Bristlecones have survived various catastrophes over the millennia, and they may survive humanity. Written by Alex Ross and published in The New Yorker magazine on January 20, 2020. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/01/20/the-past-and-the-future-of-the-earths-oldest-trees Highly recommended. [Chuck Almdale]
Cheeks & The Lamp
Beneath the Cage Grate:The Best Toast I Never Had…
The February 2020 edition of Beneath The Cage Grate is yet another laugh-out-loud hootenanny. In this issue, we find our favorite feathered sleuth on a mission to find out why his mum is raving about her new toaster – and a very expensive loaf of bread.
Drama is never far removed when Morty is zeroing in on something, and the case of his missing toast is yet another dramatic event
Catch up with Morty here to find how his latest adventure with the new toaster and pricey loaf of bread will become yet another Morty classic!
Matchmaking Mayhem
It’s amazing how birds, like people, can be introverts or extroverts, and every bird seems to be quite in tune with their personality and their interactions with fellow human and birdie housemates. In February’s issue of Feathered Frenzy, Sherri identifies some important issues regarding how matchmaking and our feathered companions can be an exercise in luck – and something often more challenging.
Sherri talks about how feisty Bubbles burst onto the scene in 2016 and took Zack and Chloe by storm (and shock).
This photo of Bubbles and Chloe, taken moments after they first met, tells the tale perfectly. Bubbles looks relieved to have a home and Chloe looks shocked by this blue interloper!
Catch up with Sherri’s full article on Matchmaking Mayhem for a good discussion on how birds understand human personality too, and how they use it to their advantage!
Zoom Zoom Alexa: Beneath the Cage Grate
Morty’s Christmas was a success – mostly. He was of course showered with toys from Santa Claws, and his two sidekicks also received cool presents from the jolly fellow.
However, Morty is dismayed with one of his roommate’s Christmas haul – and her subsequent experimentation with her new ‘toy’.
Read Morty’s January edition of Beneath the Cage Grate and judge for yourself whether Morty’s Christmas wishes for Alexa and Roomba came true!
Back to Normal… almost
It’s officially the 2020’s and Sherri and the birdies are trying to tie a neat little bow on the Christmas just past and return to some degree of normalcy to begin the new decade.
But alas, normalcy is hard to achieve, especially after a couple of weeks of rushing around, decorating, wrapping and then opening presents, and the prep and clean ups from big dinners and visitors.
How do you and your flock return to your ‘normal’ after the holiday season? Catch up with Zack and Bubbles here to find out how they’re trying to resume their routines after a festive but hectic Christmas.
Cooking with Cheeks – Part 1
By Lavender
In the December issue of It’s A Birb Thing, we are treated to some important lessons on cooking from our resident Cockatiel Cheeks!
Dear Santa…: Beneath the Cage Grate
Dear Santa Claws… Claus…
Poor Santa, he has his hands full this year with the Christmas wishes from Alexa, Morty and Roomba as there appears to be some ‘issues’ ruffling a few wires and feathers between them!
The December edition of Beneath the Cage Grate finds Alexa, Morty and Roomba once again at odds, with their respective Letters to Santa reflecting quite the tryst – and the lengths each will go to spoil each other’s Christmas celebrations.
It’s also fair to say that Morty’s mom may want to read what her housemates have requested from Santa, before Christmas day arrives, to perhaps avoid the beginnings of a new, chaotic tradition!
Unconventional Traditions
Whether it be decorations, lights, food, television shows or music, we all have Christmas traditions that are near and dear to us. Some of these traditions change, fade with time, or get updated as years go by. Our feathered companions are an important part of Christmas festivities and time-honored traditions and are often keen to participate in traditions. 
Sherri’s December Feathered Frenzy article will surely make every reader reminisce about Christmas’ past, and how their birdies respond to those treasured traditions.
A little early, but please join Sherri and family in wishing Zack a very Happy 20th birthday on December 31st!
The Octopus’ Branding Makeover: From Devil-Fish to Brilliant Invertebrate — Longreads
“Each arm, with its own brain inside, moves completely independent of the others. So much so that arms have been known to steal food from each other.”
via The Octopus’ Branding Makeover: From Devil-Fish to Brilliant Invertebrate — Longreads
The Roost 