On the theory of avian appreciation of sunset aesthetics.
I only notice it around this time of year. I’ll go out to water between 7 and 8 o’clock, and all the trees are populated with birds. Not flitting about, as you might imagine, calling to each other and busily making baby birds. No, they’re sitting perched on the tops of the highest trees. Sitting still. Every one of them facing west, watching the sunset. I only see them doing this on days when there’s a middling to spectacular sunset. They never sit there for the cloudy, dull ones. Nor the completely clear ones.
Every so often, they’re accompanied by a rabbit or three. Facing the same direction. Never chewing grass or leaves. Just sitting, watching.
Now a scientist will probably tell me the birds are resting before nailing a few mouthfuls of insects after the sun sets (because nocturnal insects probably rise after sunset). The rabbits are probably on the lookout for coyotes before they head for their dens.
I like to think the birds and rabbits simply enjoy a good sunset performance.
You’re not going to convince me otherwise.
Comments:
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Nor should anyone attempt such a thing (convincing you otherwise). Besides, a similar question was asked some time ago, I believe the answer then was, “Mu!”