National Birds Day

Beautiful image of various colorful birds perched on tree branches, surrounded by blooming flowers and green foliage.. — National birds day illustration

Picture this: It is January 5, 2017. Somewhere in the digital ether, bird lovers are aflutter. Why? It’s National Bird Day, the feathered equivalent of Christmas, and the internet is squawking with 63,985 mentions of our winged companions. Let's flap into the cyberspace history of this high-flying celebration.

When is Birds Day?

It's national birds day on the 5th January.

Origins of the Tweeting Extravaganza

National Bird Day is not your average bird-watching club; imagine instead a vast, flapping flock of enthusiasts across cyberspace. Born out of a love for our feathered friends, this avian celebration takes place annually on January 5. Why January 5, you may ask? Well, the details are as mysterious as a parrot's monologue - some say it's so birds can start the year with a chirp!

A Songbird Symphony on the Internet

Logic might suggest that National Bird Day would be quietly observed by a small group of ornithologists. But in reality, it was more like a chorus of songbirds! 2017 was the year when the internet truly squawked to the tune of National Bird Day, with a tweet-tastic 63,985 mentions. Perhaps it was the wind of a viral tweet, or the whisper of a feather-light meme that caused this increase in internet flapping.

A Feathered Fandom

So who were these Twittering masses? From bird enthusiasts sharing their favorite avian facts, to casual tweeters changing their profile pictures to sporty sparrows, the internet became one giant birdhouse. It's clear that National Bird Day isn't just for the birds - it's a holiday that transcends species, calling out to anyone with a love for our tweeting companions!

History behind the term 'Birds'

1731

Origins of the term 'birds'

The term 'birds' has its origins in the Old English word 'brid,' which referred to any young bird. This word was derived from the Proto-Germanic term 'bradu' meaning 'young bird' or 'chick.' The use of the term 'birds' to describe these creatures has since evolved to include all types of avian species.

1853

Scientific classification of birds

In 1853, the term 'birds' gained a more systematic classification with the publication of French zoologist Auguste Brongniart's work 'Ornithologie.' This book provided a comprehensive overview of bird species, their characteristics, and their classification. It played a crucial role in the development of avian taxonomy, laying the foundation for modern bird science.

1899

Bird-watching becomes a popular hobby

The late 19th century witnessed a surge in the popularity of bird-watching as a recreational activity. Influenced by the widespread fascination with nature and the advent of field guides, people began observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. This growing interest in birds led to the establishment of bird-watching clubs, which further fostered research and conservation efforts.

1918

'Birds' symbolism in the women's suffrage movement

During the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century, the term 'birds' gained symbolic significance. The suffragettes adopted the imagery of birds to represent freedom, resilience, and equality. Birds were seen as powerful symbols of endurance and the ability to rise above adversity. The use of 'birds' in this context helped galvanize support for women's rights.

1963

Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' raises awareness on bird conservation

In 1963, marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson published her groundbreaking book 'Silent Spring.' This influential work highlighted the dangers of pesticide use, particularly DDT, and the detrimental effects these chemicals had on bird populations. Carson's book is widely credited with sparking the modern environmental movement and leading to the ban of DDT, ultimately helping bird conservation efforts worldwide.