7.15.2010

the decorating birds...

During my recent "get caught up on my magazine reading" push, I came across this article about Bowerbirds in National Geographic.  Do you read National Geographic?  It really is the best.  The photography is phenomenal and it most certainly will raise your IQ a few notches.  The article about the 4 Million Year Old Woman certainly made me smarter (hopefully I will retain the info - it's the retaining that is always my problem).  Okay, so we were about to discuss the Bowerbird.  Be careful, this is going to blow your mind which can be messy so grab a mop.

There are Bowerbirds in Papua New Guinea that build elaborate nest structures in the hopes of attracting a mate.  Are you ready to have your jaw drop and to freak out?  I think I said "are you kidding me" every time I turned another page.

Remember little BIRDS built these all in the name of courtship - no hands, no Home Depot or Anthropologie.  To me, what is just as fascinating as the amazing nests, is the fact they are all so different.  Think about this, really think about it.  Like they all have their own unique sense of design or something.  Amazing.






Okay, now seriously?  Right?  A BIRD built this!  Did I already say that?  This last bird, he's a guy after my own heart.  Andrew Henry better watch out because I feel myself being lured by this modern masterpiece in perfect shades of gray!

Again, go take a look at the rest of the story here.  National Geographic rocks.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

great post x

Henley said...

I don't even know what to say. Amazing.

Anonymous said...

That is so cool, gotta love an artistic bird! xo

Maria said...

OK - I ONLY know about these little guys b/c I have taught middle school and we found them fascinating so we studied them. But, if ever there were God given talents - there they are in fine a fine display. I thin they put lots of human architects to shame :-D. You are right J - Nat Geo rocks - one of the only reasons we have cable - cuz we don't do network telly. Thanks for expanding our minds a little more today.

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

Okay - my mind is also blown. Those are such gorgeous homes, they could be in magazines.

Except now I guess they are, so banal comment.

MJM said...

I agree Megan, MIND BLOWN. That's a beautiful display of nature and love.

koralee said...

Wow......i love this!!! Really Birds..what smart birds..smarter than some humans I must say! So neat and organized..I so want to see what these amazing birds look like! I must get a copy of this..I sooo love National Geographic.
Thank you for this today..must show my girls. Off to follow the link and read more. xoxoxoxo

D&D said...

that is so fascinating. my bro is a big birder so i will pass this along!

Unknown said...

Ha! Isn't nature just fascinating?! I love stuff like this! My hubby subscribes to Smithsonian, and I get a kick out of science (every once in awhile, lol!). XO!

KC said...

I agree with you, that last one is awesome. Nicer than my condo!

Jillian said...

I cannot believe the intricate designs. They are all so different but equally as beautiful.

What an amazing animal.

Thanks so much for sharing

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Unbelievable! What creative artists these sweet little friends are.
Summer hugs for a happy happy Thursday, Jeanette, the weekend is just around the corner! xxx

Unknown said...

The series 'Life' on National geo channel on Charter had a whole section on these wonderful birds and showed the one that won the little females heart.

me as i am said...

how beautiful! both the nests and the fact that the birds do this~ thank you for sharing :)

Maggie May said...

that truly amazes me.

bronwyn said...

Wow. Just wow.

pamela said...

i like the rocks / nest the best as well. i would like to see what the birds look like while they are building them.