In the last two years, I have not seen a live ballet. Sigh. Though I love
plays and musicals, I also enjoy experiencing a story without spoken
language. And dancers can communicate without words. Emotions,
intentions, relationships are all obvious in the body movement.
Wildlife creatures do not have spoken language, but they too can
communicate. Call it body language, posturing, visual
displays…whatever, but animals move their bodies to indicate their
moods and intentions to other animals, and often to humans.
Threatening posture of a bear? A skunk raising its tail? People get the
message.
At your feeder, those sweet little birds usually are
quivering masses of hostility. When a bird is agitated… its forehead
feathers rise—rather like the crest of a cardinal or blue jay.
Aggressive birds raise their tails and lower the tips of their wings.
Belligerence!
Though almost all animals have stereotyped postures, it’s easiest to
observe the emotions of squirrels. Squirrels flash their tails when
angry. And when a squirrel is truly aggravated, it will stand erect, flick his tail
wildly, and put one of his forepaws over its heart. I think a provoked
squirrel with its paw over its heart looks like it is saying the pledge.
When you, dear listeners, communicate your pledge to IPR, I hope
you are not provoked in any way—but that your gift comes straight
from your heart.
