Take a moment and ponder the roles that birds have played in our history. They have been revered as gods, as a form that gods take, as a messenger of peace and so much more. The bird has played a huge part in many classic works of fiction, movies and music. They are more than just two legged, winged wild animals that come to take food out of your bird feeders. Their graceful abilities and keen senses have set them aside from many species in the animal kingdom. Mankind’s first experience with birds as icons dates back to the time of the Egyptians and their religion.

If you look at ancient hieroglyphics, it is easy to see how big a role the bird played in Ancient Egypt. In fact one god, Horus, was said to have had the head of a falcon. His dominion was the sun and the moon but later he became the god of war. As a son to Isis and Osiris, Horus held a great fascination with many Egyptians. Stories of his famous battle with Set are still covered in books on religions in ancient times.

Exotic birds such as the falcon have always claimed humanity’s attention. Wild birds are the epitome of freedom. They sail through the skies without masters and do as they wish. They cannot be truly tamed. Even those that use falcons and hawks as gaming birds know that these species of birds can turn vicious and unpredictable if they are not treated properly and trained well. It can take years for a falcon or a hawk to be gentled. Perhaps that is why you do not see many people trying to own these birds. In medieval times it was common for lords to become falconers.

A bird icon or symbol will forever be part of society. There was even a song written about this graceful animal. Granted it is a rather humorous song that tends to get stuck in your head but it is still a party favorite and children love it. “The Birds the Word” recently has been seen on “The Family Guy.” And who can forget that “the bird” is a gesture of obscenity in most of the world. It may not be one that wild birds or domesticated birds want associated with their species, but it is here to stay. Our fascination with birds will continue and flourish as more people become interested in birding tours or even the history of birds.