Years of living on the farm where wild and semi-domesticated birds abound--and being married to a birder--have caused me to realize that the term "bird brain" isn't very apt when intended as a put-down. Quite a few of them seem pretty sharp to me and some exhibit emotions and parental behavior that reminds me of mammals.
Crows seem to be particularly intelligent. There are some extended families in our holler and they seem not only to stay busy but to have a good time as well. For some reason, they remind me of a merry band of pirates, minus the ocean and ships and all.
Recent research has shown that crows are even smarter than previously believed. In fact, their use of tools, memory and complicated social behavior has led some biologists to refer to them as "feathered primates."
I'm not sure whether crows would be flattered or insulted by that.
FROM THE WORLD OF WHACK, here are some recent right wing rants. The pope in particular seems to set them off these days.
JUST SAY NO. The first part of this statehouse Gazette column by Phil Kabler mentions WV's current flirtation with private for-profit prisons. El Cabrero devoutly hopes this union won't be consummated.
GOAT ROPE ADVISORY LEVEL: ELEVATED
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