotophagidae) are included in the Family.

What is noteworthy about Cuckoos is that people think well of Them. In North America, farmers call Cuckoos “rain crows” because They predict rain. Meanwhile, Australian farmers encourage Cuckoos to eat their fill of harmful Caterpillars. In Europe and elsewhere, Cuckoos are the harbingers of spring and better times.

Cuckoos demonstrate the union of opposites. They balance the whole of good and bad. These brood parasites eat harmful Caterpillars that other Birds cannot. Taken as a whole, the Cuckoo Family represents the balancing of extremes. Learn from Cuckoos how to combine both the good and bad parts of yourself into a whole.

The Golden Rectangle

Finding the Golden Rectangle in my life was not difficult at all. Examples abound in ordinary things, buildings, and art. For example, photos are often developed into a Golden Rectangle. In 1905, Oskar Barnack (Letz Camera of Germany) invented the 35 mm camera, a new method of taking pictures. In addition, he developed the process to reduce negatives and enlarge the photos developed from them. To that end, Barnack decided that his film (35 mm) should have the ratio of the Golden Rectangle, which is 3:2. Then in the 1920s, the noted photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson chose to display his pictures taken directly with the 35 mm camera, without cropping them first. Since then, many photos have been routinely developed using the 3:2 ratio of the Golden Rectangle.



In Richmond, Virginia, the State Capitol Building was designed by Thomas Jefferson, who also employed the Golden Rectangle. By basing his design on a Roman Temple found in Nimes France, he wanted to inspire Americans to a new sense of empire. By using the Golden Rectangle, Jefferson wanted to create a fitting style of architecture for the new country.


Many artists from Leonardo Da Vinci to Pier Mondrian have employed the Golden Rectangle in their works. However, the one painting that has stood out in my mind is “The Sacrament of the Last Supper” (1955) by Salvador Dali. (This painting hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.) In his art, Dali regarded himself as an alchemist exploring time and space. As a master of Divine Geometry, he employed those principles in his art, notably in “The Last Supper”.

Works Consulted:
Coppens, Philip, “Salvador Dali: painting the fourth dimension”, Philip Coppens: The Official Website, 2009, 20 October 2009, http://www.philipcoppens.com/dali.html

Mabini, Alex, “35mm Film and the Golden Rectangle”, Fotogenetic, 2007, 20 October 2009, http://fotogenetic.dearingfilm.com/golden_rectangle.html

_____, “Thomas Jefferson’s Capitol of Virginia”, The Capital Square Preservation Council (Virginia), 2009, 20 October 2009, http://www.capitolsquarevirginia.state.va.us/updated%20pages/History/capitol_square.htm

Teachings of Roadrunner: Thinking on Your Feet

Once called the “Chaparral Cock”, this tireless Predator became known as Roadrunner when He started to race with the Horses and wagons over desert roads. With his powerfully built legs, Roadrunner almost flies over the scrublands. As He runs, Roadrunner extends his neck forward to lower the air resistance of his body. In addition, He uses his long tail for breaking and changing directions.

His speed and agility makes Roadrunner an exceptional predator. Always thinking on his feet, He quickly changes directions, steering with his tail. Chasing a tough Lizard, Roadrunner swiftly grabs Her, and bashes Her against the hard ground. He will continue to do this until the dead Lizard is soft enough to eat.

Roadrunner is most famous for catching Rattlesnakes. Circling Snake, He stays just out of range of her fangs. After tiring Snake with his dancing, Roadrunner suddenly dashes in and seizes Her from behind the head. Cracking Snake like a whip, Roadrunner bashes her head against a rock. Afterwards He slurps up the dead snake. Sometimes people will see Roadrunner with half a Snake hanging out of his mouth, as He races down the road.

A superb athlete, Roadrunner moves with one mind and body. Not even hesitating as He speeds along, Roadrunner out maneuvers anyone who happens to be chasing Him. Moving as if by instinct, He will catch and kill Rattlesnake. Roadrunner understands the concept: “Thinking on your feet.” Move as one with your mind and body is his teaching.

The Dragons of DRAGONHEART: A NEW BEGINNING (part 1)

At first glance, Drake and Griffin, the two dragons of DRAGONHEART: A NEW BEGINNING (2000, LEFLER), seemed to be typical European dragons. They were scaly, breathed fire, flew in the air, and ate meat. Moreover, people were frightened of them.

However, upon further examination, there were several major differences between the two types of dragons. Those of DRAGONHEART: A NEW BEGINNING were self-aware, and understood complex concepts such as morals, while, those of Europe were mostly unthinking beings. Moreover, physically, the movie dragons could breathe ice and fire, whereas amongst the European dragons, only icedrakes could breathe ice. (However, icedrakes could not breathe fire.)

The young dragon of the movie, Drake, had to be taught how to be a dragon. Various humans (Friar Peter, Brother Monsel, Stable Boy Geoff, and Master Kwan) instructed him in morals, how to fly, and breathe fire and ice, respectively. Unlike the dragons of European myths, Drake had an education in ethics. He knew good from evil, and often conducted himself, mindful not to harm others.

In contrast, the Lambton Wurm and Mordiford Wyvern instinctively knew how to be dragons. Although people tried to appease them, these dragons continued to terrorize the countryside. Driven by basic needs such as hunger, they viewed people as prey animals.

Meanwhile, Drake felt sorrow when his friend, Father Peter, died. He said his heart hurt. Later when Geoff was killed by falling ice, Drake felt sorrow again. However this time, he chose to give his heart to his dear friend. Drake loved Geoff enough to sacrifice himself for his human friend. Afterwards, the two became one being united in joy and love.



However Griffin, the older dragon of the movie, hated people. Because he corrupted the virtuous dragons and desired human slaves, Griffin’s heart was taken from him. His punishment was to live as a hated human. (Without his dragon heart, Griffin was a clever, ambitious person, known as Osric.)

Dragons in myths generally left people alone except as prey animals. More interested in defending their territories, they usually did not consider governing villages. However, Griffin realized that he could rule over people and make them his slaves. Unlike the seemingly mindless dragons of European legends, Griffin understood the difference between good and evil.

Governance takes a complex mind and an understanding of human culture. Only the firedrake of Beowulf understood humans. He had an agreement with them –if they did not steal his treasure, he would leave them alone. This dragon, with his sophisticated knowledge, resembled Griffin and Drake.

The back history of DRAGONHEART: A NEW BEGINNING is that dragons originally ruled the world. When people emerged, they saw the potential of goodness in the newcomers. Deciding to share their wisdom with people, these dragons watched over them. When they died, the virtuous dragons became stars to guide mankind. Because they had souls, the dragons pledged to help humans achieve their full potential as sentient beings.

This is in contrast to the usual European dragons. In many myths, they were simply entities that plagued people or for heroes to test their mettle against. European dragons acted more like intelligent animals than as instructors and governors. The usual dragon possessed neither a soul nor cared much about people’s lives. Many simply regarded humans as interlopers in their territories.

The Meta theme of DRAGONHEART: A NEW BEGINNING is that people and dragons can coexist. Moreover, they can evolve together. The goal for each species is to unite into a singular entity. People’s weaknesses would be purified by the dragons, who in return would receive joy and spontaneity. The new being would have the best of both humans and dragons.
---------
Part Two can be read here: dragons-of-dragonheart-new-beginning: part 2
------------------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers Enterprises, animalteachers at gmail dot com.

AMERICAN ROBIN: Parenting

The first Bird of Spring in North America is usually an American Robin. In many areas, her song of “Cheerily cheer-up cheerio” heralds the coming of spring. Hopping across people’s lawns, She cocks her head searching for spring Worms. American Robin’s morning activities provided the basis for the saying: “The early bird gets the worm”.

Usually a Bird of the woods, American Robin is often seen in towns as well. Since She can flourish among humans, American Robin is found in many places. Because of her adaptability, She has the distinction of being the only Thrush in North America.

Each year, American Robin will return to repair the same nest. Sometimes, She will share a nest with a family of Finches. Both species will feed all of the young Chicks. In addition, American Robin keeps her nest clean by eating the Chicks’ feces. When her Youngsters are ready to fledge, Father American Robin watches over them.

Vigilant in protecting their nest, Father and Mother American Robin will reject Cowbird eggs laid there. With alarm calls, the Parents will inform each other of approaching intruders. For the sake of their Eggs, Both Parents will dive bomb cats and humans.

Father and Mother American Robins are good parents. While Father watches over their Fledglings, Mother prepares for the next brood. Also, during the nesting, Father American Robin will incubate their eggs to allow Mother American Robin a break. They take turns in guarding their nest. American Robins show how to parent effectively through cooperation.
--------------
Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers Enterprises

THE THRUSH FAMILY (TURIDAE): “Do Not Borrow Worry”

Determining which Bird is a Thrush (or not) is an exercise in futility. Ornithologists are constantly debating over what makes a Bird a “Thrush”. Depending on new DNA findings and interpretations, the number of members of this Family expands and contracts. For example, now considered to be a Flycatcher, European Robin was once a member of this Family. However, noted Thrushes that remain are Eurasian Blackbird, American Robin, and Nightingale.

What these small plump Birds have in common are their beautiful songs. In addition, people are very familiar with Thrushes since these Birds live in cities. They often see Thrushes hopping about in parks, looking for food. Cocking their heads, Thrushes wait for Worms to appear.

Going about their business, Thrushes care little about how They are defined. Hunting for worms and singing through the day, They go about their lives. These unassuming Birds focus on what They need to do, unconcerned about what others call Them. Thrushes do not borrow worry from others.

European Robin (Robin Redbreast): Inner Fierceness

From his tree branch, European Robin cheerfully sings through the day. In the woods, his rich fluted warbling songs can be often heard. While singing at twilight, European Robin is often mistaken for Nightingale.

Singing loudly is how this small Bird defends his territory. European Robin warns others of his presence with his songs. If they ignore Him, then He will boldly attack anyone who comes near.

European Robin’s boldness extends to looking for food among Wild Boars. In addition, He will nest near people: in their flower pots, umbrella stands, or window ledges. His audacity makes European Robin sacred to Thor, the Norse God of Thunder.

His red breast marks European Robin as THE ROBIN. All other Birds with red breasts who were discovered later are called “Robin”. However, these other Birds are not often relatives of European Robin.

European Robin’s name has an interesting history. From a custom of adding human names to animals, “Robin” was added to Redbreast in the 15th Century. Meanwhile, in the United States, European Robin was called English Robin to differentiate Him from their American Robin. (The North American Robin is a Thrush, while European Robin is a member of the Flycatcher Family.)

Because of his red breast, European Robin is often associated with Christ. When this Bird tried to comfort Jesus on the Cross, his breast became covered with Christ’s blood. In another story, European Robin was pierced in his breast when He tried to remove the Crown of Thorns from Christ’s head.

In addition, people also associate European Robin with the dead. If He comes across an unattended body, European Robin will cover it with leaves and moss. In Purgatory, He fetches water for thirsty souls. When European Robin tried to quench the fires of Hell, his breast was burned.

Tiny European Robin possesses inner fierceness. He tried to put out the fires Hell by Himself. He walks among Wild Boars searching for earthworms. European Robin is rewarded for his inner fierceness by being a companion of Thunder Gods. However, do not become so aggressive that you are a tiny terror.

Triads in Thought (2)

In his “Book of the Law” (Liber AL vel Legis) Aleister Crowley presented the knowledge of the Three Aeons that he had received from the Stele of Revealing. Also, Crowley, the founder of Thelma, discussed his ideas of space and time. Later, he codified his concepts of the Triads in his Thoth Tarot.

Crowley divided space into threes, and named them. Nuit, the Goddess of the Infinite Space, is the periphery, with Hadit, the God of the Concentrated Point, living at her center. Their child, Ra-Hoor-Khut, comes into being when Nuit and Hadit occupy the same space at the same time. Nuit (outness) and Hadit (inness) lock in an infinite embrace, who is Ra-Hoor-Khut (both).

Then, Crowley divided the evolution of human consciousness into Three Aeons. Isis, the Great Goddess, governed the First Aeon. She represented the Maternal Principle of all life coming from woman. (In the First Aeon, the earth was made a Goddess of all life.) The Second Aeon was governed by Osiris, the Dying God. At that time, people became preoccupied with life and death. Within the Paternal Principle of Osiris was the Cycle of the Sun, rising, setting, and rising again. The Last Aeon of Horus, the Crowned and Conquering Child freed people from both the Matriarch and the Patriarch. Horus, the self-radiant every-living Sun, represented the Principle of the Child.






Meanwhile the Order of the Golden Dawn inspired Arthur Edward Waite to formulate his version of the Tarot. Reflected in his Tarot (Rider-Waite) are the Threefold aspects of humanity – the body, mind, and soul. The pregnant Empress (III) begins the creation of the body. Waiting for the birth of the soul is the Hanged Man (XII), the mind. At Journey’s end, the Fool finds wisdom in the World (XXI). First the female Empress, then the Hanged Man joins to become the World of the female surrounded by male beings of the soul.

Within the Tarot Minors, similar themes play out with the threes. The pain of the Three of Hearts is soothed by the friendship of the Three of Cups which is broken again by the Three of Hearts. Meanwhile, Three of Wands waits for his ship to come in. When it does, the Three of Pentacles celebrates his accomplishments, which leads to waiting on more ships to come in.





Footnotes:
1. Jayaram V, “The Triple Gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, Hinduwebsite, 2005, 25 Sept. 2009 http://www.hinduwebsite.com/gunas.asp

2. Pg. 56, DuQuette, Lon Milo, “Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot”, Rochester, Vermont: Destiny Books, 1999.

References:

Adkins, Lesley and Roy A. Adkins, "Dictionary of Roman Religion”, New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.

Asborn, Kevin and Dana Burgess, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Classical Mythology”, New York: Penguin Publishing, 2004.

Crystal, Ellie, Numbers and their Meanings, Crystalinks, 2009, 26 Sept. 2009, http://www.crystalinks.com/numerology2.html

Druy, Nevil, “The Tarot Workbook”, San Diego: Thunder Bay, 2004.

DuQuette, Lon Milo, “Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot”, Rochester, Vermont: Destiny Books, 1999.

Jayaram V, “The Triple Gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, Hinduwebsite, 2005, 25 Sept. 2009, http://www.hinduwebsite.com/gunas.asp

-----, Thelemapedia, Scarlet Woman Lodge (O.T.O.), 2005, 23 Sept. 2009 http://www.thelemapedia.org/index.php/Main_Page

Wild, Leon, “The Runes Workbook”, San Diego: Thunder Bay, 2004.

Triads in Thought (1)

Embedded throughout human culture and thought is the Triad. Appearing in surprising places, the Triad reaches out to our consciousness. On the flag of Barbados is Neptune’s Trident, which is the Sea God’s three-pronged spear. The Boy Scout Movement uses three fingers in their salute, while the Girl Scout Movement uses the trefoil as their symbol. Meanwhile, the Three Tenors delighted people with their music and spawned imitations of “Three Irish Tenors”, “Three Mo’ Tenors”, and more.

In religious thought, the Triad has several symbolic meanings. The Two are joined into One. The Two join to bring forth Three. The Three form a never-ending cycle. The Triad is completion, with the whole that greater than its parts.




In Hinduism, a Triumvirate of Gods, the Trimurti, overseas the universe. Brahma is the Creator, while Vishnu is the Preserver. And finally there is Shiva the Destroyer. According to “The Bhagavad-Gita”, nature is divided into three parts called gunas. Sattva is calm peaceful energy while rajas is creative passion. Rounding them out is the third which is tamas (intense desire). “In the Divine Consciousness, they remain in a state of perfect balance. When this balance is disturbed, the process of creation begins…” (1) “The mechanics of the eternal three-way conflict is the driving force that turns the great wheel of the ever-lasting universe.” (2)

Among other religions, triads are well represented. Christians have the Trinity – God in Three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Among the Greeks, Hecate, a chthonic Goddess, sat at a three way crossroads. (Among, Romans she was called Trivia.) The Norns of the Norse were three – Urdhr (that which has become), Verdhandi (that which is becoming) and Skuld (that which shall be). (Norse Runes are also divided into Three Aetts.)
The Romans had several trios of Gods to oversee their State affairs. The Archaic Triad, the first, consisted of Jupiter (the Ruler of the Heavens), Mars (Guardian of the Crops), and Quirinus (God of Roman Civic Life). Later this trio was superseded by the Capitoline Triad.

The Capitoline Triad was Jupiter (the Supreme God), Juno Regina (Ruler of the State), and Minerva (Goddess of Wisdom). The Capitolium, a temple on Capitoline Hill, hosted these Gods. This grouping of a male God with two females reflects Etruscan influence (of Tinia (Supreme Deity)), Uni (his wife), and Menrva (their daughter, Goddess of Wisdom).

Meanwhile, the plebeians venerated the Aventine Trio. The temple of Ceres (the Goddess of Agriculture) on Aventine Hill, housed the City’s grain supply. This temple also hosted Liber and Libera, Gods who oversaw the fertility of the fields. These three Gods (Ceres, Liber, Libera), together, looked after the plebeians.





The Triad was also prominent in Celtic culture. For example, the Triskle (Triple Spiral) of three inter-locking circles was representative of Celtic culture. They swore by “land, sea, and sky”. The Celtic Goddess of Death, the Morrigan had triple aspects (known as her sisters Badb and Nemain). In addition, the Celts venerated the Triple Mother as a midwife of the Soul. Their Triple Spiral represented the Soul’s journey in life. The First Spiral was the conscious life, while the Second Spiral was the unconscious (dream) life. Finally, the Third Spiral was the mature soul finally freed from the body.
-------------------
Copyright Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers Enterprises

Pelican Family: Panache

Because Pelicans do everything together in precision, They tend to unnerve people. When flying, these huge Birds drum their wings in unison. While resting, Pelicans point their long beaks in the same direction at the same time. The activities of these ungainly comic Birds, noted for their huge pouches, often transforms into drama.

Suddenly from a great height, with his enormous wings outstretched, Brown Pelican points his huge beak towards the water and plunges in. Filling his immense pouch, Great White Pelican holds more water than any other bird –about three gallons (11 1/2 liters). And, Australian Pelican has the largest beak of any Bird in the world – 19.5 inches (49 cm).

Moreover, Pelicans feed in unusual ways. In the water, White Pelicans form a semi-circle. As They beat their wings, the Group moves towards the shore. Herding Fish into the shallows, White Pelicans scoop Them up in their pouches.
Meanwhile, Brown Pelican dives into deep waters for Fish. Rhythmically flapping his wings, He hunches up his neck looking for Menhaden. Spying a school of Them below, Brown Pelican swiftly plunges into the sea. After scooping up Fish with his beak, He rests on the surface, to drain water from his pouch.

Contrary to popular belief, Pelicans do not store Fish in their pouches. Instead, They use them as fishing nets. Pelicans fill their beaks with gulps of water and Fish. After straining the water out of their pouches, Pelicans then dine on Fish.

Among people, stories abound about helpful Pelicans. In Mecca, They helped to build a Moslem Shrine. Among Christians, Pelican represents Christ feeding His Flock with His Blood. Because Dalmatian Pelican has red on her crop, many people thought that She fed her Young from her breast.

Whatever They do, these ancient Birds do it to dramatic effect. Plunging from great heights into the water, Brown Pelican causes people to take notice. Flying in unison, White Pelicans fill the skies with their massive bodies. With great subtlety, Pelicans move beyond being comical to being sublime. If you must be noticed, do it in the Pelican way with panache.

----------------

Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Lessons of the Cormorant Family

CORMORANT AND SHAG FAMILY: Living Disorganized Lives

With their powerful feet, Cormorants quickly propel Themselves through the water. Because their feathers are not waterproof, They can easily sink down into the water. However, when Cormorants emerge from the water, They have to remain on the shore to dry their wings.

Using seaweed, sticks, and flotsam, Cormorants build sloppy nests. (More often than not, their nests turn into rotting heaps.) Because of their general messiness, Cormorant colonies are islands of guano. Besides mining their rich droppings, fertilizer companies build platforms for these Birds to roost and breed on.

Another thing, Cormorants are known for is their superb fishing skills. After scooping Fish up with their throat pouch, They position the fish in their throat before swallowing. In China and Japan, fishermen will use these Birds to fish for them. Placing a ring over Cormorant’s neck, the fisherman would ensure that Cormorant could not swallow the Fish. When Cormorant caught a Fish, they would remove the Fish from the Bird’s throat.

Within Cormorant Family, there are two unique Birds. Beside Penguins, Flightless Cormorant is the only other flightless Sea Bird. One of the most primitive of Birds, Shag has an unusually large clutch of very small eggs.

Since They live messy lives, Cormorants often end up having others take advantage of them. Being disorganized, They have little understanding of how others profit from their activities. Cormorants show that having a chaotic life can make you subject to being used by someone else.

----------------

Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Grouse Family Teachings

GROUSE FAMILY: Lords of the Dance

Birds of the Northern Hemisphere, Grouse Family (Tetraonidae) are relatives of Pheasants and other Game Birds. Compact in shape, these Birds have fowl-like bodies. Another characteristic of Grouse is their feathered toes and nostrils. In addition, Grouse (except for Willow Ptarmigan) are polygamous.

What Grouse are best known for are their rituals of the Lek. Some Leks (dance grounds) have been used by generations of Birds. Taking turns, Male Grouse strut and put on elaborate dances. Female Grouse attach Themselves to the most vigorous dancer. Meanwhile, Spruce Grouse defends his own individual Lek, and Females go to Him there.

Male Grouse dance to impress. Raising his long tail, Spruce Grouse struts about. In the early mornings, Prairie Chicken issues his booming calls across the North American Prairies. Inflating his throat sacs, Sage Grouse gives a whip-like crack for all to hear. Meanwhile, in the North Woods, Ruffled Grouse drums loudly. The most impressive dancer of all is Capercaillie of Eurasia. Singing while leaping and strutting, He entices Female Grouse to join Him.

Male Grouse is the Lord of the Dance. He commands the attention of all as He drums, struts, and leaps. Express yourself through the dance. Move your body and come alive!

----------------

Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Teachings of the Pigeon

Pigeon: Courage

Pigeons perch on statues in cities. They greedily fight over bread crumbs in parks. Bobbing along sidewalks, Pigeons move among people, searching for more food.

Pigeon’s commonness belies his incredible intelligence and discernment. By analyzing the positions of heavenly bodies, landmasses, and weather, Pigeon navigates thousands of miles to return to his home. After being taught, He can tell the difference between a Cubist and an Impressionist painting.

Because of his great skill in navigation, Pigeon has carried important messages for people. Early Greeks sent Pigeon to their cities to inform them of their Olympic victories. Meanwhile, Hindus regarded Pigeon as a messenger of their God of Death and Destruction.

During the Two World Wars, 20,000 messenger Pigeons gave their lives in service to soldiers. For his work during the bombings of Berlin, Snow White was awarded the Military Cross by the United States. For saving a battalion in WWI, Cher Ami was awarded the Croix de Guerre with a Palm by France. In executing his duties, Cher Ami was severely wounded and lost his leg.

The next time you see Pigeon bobbing along the sidewalk, remember his service. Displaying incredible courage, Pigeon has dodged bullets, bombs, and shrapnel to deliver lifesaving messengers. His courage is above reproach. Let Pigeon show you how to live fearlessly with intelligence and discernment.

-------------------
Science Notes:
Pigeons in cities are descendents of escaped domestic pigeons. The ancestor of domestic pigeons is the Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove).
----------------

Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Columbidae Family: Dove

Doves and Pigeons make up the Columbidae Family. These stout Birds bob as They walk, and are also known for their flimsy stick nests on the edges of buildings. However, Columbidae are excellent parents. Both mother and father offer their chicks rich “crop milk”, a nutritious substance.

The Columbidae Family is divided into two large subfamilies – one for imperial Pigeons and Fruit Doves, and the other for the rest. Typical Pigeons and Doves belong to the grouping of Columbinae. Doves are smaller, more delicate than the larger, more robust Pigeons.

Dove: Forgiveness
Dove’s soft cooing call is often heard at dawn and dusk. Her quiet calls bring people a sense of serenity. Easily tamed, this shy gentle Bird has represented peace in many cultures for millennia.

The Greeks regarded Dove to be a bringer of messages from the Gods. Native Americans regarded this quiet unassuming Bird to be the soul of a lover. For Christians, Dove represented the Holy Spirit.

Through people’s carelessness, many Dove species have gone extinct. One of the greatest tragedies in the natural world is the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. Once the most numerous species of Birds on the earth, Passenger Pigeon is no more, ruthlessly overhunted by humans. Another major tragedy is the inoffensive Dodo who was killed off by sailors for his meat.

Overcoming her sorrow, Dove still lives among people. Offering hope, She continues to bring serenity and love to them. Only her soft mournful calls remind people of what they have lost. To humans, Dove offers her olive branch of forgiveness as She continues to minister to them.

----------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Greylag Goose: Follow Your Own Star

The largest of the Grey Geese, Greylag Goose is the last to migrate south. Some suggest that this Goose’s name came from Her being the last to leave. Besides being known as “graylag”, this big powerful Goose is also called “wild goose”.

Whatever her name, Greylag Goose is the wild ancestor of the Domestic Goose. Always alert, Greylag Goose is difficult to approach. Among Christians, Greylag Goose is the devout person who keeps a vigilant watch over their soul. Since Domestic Goose inherited her wariness, He makes excellent “watch goose”.

In 390 BCE, Greylag Goose saved the City of Rome. When the Gauls attempted to attack the Capitol area, Greylag Goose warned everyone with her noisy honking. Alerted by Her, the Romans were able to repel the invaders. Since it was in Juno’s temple where Greylag Goose warned the Romans, She became Juno’s sacred animal.

However Greylag Goose often comes into conflict with farmers. Because She prefers the youngest and most succulent of plants, they lose many crops to Her. Her heavy bill with its serrated edges easily snips the growing grasses. Many farmers consider Greylag Goose a pest.

Honored by some, Greylag Goose is detested by others. She is both a guardian for people and a destroyer of their food. Many things to many people, Greylag Goose listens to her inner voice. Domesticated many millennia ago, She remains the only wild Goose that still breeds in Britain. Greylag Goose ignores popular opinion to follow her own star. However, make sure that you do the right thing when asked.


----------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Teachings of Canada Goose

Canada Goose: Be Faithful

Native to North America, Canada Goose can be found in Europe and New Zealand. Highly adaptable to new situations, She finds new sources of food in farmlands and wildlife refuges. Also in Europe, Canada Goose lives well at man-made bodies of water.

One of the noisiest Birds around, her honking is a familiar sound. By talking to her friends, all of the time, Canada Goose stays close to her large Skein. Since her honking sounds like baying Hounds, the Cree called Canada Goose “The Hound of Heaven”. (Her long neck and special vocal chords enable Her to make her distinctive sounds.)

Like the other Geese, Canada Goose mates for life. However, She is known for her long lived faithfulness to her mate. Many Canada Geese spent their lives together for twenty years or more. Some Canada Geese have remained a pair for forty years, longer than many human marriages.

Closely attached to her breeding area as well, Canada Goose returns to the same place with her Gaggle for years. Because each group of Geese is semi-colonial, They do not interbreed with other Canada Geese. As a result, there are several distinct races of Canada Geese.

In her life, Canada Goose remains faithful. She stays with her Flock and Mate for her entire life. Following the same migratory route every year, any lost Member of her Flock knows where to find Her. She will stop and assist a sick Friend. However, do not be so faithful that you become inbred and stale.

----------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Goose Family: Be Aware of All Things

People are familiar with honking groups of Geese. Migrating Geese are such a common sight that their “v” formation is called a “wedge”. While on their way to their home territories, Geese often land to feed on grasses and grain. (On land, They are called a “gaggle”.) A Gaggle of Geese feeding in fields is a common sight in the countryside.

Because Geese have such keen senses, no one can sneak up on Them. A Goose will call to an empty sky knowing that their Skein (flock) will appear in a few minutes. “Going on a wild goose chase” came from Geese thoroughly confusing those who hunt Them. Fiercely protective of their territory, Geese will attack an intruder with their strong bills and wings. In Europe, Domestic Geese were kept as “watch” geese. (Guardians of the home as it were.)

Many cultures saw Geese as mystical beings. The Snow Goose was an emissary of winter, while Nile Goose was the soul of the Pharaoh. Meanwhile, the Hidatsa and Mandan of North America regarded Geese as emissaries of the Bird Spirits. They brought good crops to the people. Breastbones of Greylag Goose were used by the Celts for divination.

What is astounding is how Geese have long baffled people. Barnacle Goose was so named because Europeans thought They were born from Barnacles! No one saw an egg or a gosling, only Geese returning from the sea. Meanwhile Tree Geese supposedly came from the willows on Orkney Island!

Geese teach people to be aware of everything. So perceptive are Geese that They often lead people on a “wild goose chase”. Instead of inventing inane stories, people should investigate things more fully. Do not be a “Silly Goose”, rather become a “wise one”.

----------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Mallard: Being Popular

The most widespread of the Duck Family, Mallard is familiar to many people. Say “duck” and Mallard, the largest of the Ducks comes to mind. Unlike most Ducks, He is not bothered by people. Mallard will nest anywhere there is water such as public fountains and parks.

Another example of Mallard’s uniqueness is how He exemplifies both Bergman’s and Allen’s Rules. At the Polar Regions, Mallard is larger than his Temperate Zone counterpart. Because his bill is vulnerable to cold, Polar Mallard has a smaller one.

Because of Mallard’s friendliness, He is the ancestor of today’s Domestic Ducks (except for the South American Muscovy). Archaeological evidence even suggests that Domestic Ducks were bred from Mallard before Chickens were domesticated. Even today, many species of Domestic Ducks still retain Mallard’s curly tail.

Wherever He goes, Mallard is easily recognized. People enjoy feeding He and his Friends at ponds. Because of his willingness to live near people, He has become well-known. Mallard teaches the key to popularity is friendliness and accessibility. Be like Him and have many friends.

------------------
Science Notes:

1. Allen’s Rule and Bergmann’s Rule
These two rules give general guidelines to an animal’s body shape and size. According to Allen’s Rule, members of the same animal species will differ according to the climate where they live. An animal’s arms, legs, ears, and nose will be shorter in the cooler parts of their range. According to Bergmann’s Rule, geographic groups of a species will have smaller bodies in the warmer parts of their ranges. In the cooler parts, their bodies will be larger.

2. Collective nouns for groups of ducks: in water: raft, paddling. taking off: sord. in flight: team, brace, flight, flock. on the ground: brace.

----------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------

Wood Duck: Be As Colorful As You Want

At home in the forests, Wood Duck is agile and fast on land, water, and the sky. As a Perching Duck, Wood Duck climbs trees. In fact, He places his nests in tree cavities that are abandoned by woodpeckers or squirrels. Seldom straying from his ancestral home, Wood Duck rebuilds his nest in the same area every year. This sensible Duck places his nest high enough off the ground to prevent the eggs from being taken. When his Ducklings leave their nest, They drop down to the ground below.

One of the most beautiful Ducks in the world, Wood Duck is a close relative to the spectacular Mandarin Duck of Asia. In fact, Wood Duck is called “the Water Bird in a Bridal Dress”. With his vivid green, blue, purple, yellow, and brown hues, He stands out. Many remember Him long after he is gone.

This quiet unassuming Duck demonstrates the vivid palette of living. Bright gaudy colors make this Duck memorable where He is. Wood Duck is as colorful as He wants to be. Moreover, He goes about his life not caring that He is dressed for a wedding.

----------------
Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
----------------