If we humans went about the
task of constructing what we felt was the perfect nest, I wonder what model we
would adopt. Certainly not one like this I expect, for its openness to the
elements shows how vulnerable its occupant is both in terms of weather and
predators. But the male is a wily one, often waiting until you’ve given up on
your vigil to make his appearance and tend to his home base.
The bower of one of these
unique birds is a thing of beauty, intricately and artistically formed to
provide a strong construction from where he can attract the ladies at his
leisure. The Satin bower bird is a ‘blue’ fellow, not depressed, but intent on
increasing his private collection with natural and man-made objects to the
point where a potential mate simply cannot resist.
Meanwhile, from her own nest,
the female checks out all this activity from her vantage point up in another
tree, popping down periodically to check out the progress, and not until his
flagrant wooing attempts and real estate meet her exacting standards will she be
impressed enough to return his amorous advances.
Hmm, we humans might be a different species, but something about their behaviour sounds rather familiar.
Bower bird
keeps well out of sight
collecting
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