I wonder if anybody has ever done a study on the instinctive behavior, “peek-a-boo.” While this is something that people teach their babies, all other creatures seem to come by the game naturally. I wonder if I can get a government grant to study this subject. Cats, in particular, adore this game, but only when they aren’t being aloof and dignified.
Take, for instance, Lewis’s Woodpeckers. These birds fly like a crow, act like a flycatcher, but are actually a woodpecker that plays peek-a-boo.
Perched atop a telephone pole, in silhouette against the sky, the large beak is a clue to this species type. The faintest hint of red on top of the head, gleaming in the bright sunshine - no other colors are visible... "Hmmm, what a drab bird," you say to yourself.
Let the game begin!
"Hark, humans at 6 o'clock" Viola, the drab woodpecker shows it's colors while sizing up the competition for the new game.
A dark head, iridescent deep green, white chin fading into a pale rose pink which darkens to a deep rose, and then bright green coverts under the tail. The only person who thinks this is a drab woodpecker is somebody who hasn’t actually looked at one.
Score one for the bird! Clever use of a tree branch in round one of the game.
Rats, the human changed trajectory, and scores! Tie game.
Round two begins.
Fast swap around the back side of the branch, and peek - score two for the bird!
Human moves, but bird counters. Another branch is called into play. Another score for the bird!
Obviously a pro at work, here. What technique! What finesse!
The final play of the match, head over shoulder and peeking far right around tree branch. Double points awarded for flexibility and style. Final Score: Bird 5 Human 1
Bird watching is definitely a sport, and everybody enjoys the challenge.
We went for a walk this morning on the road which parallels the river. We walk all the way to the curve by the rock outcrop on the left side, and then return to the car.
Heading back to the car, it is an almost 3 mile loop and as long as we go early in the day, it isn't too hot.
The grass is all shading into brown now, baked by the hot sun. Pretty soon fall colors will begin to color the upper hillsides. We are ready for some cool, rainy, fall weather!
And, here I thought I was the only person to notice that woodpeckers play peek-a-boo!! I think flickers do that too!! And, when is your cat not dignified/aloof? Hahahaha.