A Keynote Address

Readers, I need to get out of “comedy mode” for a moment so I can address one of my pet peeves: the manner in which the Internet spreads misunderstanding of the natural world. The photo below, for example, depicts an encounter between a human and bird, and from the amazed responses one would think this was some sort of rare event, but in truth all birds, in particular songbirds, have no trouble staying on key.

Small bird clings to car key
So that’s where that “chirp chirp” sound comes from. (Reddit)

Thanks to Andrew Y. for helping me make a key point.

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13 thoughts on “A Keynote Address

  1. dubravkamcvmd March 22, 2021 / 12:02 pm

    You definitely got me Mike.

  2. ^oo^ March 22, 2021 / 12:06 pm

    Unlocking Nature’s truths- thanks Mike!

  3. allein 🐾 March 22, 2021 / 12:08 pm

    I’m glad you’re willing to address the important issues, Mike.

  4. Kar March 22, 2021 / 12:32 pm

    “Officially the Worst Joke on this Website”

    That sounds like a challenge.

    Love how the nail polish matches the plumage.

  5. Ricky & Bibi's Mom March 22, 2021 / 12:39 pm

    Yikes! You really got me with that one! What a cute birb, too! Anyone know what type of birb it is?

    • fkaWaldenPond March 22, 2021 / 12:44 pm

      Chickadee! 🙂

  6. AJ March 22, 2021 / 12:47 pm

    Love this!!!

  7. Georgiana March 22, 2021 / 1:00 pm

    Great set-up, you got me. LOL!!!

  8. Lois+Masso+aka+Flowerfanatic March 22, 2021 / 1:03 pm

    OH, so that’s WHAT it means to ‘stay on key’!! All my life I thought it meant when I’ve sung in choirs, I had to ‘stay on key’ so I sang in the correct pitch!! Nobody ever GAVE me a KEY to stay on. Look at what I’ve missed out on!! Mike, you did GOOD with your take on this…………………………….

  9. Debg March 22, 2021 / 1:23 pm

    Best scrolldown ever! And what an amazing photo! I love little birbs like chickadees and finches.

  10. Duckie 🐥 March 22, 2021 / 2:32 pm

    Black capped chickadee! My favourite wild bird. So easy to accustom them to you, and they are suckers for black oil sunflower seeds, and peanut butter suet.
    Duckie transferred to a new cage. Not as tall as the previous one, but longer for more flying room. I’m still scum, but she’s begun to sing, so I think we’ll be ok.

    • Dulcie March 22, 2021 / 7:50 pm

      Oh yay Duckie! How sweet. Or should I say how ” tweet”? 🎵

  11. Luv Bunny March 22, 2021 / 4:08 pm

    Not what I was expecting, after Mike’s opening sentence. Another of Mike’s, “gotcha” moments. I’d enjoy having a boirdee land on my keys.

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