Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 13h

Yes, we do engage in conversation and there is absolutely mutual understanding about the words I use and the words that they use when resonding to me. It is very much a mutual exchange.

1 4

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 18h

I agree. Feeling connected, experiencing a sense of belonging, provides a sense of comfort, safety, familiarity & commonality for us humans. It creates a sense of communal experience that “goes without saying.” But it sets us up to make presumptions about other beings’ experiences/perceptions.

1 3

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 19h

That capability reinforces our human presumption that they are merely mimicking humans.

2 5

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 19h

That suspension of disbelief is true with parrots too, whether they’re wild or reared in captivity. In some respects it is more challenging to do so with parrots because of parrots’ capacity for engaging in interactive exchanges in human languages.

1 5

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 19h

Suspending one’s disbelief when interacting with these birds is necessary for successful communication. The suspension of disbelief is very difficult for most humans; it ushers in a shift in consciousness that can be unsettling, frightening or terrifying for many humans.

1 3

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 20h

I’ve worked with a number of raptor species and vultures in wildlife ed. A majority were injured, treated and rehabbed but unable to return to the wild. This is due to the nature of the original injuries.

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 20h

Please say more about that, Jaime.

I think our human challenge in perceiving other species accurately is our trenchant anthropomorphism.
The majority of humans (particularly those who most highly value and/or measure by models of civilized behavior) are uncomfortable suspending disbelief.

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 21h

For the more introverted parrots with a narrower set of social needs, their experience of and expression of reciprocity might be extensive but very differently demonstrated.

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 21h

In a sense, the sample of parrots who were able to participate in the study is skewed to more highly social individuals. Those parrots stimulated by, and motivated by, direct one-on-one social interactions, the mastery of tasks and a variety of social experiences were best suited for success.

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 21h

That’s such a great observation, Jaime. I agree about the role & value of reciprocity and its results. Simultaneously, it illuminates differences in needs between individuals.

1 3

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 21h

The contextual differences AND similarities between the Jay flock & companion parrots’ lives are important to consider. Whether parrots should be reared in captivity as companions for humans is a longtime ongoing debate; do you feel that this might be one underlying cause of your sadness?

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 21h

I understand & appreciate your empathetic response, Suzette. It’s important that we focus on the enormous difference between wild flocks and parrots hatched and reared in captivity. These parrots are reared in their “flock” that includes family pets, a variety of humans and possibly other parrots.

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

The 36 year old (a Macaw) has a general life expectancy of anywhere from 45-60ish, though I know one who is 75 and in great health & activity level. The 39 year old (an Amazon) has an exceptionally long life span - 60-100 (or older) though reaching 100 is still not common.

3

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

Yes, two parrots - one who is 36 years old and another who is 39 - are my exceptional friends and companions.

1 4

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

Oh, Moluccan Cockatoos are wonderful dancers, dramatic as they can possibly be and FULL of bold moves! 😍🤣

1

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

😊

1

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

A friend on Facebook passed along this screenshot of data confirmation, along with some valuable, timely advice about turning off or dimming lights.

1 1 11

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

I’ll bet the pets were a wonderful distraction in math class. 😂

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

🤞for rain for you.

1 1

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

😂

1

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

Hi Shore Bird! What a great story to share with us, thanks!

I hope all is well with you too.
All is well with me.

I hope the incoming stormy weather doesn’t play rough with you & your home. I hope it’ll be kind to Plum Island too!

1 2

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

😂 Well why not? They don’t have any dollars to worry about 😉

1

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

Real time video chats for parrots? Sure, why not!?

www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/s...

Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Other—and the Birds Loved It

Wild parrots tend to fly in flocks, but when kept as single pets, they may become lonely and bored

www.smithsonianmag.com

5 4 34

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 1d

Just in time for the weekend - maybe you can pick up a few new moves before hitting the dance floor!

www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/t...

Think You Can Dance? Check Out These Cockatoos. Research Finds the Parrots Have 30 Moves in Their Repertoire

A new study of the birds in online videos and at an Australian zoo revealed 17 dance moves never before documented by scientists

www.smithsonianmag.com

2 1 15

Denali Sam @denalisam.bsky.social · 2d

There are so many variables that impact migration patterns. A variety of data, noting diverse factors, will be compiled going forward. Separately, when we have the field data about each species population numbers within their range that will be a key finding. Your question’s answer is complex.

1 2