Homing pigeon photo from Care2.com
Paula Alvarado, of Care2, reminds us that homing pigeons can return from extremely long distances (up to 2000 kms.) without any guidance. Well, not exactly. According to research by the University of Frankfurt, these pigeons have iron-containing structures in their beaks, which help them sense Earth's magnetic field, independent of their motion and posture, and thus identify their geographical position. Undoudtedly, there are reams of of scientific data to back this up but I, for one, will just accept it as one more of nature's miracles. At 69, I am still young enough to require my daily allotment of worldly wonders.
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB
2 comments:
No lack of heavy metals in this fella's noggin.
I like to think that it is just one of nature's miracles too....maybe it is something like a built in GPS or compass....or maybe Henry David Thoreau had it right: "I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." Sometimes I think that scientists try to explain things that can't really be explained....after all as Ralph Waldo Emmerson said: "Nature hates calculators." Emmerson also said: "When Nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it."....and "To the dull mind nature is leaden; To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light". Just a few thoughts. BTW, great blog....I need to visit more often....might even try some of that local wine youmentioned.
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