Away from the Glaring Gaze

Happiness is not only specific to humans; rather, it is a common thread that connects all the living creations of the creator. However, often in search of ours, we humans tend to interfere with the happiness of other creatures who share the planet with us — birds are one such example. Research suggests that human interaction is a major anxiety-causing factor among avians. When we think of stress, we often associate it with our own hectic lives. Research has shown that the human gaze alone can cause stress in birds, leading to changes in their behaviour and physiology. With bird populations already under threat from climate change and habitat destruction, our interactions with these delicate creatures could have further serious consequences.

Human interaction causes an intrusion in the already toiling lives of these little creatures. For instance, being sensitive to human action, birds are forced to fly away which leads to increased energy expenditure while perching. This means that birds may have to use up their energy reserves to maintain their vigilance and stay alert in the presence of humans. Such stressors can have long-lasting effects on bird populations leading to reduced reproductive success and even death. At the same time, human activity can be a cause of trauma for birds. The loud noises generated by traffic or construction can damage birds' hearing and disrupt their communication patterns. Such noise pollution can cause them to feel traumatized and lead to long-term changes in their behaviour.

Another crucial factor that adds to the bird plight is human captivity of them. Captive birds are also at risk of experiencing stress and behavioural problems. According to psychologist and ecologist Gay Bradshaw, PhD –  who established the field of trans-species psychology – captive birds experience Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from prolonged, repeated suffering. It is further important to understand the changes in a bird’s behaviour when they face excessive anxiety. Some unhappy avians show extreme manifestations of chewing on their skin or even digging deeper into muscle and bone, causing themselves severe trauma.

In a world where we overburden these delicate species with the challenges caused by climate change, it becomes our responsibility to understand their complex psychological and physiological patterns. Minimizing human presence in their habitats and creating bird-friendly environments can help support their populations. Additionally, addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing conservation efforts can help mitigate the impact of climate change on bird populations.

It's important to be aware of our impact on the natural world, even in seemingly small ways, like our interactions with birds. Stress, energy expenditure, and trauma are just some of the unintended consequences that can affect bird populations. Understanding these issues and taking steps to reduce our impact on their habitats can help ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures. Unfortunately, humans often overlook the importance of the existence of different species apart from how they serve to benefit human life on Earth. It is crucial for us to embrace a new mindset that acknowledges these species as our co-inhabitants and to shift our perspective towards a greater appreciation and understanding of their value.

References:

1. Bradshaw, G. A., & Blackwell, E. (2014). Attachment, trauma, and healing: Understanding and treating attachment disorder in children, families, and adults. Routledge.

2. Jones, D. N., & Monaghan, P. (2011). The consequences of correlated stress: social differentiation and assortative mating in the great tit. Journal of Animal Ecology, 80(1), 101-108.

3. Marchetti, C. (2000). Anthropogenic noise and bird song: deafening or helpful?. American Birds, 54(6), 619-625.

4. Marzluff, J. M., & Angell, T. (2005). In the company of crows and ravens. Yale University Press.

5. Moller, A. P., & Swaddle, J. P. (1997). Asymmetry, developmental stability, and evolution. Oxford University Press.

6. Salewski, V., & Wattel, J. (2017). Stressors affecting captive birds. In Handbook of Applied Animal Welfare Science (pp. 185-206). CAB International.