Birds of a Feather

Birds are now using FaceTime. Yes, birds.

While listening to talk radio on my drive to work on Thursday, I heard about a research project developed by Northeastern University designed to alleviate the boredom, loneliness, and lack of something called "species identity," of pet birds.

Isolated from their flock, tame birds are particularly susceptible to such emotional crises. And thus, this unusual experiment was hatched.

Parrots were first trained to ring a bell, summoning a handler carrying an iPad. On the screen, images of various birds appeared. With the tap of a beak, a video call to the chosen fowl was triggered. In an interesting twist, the bird on the other end was given the choice as to whether or not to "answer." With a reciprocal tap, the two birds were connected, free to chat, pose, and preen.

I also learned parrots are neophobic, meaning they are often reluctant to try new things. So while some birds took easily to their new social landscape, others did not. 

Sound familiar? Proving, once again, we are all birds of a feather.

"Loneliness is my least favorite thing. I worry about being alone, without anyone to care for or anyone who will care for me." - Anne Hathaway