Birds and Their "Meanings" What's Your Thought?

by TheLastLeafGardener

I came across a web-page that discussed the symbolism of certain birds.* And I thought HT readers might find that the author's (Buzzle) perspectives, interesting points to ponder.
Buzzle included over fifty bird types and I've provided a link to his page, but for purposes of sharing the info here on HT, a place that sets photo sharing limits, I will just include pictures of bird types that I have encountered in my garden; at the beach; down by the riverside; or in my succulent garden as well as my armoire.
And I'll do so in alphabetical order of a given bird type, as that is the way the author whose page I'm referencing, set up his information.
* http://www.buzzle.com/articles/bird-symbolism-and-their-meanings.html

testing bird symbolism, gardening, outdoor living, pets animals, seasonal holiday decor

Buzzle claims that

"Blue jays Connote:

» Fearless

» Truthful

» Talkative

A blue jay could mean anything from being faithful to your spouse to purity of the soul, which definitely implies a gentle human being. To an extent, it means clarity in thoughts and actions of the individual. Blue jays are symbolic of adaptability; besides, seeing a blue jay either in its natural habitat or in your dreams could also send across a message to develop an innate talent."

The blue jays pictured here are ones that visit a tree in the courtyard of my building as well as my garden.

Do you have blue jays visiting your garden, yard or hood, dear reader? if so, what do you think of the author's claim regarding the symbolism of blue jays?

Buzzle goes on to share his impressions on the symbolism of cardinals and states that:

"Cardinals Connote

» Beauty

» Vibrancy

» Nobility

Red is the color of love, and it is but natural to associate a red cardinal with love and warmth. It could be a reference to a possible passionate encounter or a sign of you settling down in life with the person you love. Besides, it could mean delight by way of accomplishment of a good deed."

I'm struck by the claim that "it is but natural to associate a red cardinal with love and warmth'" and no reference is given to the lovely female cardinal such as Cam (pictured below in my garden) who may not be red, but certainly gives the appearance of love and warmth!

Her type is often dismissed due to what ornithologists call "dull coloring."

And Cam's feelings about this dismissal have prompted me to help her write, "Words in Our Beak," a series of books that aims to raise awareness about urban birds.

The cover to volume one of our book can be seen below.

We hope to have it available in mid December and will provide details on HT and other cyber platforms when the time comes.

But getting back to the points Buzzle is making about cardinals and in particular that "red cardinals are associated with love and warmth," Cam agrees. She likes her men red, as you can see in the image below.

However, this does not mean she hasn't grappled with issues of being dismissed due to her "dull coloring."

But that story is one Cam and I will be telling. Therefore I will continue with Buzzle's interesting take on birds and their supposed symbolism.

Next up on Buzzle's list of birds that I've met is the chickadee, seen at a feeder in my garden in the photo below.

Buzzle states the following about chickadees:

"Chickadee Connote

» Clarity

» Purity of soul

Chickadee is symbolic of higher thinking capabilities, which implies a better understanding of the self as well as that of the world. It also refers to fearlessness with regards to expressing oneself, and being happy in the self, the individual tends to be truthful and faithful to others around."

Unfortunately chickadees are rare in my garden, but I did write about the loner who visited me within a few entries in my cyber venues.**

But, you dear reader, if you have been blessed with the presence of these birds in your garden or yard, what is your response to Buzzle's take on the symbolism of chickadees?

** My posts on chickadees can be found on Blogger @ http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/search/label/Chickadees AS WELL AS tumblr @ http://thelastleafgardener.tumblr.com/search/chickadee

Next up on Buzzle's list of birds that I've met are crows. They came to my armoire as a couple and can be seen in the photo below.

(You might recognize their faces from my November 2013 posts on HT @ http://www.hometalk.com/diy/thanksgiving-decor-2506939 AS WELL AS http://www.hometalk.com/diy/thanksgiving-decor-using-a-cast-of-characters-part-two-2560851)

This crow couple happened to be well read as evidenced by a discussion they had about a stanza from one of Macbeth's speeches:***

" Makes wings to th' rocky wood.

Good things of day begin to drop and drowze;

Whiles night's black agents to their prey do rouse.

Thou marvel'st at my words; but hold thee still.

Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

So, prithee, go with me."

*** http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/search/label/Crows

And they also discussed their feelings about the phrases "Eat Crow" as well as "crow's feet."

But Buzzle has this to say about crows:

"Crows Connote

» Sacred law

» Clear messages

» Straight talk

Crows are a symbol of mysticism and the 'other world'. Most cultures believe that the crow is symbolic of ancestral souls. Seeing a crow could be interpreted as a straight talker or an arrogant speaker. Seeing a crow could also hint at the individual being a master of illusions."

Since my experience with crows has been in the form of literature as well as figurines, I cannot speak to Buzzle's philosophy on crows. But, you, dear reader, what has your experience been with crows and what are your thoughts on Buzzle's interpretation of their meaning?

*** http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/search/label/Crows

Next up on Buzzle's list of birds that I've met is the tame duck, a bird type I've encountered down by the river side. (Hudson River in NYC.)

Growing up near in The Fox River Valley (Illinois), I've met many a tame duck, but I've NEVER seen one preening, such as the one pictured here is doing.

AND I've never noticed the indigo coloring in their feathers! Shame on me! Still, I was surprised that Buzzle considers the symbolism of tame ducks in this way:

"Tame” Ducks Connote

» Weak inner strength

» Simplicity

Don't fall in for the name, even though they are tamed ducks, they tend to be relatively aggressive especially when you confront them. Seeing it would symbolize your own aggressive nature when confronted by an unknown force. It is also a sign of marital bliss and simplicity. At times, it could be seen as spiritual vulnerability. Besides, it could also be a sign of honesty."

What has been your experience with tame ducks, dear reader and what are your thoughts on Buzzle's symbolism regarding them?

And next up of a bird on Buzzle's list that I've encountered is a bird type that I've also encountered down by the river side (Hudson River in NYC) and that is geese.

Buzzle's feeling re geese and their symbolism is this:

"Geese Connote

» Swift

» Desire to escape problems

» Watchful

» Providence

Old quacks, that's what old people are called, ain't it? Well, geese are symbolic of an individual who can babble nonstop for hours on end. It could also mean a happy-go-lucky attitude towards life. At times, it could symbolize apparent foolish behavior. Besides, they could also mean quarrelsome individuals (tame goose), fidelity and loyalty towards spouse and family (snow goose), and a devout Christian (gray goose)."

My experience with the many geese I've seen along the UWS greenway and at the Hudson' River's bank in NYC such as this one below.

I took this photo this past summer (2014) and featured it on TLLG's FB Page (@ https://www.facebook.com/TheLastLeafGardener/photos/a.355589574490422.73015.247917655257615/699311966784846/?type=1).

Part of what I discovered about geese at that time was included in my aforementioned entry where I stated, "Perhaps this goose was catching a power nap along the Hudson River? Did you know that when geese sleep "they tuck their beaks under their wings and rest their heads on their backs. Their eyelids are white . . . 'Canadas' sleep on water for protection, so no land-based predator can get at them. But keep in mind that even with flocks that are resting or sleeping there are always a few that are still awake, protecting the family."

What I learned about geese at that time does not seem to mirror Buzzle' conclusions about geese. But what about you, dear reader? What has your experience been with geese and how do you feel about Buzzle's interpretation of their symbolic meaning?

Next up on Buzzle's list of birds that I've met is pigeons.

Buzzle describes the symbolism of pigeons in this manner:

"Pigeons Connote

» Gossip

» Blame for the action of others

» Youthful generation

Pigeons represent the lost culture of the young generation, it also refers to ignorance and gossiping nature of people. It is taken as a sign of courage to take the blame on to oneself."

At the moment, my garden seems to be invaded by pigeons and I'm not up to including photo-ops of them at this time. However I can refer you to pictures I've taken of them that are on my Pinterest Boards @ http://www.pinterest.com/thellgardener/pigeons-in-my-urban-nyc-garden/ AS WELL AS @ http://www.pinterest.com/thellgardener/pigeons-in-trees-nearby-my-urban-nyc-garden/

And now I will move on to Buzzle's next bird, the raven.

The raven, Buzzle states:

"Connote

» Recognition of spiritual lies

» Reminder of God's love

» Teacher

» Mystery

Ravens are considered to be sign of good omen, yet they are harbingers of misfortune and deception. It is a sign of alertness and watchfulness, it could also refer to an adjusting personality."

The only raven I've seen is one who is currently visiting my succulent garden. A close-up of him/her can be seen below.

I'm not to familiar with ravens other than the references in Edgar Allan Poe's poem. However, at this time, the raven pictured here is visiting my indoor succulent garden.

Because my raven knowledge is minimal, I can't weigh in on Buzzle's assessment of the symbolism of these birds. Perhaps you can offer some insight, dear reader.

In the meantime, I'll move on to another bird Buzzle discusses in terms of symbolism and that is the adorable sandpipers. I've seen these little birds on many occasions when I've been at beaches in Long Island New York.

The picture of them below was taken in this past summer (August 2014) at Long Beach.

Buzzle's conclusion about the symbolism of sandpipers is this:

"Sandpipers Connote

» Speed

» Foraging

Sandpipers are symbolic of heightened paternal instincts and a quick wit. It refers to an adventurous spirit and an explorer of the wild. It also refers to a focused approach to life."

One of my assessments of them is that they are ONE SINGULAR SENSATION!

Sandpipers "hang out" among seagulls such as the one featured in an image below.

My image of a seagull strutting his/her stuff was taken in Kismet, a town in Fire Island New York. My writings about this bird can be found on Blogger @ http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/search/label/Seagulls

BUT, what are your thoughts on the symbolism of seagulls, dear reader?

In terms of the symbolism of gulls, Buzzle states that :

"Seagulls Connote

» Freedom

» Sea God 'Lir'

» Messenger

Seagulls are highly intelligent and refer to intellectual abilities. However, they lack concern for life/things. You can take it as references to skillful approach to life."

Do you agree with Buzzle?

I'm not so sure seagulls "lack concern for life/things" for I've seen them "stealing" picnic items from folks on the beach and once a seagull tried to fly off with my friend's shoes!

Be that as it may, Buzzle has his experience and I have mine! This brings me to Buzzle's next bird type, the symbolism of sparrows.

In the picture below, a sweet looking one can be seen alighting on a peanut feeder in my garden.

I have a number of pictures featuring this bird type on my Pinterest boards @ http://www.pinterest.com/thellgardener/house-sparrows-in-my-urban-nyc-garden/

AND I've written about them on Blogger @ http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/search/label/Sparrows

One of the things I've expressed in relation to sparrows is this:

"The sweet sparrows are an inspiration to me. I admire their resilience to seek nourishment during all types of weather conditions. But I confess that I do not consider the Book of Matthew (a gospel known for its content regarding birds) for my inspiration when it comes to the feathered and winged community." (This is an excerpt from TLG's FB post @ https://www.facebook.com/TheLastLeafGardener/posts/724384584277584)

In relation to them, Buzzle states this:

"Sparrows Connote

» Gentle

» Intellectual

» Ancestral knowledge

Sparrows are sweet little birds that symbolize companionship, and a symbol of hope. It is also a sign of fertility and renewal as well as rejuvenation of the spirit."

What do sparrows symbolize to you, dear reader?

While you ponder this question, I will continue you with Buzzle's symbolism list in terms of the bird types that I have encountered in my garden; at the beach; down by the riverside; or in my succulent garden as well as my armoire.

Up next on his list is the bird type of turkeys. A couple of them are currently visiting me for the upcoming holiday and can be seen in the image posted below, and you may recognize their faces from one of my prior posts here on HT in November of 2013 @ http://www.hometalk.com/diy/thanksgiving-decor-using-a-cast-of-characters-part-four-2575194

In any event, these turkeys know they are safe with me since I don't eat meat, pork or fowl.

And these visiting turkeys are also safe with my visiting pilgrims. The pilgrims are riding them in the hopes that the vulnerable (especially at this time of year) turkeys will be mistaken for horses and not turned into a Thanksgiving meal!

The pilgrims' philosophy re turkeys is this: If turkeys were horses, pilgrims would ride!

Here's what Buzzle has to say about the symbolism of turkeys:

"Turkeys Connote

» Acquisition

» Restlessness

» Sacrifice

A turkey is symbolic of sacrifice and it lays stress on family togetherness. It implies healing of the body after critical surgery and spiritual rejuvenation. It refers to a selfless individual and symbolizes a rapid rise from a sticky situation."

I ask you, dear reader, what are your thoughts on the symbolism that Buzzle associates with turkeys?

And it looks like, I will have to conclude this entry on bird symbolism with turkeys; for even though, I have encountered one more bird on Buzzle's list, which is the woodpecker, a bird type (Downy) which visits my garden, I cannot post a photo of it!

This is because HT's "new and improved" interface is not allowing me to add another picture to this entry even though I am under my quota!

In spite of HT's limitations on my post, I can tell you what Buzzle has to say about the symbolism of woodpeckers which is this:

"Woodpeckers Connote

» Prophecy

» Magic

» Heralds rain and storm

» Guardian of trees

Woodpeckers are protectors of the trees and refer to people who are protective of nature and their surroundings. It refers to an apparent surge of power and an industrious outlook towards life. They are also symbolic of prophetic and mystic powers."

AND I can "send" you to my photo-ops of woodpeckers which are posted on one of my Pinterest Boards @ http://www.pinterest.com/thellgardener/woodpecker-downy-one-time-visitors-to-my-urban-nyc/

AND I can also refer you to my writings on the woodpecker (on Blogger) @ http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/search/label/Woodpeckers

AND I can ask you, dear reader, to share your thoughts on Buzzle's interpretation of the symbolism of woodpecker and also to please share your experience with this particular bird.

Moreover, as this entry will be ending with the bird type of a turkey, a "symbol" used at Thanksgiving; I can take the opportunity to wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!

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2 comments

Brande Arno on Nov 21, 2014
Thank you for taking the time to write this. For bird lovers like me, this was a joy to read.

1 Reply
- TheLastLeafGardener on Nov 23, 2014
  @Brande Arno It was my pleasure to share the info because I love birds SOOOOOOO much. And I thank you for you for taking the time to read my entry and post a heartfelt comment. I'm hoping that the series of books I'm co-authoring with cam (a cardinal who visits me) will raise awareness about urban birds.* * https://www.facebook.com/TheLastLeafGardener/photos/a.325880347461345.67483.247917655257615/741497389232970/?type=1
  
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