BirdWalk Newsletter 1.7.2018

Walk conducted by Perry Nugent and Ray Swagerty Newsletter written by Jayne J. Matney

Cover photo right by Guenter Weber

Many birds have represented symbols over the years. In doing research on superstitions and myths surrounding birds, I came across an interesting article on bird tattoos on iTattooDesigns.com and what they tend to represent. Sometimes the traditional premise fits modern day thoughts, other times it does not. I am certainly not advocating tattoos or not speaking against them either. I just found this interesting from a “research on symbols” standpoint and our culture today. Bird symbols, as any other animal symbol, can be illustrating a physical, emotional, philosophical, or spiritual ideal. Birds are so diverse, it is easy to see how different types can encompass ideals of loyalty, nobility, freedom, strength, wisdom, elegance, and grace. Some are chosen for virility, protection, family values, and joy. Others can be icons of rebellion and death. What I did find out is that sometimes the ancient or traditional interpretation is not always the same when it comes to tattoos. I am going to paraphrase this article for you. The “Bird of Paradise” Tattoo may give an image of flashy, diva masters, but they are also highly representative of sacred, religious icons. Many rituals using the bird of paradise were for reverence and respect. Now, the “Bird of Paradise” tattoo is more closely related to beauty, elegance, grace and the idea of appearances not being the only true picture of the real you.

The Cardinal Tattoo: the cardinal is recognized for its beautiful color in the winter cold. It also is a quick moving, lively singer. Therefore, the cardinal typically represents a person who is the life of the party, the socializer. This brings energy, vitality, Passion, and Youthfulness to the forefront. Because cardinals are a Christmas symbol to Germans, happiness and joy are represented by this bird. They are fierce with their territoriality, therefore they may

Northern Cardinal Photo by Ray Swagerty represent loyalty, duty, and a sense of family. “Cardinal” Tattoos may utilize any of these representations. “Rooster and Chicken” Tattoos usually represent fierceness, protection, and bravery due to their fighting skills, and territoriality (especially when their chicks are around). The fact that they bring in the new day with a crowing behavior, renewal, guidance. Because some cultures recognize roosters and chickens with virility and family, body parts were being used for love

potions in ancient cultures. Therefore, all or some of traits can be associated with the rooster or chicken tattoo. For the crane lover, cranes are symbolic of peace, hope, prosperity, and purity. The “Crane” Tattoos can represent these qualities as well as good fortune. Most recently, Sadako Sasaki of Japan used a thousand crane origamis as a symbol for her survival of Hiroshima and leukemia. Therefore, renewal and recovery is a more modern interpretation. “Dove” Tattoos have

Mourning Dove Photo by Ray Swagerty stayed with the traditional symbol of love, peace and spirituality according to God’s promise. Therefore, tattoos of this symbol are interpreted as such and also femininity, purity, beauty, and grace.

Bald Eagle on watch Photo by Angie Bridges

“Eagle” Tattoos are very traditional. From the ancient Greek culture to the Native American culture this symbol stands the test of time. They are a strong tattoo of both physical and spiritual power. They are virility, strength, and a great messenger from the Gods as the earthly incarnation of the Thunderbird Spirit. “Falcon” Tattoos have similar looks as an eagle, but different connotations. The falcon represents a symbol of hope and nobility. It is also modernly seen as a representative of someone that is relentless in the pursuit of a goal- a fighter, of sorts, for finishing a purpose or task. These people are very focused and intense. The “Flamingo” Tattoo: Traditionally, the flamingo is an obvious symbol of grace and beauty- first seen in the images of the flamingo with the Egyptian sun god. Because the pink color is most vibrant when the bird is taking in a healthy amount of beta-carotene through the diet of shellfish, health is also represented. Health and vibrant colors also determine the attraction of a mate. Therefore, flamingo tattoos represent beauty and grace, but also vitality and energy.

The “Goose” Tattoo is an easy one. Because gaggles of geese forewarn of danger by making plenty of noise, and because of the fact that they are very territorial and protective parents, the goose is a totem for loyalty, protection, family and kinship. On right: Canadian Goose Photo by Ray Swagerty Not only do the hawks for a “Hawk” Tattoo represent the traditional valor and honor icon, but they also show intuition, Intelligence, and foresight. Associated with Apollo and the sun deities, this bird may represent a spiritual connection between souls and the afterlife. These tattoos are usually associated with protection, bravery, cunning, and deep spirituality. A popular tattoo is the

Red-shouldered Hawk in flight Photo by Guenter Weber

“Hummingbird” Tattoo. The Caribbean Islands call the hummingbird a “lovebird” of beauty and grace. Because of their energetic wings, the Aztecs praised this bird for strength, energy, and stamina. Therefore, the hummingbird tattoo is an illustration of energy, passion, and vitality. The “Kiwi” Tattoo is basically owned by the people of New Zealand for deep spiritual wellbeing. According to their traditional thought, the forest god protects this sacred animal and likewise, the New Zealanders follow suit in protecting them. This bird is a symbol of New Zealand’s proud kiwi heritage and the Maori

Hummingbird Photo by Guenter Weber people’s reverence to the spiritual world. The “Lark” Tattoo: Works by Shakespeare and Chaucer used larks as symbols in England for new opportunities and good fortune. Poets and painters alike used these small energetic birds all the time. Therefore, lark tattoos show an interest in renewal and good fortune. There is an optimistic element to the nature of this bird. The “Ostrich” Tattoo was a surprise to me. We all know that the ostriches are the largest birds on the planet. What didn’t surprise me is that because of this size and size of the eggs, they represent nutrition and transportation in arid places. But because of the use of their feathers for burlesque shows, the modern connotation is “sexiness”. I never thought of a bird as that, but okay. Therefore, ostrich tattoos are representative of a variety of things: Provider, protector, and erotic mystery. We cannot leave out owls. The multi-personality of the symbol for the owl magnifies the possibilities presented by this bird. Traditionally, this bird can harbor ill will by death or misfortune. However, modern day interpretation leans more toward the idea that owls are wise and can be spiritual guides. Therefore, the “Owl” Tattoo in present day usually represents a quest for spiritual understanding and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and truth.

Unlike owls, parrots should definitely not be a surprise. Does outgoing and friendly (talkative, social bird that it is), smart and loyal, and of a rebellious nature (remember, they stay perched upon the shoulder of pirates) sound familiar? Those are the qualifications that attract someone to the prospect of using a “Parrot” Tattoo. Having peacocks as the “bosses” out here on our property, the peacocks are worth investigating. Even though we think of peacocks as flagrantly colorful and quite dramatic, our notion of narcissism with these peacocks can be overlooked when focusing on the more traditional tracks of symbolism.

Barred Owl Photo by Guenter Weber When presenting the “Peacock” Tattoo on one’s body, it depends upon the person getting the tattoo. They can represent the more cosmetic icon structure as the “champion of piety” or they can choose the traditional as kindness, Christianity, compassion, and knowledge. Peacock Photo by Guenter Weber

The “Raven or Crow” Tattoo is a tattoo of contradiction as well. There is a noble, intelligent element to this symbol, but also an evil-doer element that can get readily interpreted when seeing this tattoo. They seem to represent creation, transformation, protection, and intelligence all in the same image. American Crow Photo by Guenter Weber

Chipping Sparrow Photo by Ray Swagerty

“Swallow and Sparrow” Tattoos have fairly distinct sides of the traditional versus modern interpretation. Traditionally, these types of birds represent beauty, peace, protection, and motherhood. For example, sailors thought that these birds protected them with a safe journey, while ancient Egyptians thought that they protected the souls of the deceased. In Christianity, they represent icons of love and promises of God’s watchful protection. However, the modern version for tattooing is not so kind to these birds. In jails around the world, prisoners consider the swallows and sparrows as symbols of their rebellion against society and rules of the land. “Swan” Tattoos: Swans are the epitome of grace, beauty, and elegance. For thousands of years and with many cultures and religions, the swan has been represented as a symbol of an ethereal bird with respect and reverence. Therefore, the task of interpretation is simple: Purity, Chastity, Loyalty, Femininity, and Innocence top the list.

The “Vulture” Tattoo symbol, as with my previous article on vultures, these birds are completely misunderstood and misrepresented. So, let’s get down to what they really represent. Yes, they can represent death, but more importantly they

Turkey Vulture Photo by Ray Swagerty represent renewal, patience, cleanliness (yes, you read that right), and protection. They are true survivors that can make lemonade out of lemons. They can adjust and take what life has to offer. In ancient Egypt, they were revered as symbols of motherhood and family. iTattoo Designs explains, “it is doubtful that Hallmark will be printing any vultures on its Mother’s Day cards anytime soon” but maybe we should at least recognize them for more than the normal “yuckiness” given to them. The “Phoenix” Tattoo is a popular tattoo because it has such a powerful message. Even though it is not a real bird, but rather a mythological creature, it may be worth mentioning. The phoenix is a symbol of survival just as the vulture. However, the story behind the phoenix is what captivates the tattoo chooser. Because it was created by fire and molded by destruction, the symbol represents the circle of life and death- “from life something inevitably dies, but from destruction, beauty is reborn”. Many world religions gravitated to this analogy. No matter how many times they are attacked and persecuted, they will always rise up and become even more beautiful than before. There are two bird symbols that are designs rather than real birds. First, the “Sankofa” Tattoo is a symbol or design traditional of African cultures. This symbol is an encouragement to reflect upon mistakes and events as we travel the terrain of life, then learn from them. The other is a design of the “Thunderbird” Tattoo. It is a mythical creature almost interchangeable for the eagle as an icon of honor, valor, nobility, power, strength, dominance, and the fighting spirit.

Charleston had an interesting week this past week with a snow storm! We had temperatures in the 20’s and 30’s day and night. Therefore, the snow did not melt for many days. “Many” for here is 5-6 days. This is very unusual weather for the area. The plantation and gardens closed during this time, but thankfully, Chris Smith was able to get around the property and investigate the birds which were out. According to his report, 37 species were located, as he swept through most areas of the plantation. Ravenswood, where most ducks are usually seen along with other water oriented birds, was frozen for the most part. The ducks moved over to the river side of the plantation during this period of time where the water was warmer and not frozen over. Therefore, at Bubba’s Pond and the Ashley River Trail, 12 Canadian Geese, 20 Wood Duck, 100 Gadwall, 12 Blue-winged Teal, 20 Green-winged Teal, and 4 Pied-billed Grebe were noted. At Perry Field Pond, 25 Common Moorhen and 200 American Coot were spotted. Only 4 White Ibis and 4 Great Blue Heron were logged on this day. Chris noted that a couple of the nests that were built by the Great Blue Herons in preparation for attracting mates for the spring season have been destroyed by the impact of the storm. Those birds will need to start again on their quest moving forward to spring. Behind the cabin lecture area, at the old dead tree found there, a “murder” of Black and Turkey Vultures were seen roosting there to wait out the post-storm conditions (see Newsletter 1.10.2016 for more information on plurality terms used for birds). Two Bald Eagle, an adult and a juvenile, were also seen. A Cooper’s Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk made their presence known. Two killdeer were spotted in the horse pasture and field. The Pileated Woodpeckers have been very active lately- especially up near the office and zoo areas amongst the tall trees located there. Red-bellied Woodpecker and Northern Flickers were seen on the property as well. Another bird, which is being very active throughout the property, is the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. In addition, an Eastern Towhee seems to want to reveal itself periodically around the maintenance facility, while a Savannah Sparrow was spotted at the zoo. Swamp Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow also made the count. Other birds making the count: Eastern Phoebe, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, and the Common Grackle.