How Scary Can The Birds Be?
For anyone who has ever seen the movie “The Birds” by Alfred Hitchcock, seeing wild birds congregated heavily in one area is sure to send shivers up their spine. Thanks to movies and literature some species of birds have gotten quite a bad rap. They are viewed as either vicious scavengers that are intent on death or they are portents of dark times. Even worse is when the bird is associated with death and seeing one is supposed to be a message that bad times are coming. Is it fair to isolate certain species of birds from their brethren just because they are not as beautiful?
To get an idea of the role that the birds in this world have played, you can turn to literature. Edgar Allen Poe’s tale of “The Raven” and its sinister cries of “nevermore” have long riveted audiences. Ravens and crows have definitely gotten their fair share of a bad rap. Even in the classic Disney tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” the evil villainess has a pet crow/raven that is her evil spy.
The wild bird definitely deserves some respect. It is just like other wild animal. You have to keep in mind that it is territorial, will defend itself and has to find a food source. And while crows/ravens have received some bad press thanks to authors and filmmakers, vultures and other carrion eating birds have repulsed mankind for eons. This bird species is a scavenger. Anytime you see vultures or buzzards circling in the air, you know that there is either something dying or something that has already died. Most people do not set up bird feeders to attract these types of birds. They want colorful birds, songbirds and delicate hummingbirds to grace their gardens and yards.
Perhaps it is time that people got over their fear of the birds that have gotten such a tough break in literature and movies. You do not have to worry about going outside and a murder of crows attacking you for no reason. The raven is not a symbol of death or a portent of bad things ahead. They are just two legged, winged wild animals that serve a specific function in the animal kingdom.