Planning Ahead

There was a short article in the paper this morning about a chimp at a zoo in Stockholm that collected rocks and stashed them away to hurl at visitors later in the day. Scientists were excited because it proves that apes can plan ahead just like humans. I wasn’t exactly surprised by the notion; I’ve seen it right here in my living room.

My niece and I were reclined in the Lazy Boy chairs and Spike was sitting with me. We were talking and Jorie asked me if she could have a soda; I told her to help herself. She was in no hurry to get up and we talked for a while longer. Spike got off my arm, walked down my leg and perched herself on my foot. Jorie had to go past my chair to get to the kitchen. As she walked by Spike, who was still sitting on my foot, Spike threw her wings up in the air and let out a screech, scaring the bejeezus out of my niece. While Jorie pulled herself together, Spike remained there for a few seconds with her chest puffed out and her wings held up as if she was proud of herself, then ran back up my leg chuckling wildly. If that wasn’t planned, I’ll eat my hat!

Jorie was about 2 when we got Spike. I don’t know what birds think of kids, but I do know we’ve never been able to trust Spike around Jorie. Spike would chase her around the living room trying to bite her toes – not in anger, but as if it was fun. Of course, Jorie ran and screamed; so maybe it was the drama, but she never did that to us. Maybe it was just because my niece was so much smaller, or maybe Spike just knew she was nervous – I’ve found that birds are very intuitive – and capitalized on the chance to lord it over someone. Who knows? I’m sure Spike does, but she’s not telling. The problem with birds that talk is that although they may sometimes engage in conversation with you, they never tell you what’s really going on in those little heads; to know that you have to know your bird and be somewhat intuitive yourself.

Cathy