Animals and Psychedelics: The Natural World and the Instinct to Alter Consciousness by Giorgio Samorini

Author:Giorgio Samorini [Samorini, Giorgio]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Ethnobotany/Animals
ISBN: 9781594775956
Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear & Company
Published: 2002-07-31T14:00:00+00:00

6

Birds on a Binge

The most famous example of collective drunkenness in birds is that of American robins during their annual February migration to California, and in particular to the small town of Pleasant Hill. The amazing behavior of these birds on their arrival first made news in the 1930s.

Once they reach California, flocks of thousands of robins (the species Turdus migratorius) perch on small ornamental trees popularly known as California holly, though the Native Americans of the region call this scarlet fruit toyon. At this time of year the trees are laden with scarlet fruits called Christmas or holly berries. The robins, and other kinds of birds as well, gorge themselves on these fruits, bingeing until they are blatantly drunk. For about three weeks this region unintentionally hosts what can only be called a drunken orgy on the part of the birds, who become disoriented and confused, engaging in silly games with each other and fluttering wildly into cars and houses.

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