National Bird Day

January 5th is National Bird Day. Birds are beautiful and fascinating. Perhaps that's why bird-watching is such a popular activity, and many watchers are very serious about it. Although I'm not a serious bird-watcher, I do like them and have a couple of bird houses and bluebird boxes. In the past, I've also kept bird-feeders, but we haven't put up one at the parsonage since we've moved.

There are so many different kinds of birds, especially when the larger varieties and domesticated ones are counted, like chickens, ducks, geese, etc. Many of the species not only bring joy with their unique coloring and cheerful songs, but they are important in other ways as well. Of course, some lay eggs, furnish feathers, and provide meat we use. Many of them also affect the balance of nature by eating insects.


The oldest birds are believed to have come at the end of the dinosaurs. They have a four-chambered heart and a high metabolic rate, but their lightweight skeletons are also strong. Some of them, like the parrot, are surprisingly smart. Regrettably about 125 species have already become extinct. The Carolina Parakeet is one example. About 1,200 species are also threatened with extinction.

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