Where do birds go to die?
Originally uploaded by ardour.
I find this picture by Yoav very beautiful. It reminds me of something that has bothered me for some time, and for which no one has yet supplied an answer that makes sense:
Although we see and hear many birds each day, why do we almost never see dead birds? I have seen hundreds of thousands of birds in my life. I am even one of those nerds who seeks them out. Yet I have only seen a tiny number of dead birds in my life. In Haifa, yes: I understand that there are ravening feral cats everywhere, and “being eaten” has got to explain the phenomenon, at least partially. But what about all the other places? How could street animals and/or wildlife possibly get to all the millions of birds who die each day without me seeing any evidence? It’s not like I don’t look around, either.
What’s your theory?
Roses in the heart of New York City.
Originally uploaded by .Leili.
In a related question, I am wondering what happens to all the flowers that are grown and cut and shipped and bunched and displayed in a streetside stand for myriad purposes — apologies, love, restitution, thanks — and go unclaimed? Do all those potential emotions wind up wilted and unexpressed in the dumpster at the back alley?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Did you comment on my blog? I know a few Leili’s, none that rival you in height, legginess or legendarity obviously and I like to know who I’m talking to.
I never realized how existential you are, it’s a hoot.
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Hm, exactly how many Leilis do you know … ?
And what about contributing your Irish 2 cents to the question at hand?
(I’m still mad about your clandestine US visit).
March 25th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Well, I happen to know that in my city, all the left over flowers from inter-flora and most of the other florists in town are given to the two hospitals aroud town and the 3 BIG churches. And birds dye in shrubery and are used by said shrubage in the fertilisation of….stuff.
Good enough?
March 28th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Excellent! Informative glimpse into the lives of Irish birds and flowers!
We try to stay “on message” here at Beyond the Picture.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Most interesting question indeed LT. Perhaps like the Phoenix our little feathered friends mysteriously burst into flames, but the small ones only have enough feathers for a short-lived blaze before their ashes are swept into the atmosphere? Or is my mind wandering a little too much into the world of Hogwarts and Harry Potter, it wouldn’t be the first time…
April 25th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
i don’t know where little birds go to die. but all i know is no one should ever ever find out. ever.
May 5th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
dear leili,
i saw a dead pidgeon by the side of the road today, on my way to Bahji. my instinct was to turn away, but then i remembered this post and i remembered you. i turned back and took pictures of it, i am sure much to the disapproval of nearby russian matron types.
would you like to see them?
with lvoe from leila
November 15th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Perhaps birds go to where bees go. Virgil says in the Georgics that bees do not die, but “rise to heaven and join the numbers of stars.” This he had from Aristotle, who also though that the queen bee was a king and that bees found their babies on the leaves of sweet-smelling herbs. But I think he may be bang on about the stars.
April 11th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Some people think that they are way too smart. They think their comments are wonders of the world! Dudes don’t be so self-confident.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:47 am
hmm..I’ve no idea where they go to die. After reading this I realized that the only times I have ever seen dead birds were when they flew themselves into the large windows of my childhood home. Perhaps the others hide like cats do when they are ready to go. To be sure, this is not answering your question. But, I like the questions you ask.