(Photos from Flickr.com)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lipkee/1359787741/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marilynphotos/372831241/
No, North Minneapolis doesn't have an "official bird." Until just this moment. Here is why the humble barn swallow should get the not-quite-coveted title of Official Bird Of North Minneapolis...
Barn swallows nest in empty buildings and, in my experience, really prefer the upper story of the building. They build their nests mostly out of mud, weaving in a few strands to help hold the mud together while it dries to an adobe-like hardness. I have yet to see many barn swallows in North Minneapolis or, for that matter, the Twin Cities.
But my neighborhood would make a perfect home!
I know what you're thinking. Pigeons. They also like to nest in empty buildings with open windows cities can't afford to board up when the city is stupid enough to pay $140 per window or doorway. So why not have the pigeon be the Official North Minneapolis Bird?
It was a hard choice, and I have to admit the pigeon was very much in the running. But pigeons lost, just like wild turkeys lost, though Ben Franklin thought they were much better as a national symbol than bald eagles.
Pigeons are associated with piles of crap and, well, North Side doesn't need even MORE of an image problem. Barn swallows are associated with lovely, rustic barns. (Sigh) Their speed, their ability to whip around inside the confines of buildings without smashing into walls is simply amazing.
Pigeons have a reputation for being stupid. Barn swallows are clever and adaptive, as evidenced by the way they've made homes out of empty buildings. And there is the crux of the argument, right there: BARN SWALLOWS MAKE HOMES OUT OF EMPTY BUILDINGS.
(Knock knock. Hint hint. Cough cough)
Therefore, what better choice for Official North Minneapolis Bird?
(Though I have to admit, pigeons are delicious and I once ate one at a French restaurant in Seattle. But, good heavens, if it's something only FRENCH people eat, better not to go there at all. No, the barn swallow wins)
(Everybody claps)
wait a minute, I think the swallows in Minneapolis might be a different species to be known as the Barn Swallow Squatters.
ReplyDeleteLet's be clear, these aren't any ordinary Barn Swallows but ones that are used to the comforts of the ABANDONED BUILDINGS/ HOUSES of Minneapolis. They've been making use of them for years. As this economic drear, has been in the works for years. So long in fact, they might be a different species?
Where's an ornothologist when one needs one?
And how come we don't see any pictures of you john on the site? I mean Barn Swallows are cute and bugeyed but can they compare to an actual PERSON that lives in a house in Minneapolis.
ReplyDeleteHow about an updated pic of you and your boy, since that's what this blog is all about?
Great photos! You should check out Birdchick.com for great bird pix from our local birder blogger.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog via MNSpeak and spent some time reading from the beginning. You're telling some fascinating stories.
I say the Barn Swallow is an excellent choice for a rebuilding campaign. Anyone who has had to remove one of their nests knows that they are like cement. (I had a good reason, it had bad Karma from some rats and the swallows would not use it - now I have swallows checking out that spot again.)
ReplyDeleteYou should have swallows trying to board up the doors and windows for you. Put them to work!
www.marilynsphotos.com
Wouldn't that be sweet? Animated birds transforming the block like they transformed Cinderella for the ball!
ReplyDeletePretty nice blog you've got here. Thanx for it. I like such topics and everything connected to them. I would like to read a bit more soon.
ReplyDeleteBest regards