#African Grey parrot connection

[tiktokparrot]

10 Scientific Ways to Get an African Grey Parrot to Like You (And Maybe Even Love You!)

Want to win the heart of your African Grey parrot? Discover 10 scientifically proven methods to build a strong bond and create a lasting relationship with your feathered friend.

[bomberqueen17]

the gay dolphins are too powerful

yesterday i was facing the facts that i do need to actually work out the technical mcguffins in this novel. like, i have some vague notion that there's a problem with the radio network because of solar flares and our heroes are going to... somehow... fix it. idk.

plot and worldbuilding wittering behind the cut

this was the main plot in the solarpunk mammoths novel too, and i had a vague notion that a problem on such a global scale as that would need to like. it would need to be solved by more than one person. and so my nebulous notion is that possibly several sets of characters could work on it in these loosely-connected novels where really i'm just exploring different ecosystems.

idk i just-- y'all know about the Turkey City Lexicon right? I got it as a hand-out in college creative writing class and of course it reshaped my brain, but. one of the Tropes To Beware they've got is the Cozy Catastrophe, which is startlingly prevalent and once you see it you can't unsee-- "the world is ending! all of humanity will die! unless... Jeff and Suzy, you're our only hope!" and our two everyman protagonists somehow are the only resources the entire world can muster and honestly the entire world seems to consist of one American city block with about three hundred people in it at most. Hm.

so i was like yah this catastrophe is way too cozy.

meanwhile i forget how it came up but @sonnetsandsinging, helpfully spitballing, said something about space whales and i was like

OMG in a world with genetically-engineered mammoths with radio collars that translate their brain waves to allow them to speak in human language it is ABSURD that they are the only species of animal that has been given this treatment

so like. what other animals do we try to talk to all the time besides elephants?

DOLPHINS

so now this world has genetically-engineered dolphins with brainwaves-to-speech dorsal fin attachments. like duh of course it does. i can't believe I hadn't thought of that.

there should be other animals too but i can't decide which ones, currently taking submissions. What Else Should Slightly-Disconcertingly Speak.

(My criteria: should be an animal intelligent enough to have successful communication with humans already, something relatively long-lived, something that couldn't use sign language or other methods already. My concept, which is not scientific really, is that it's been well-studied that while many animals have complex communication systems, humans are the only ones whose brains are structured specifically for language, so the Magic Fictional Science here is that they've had that ability genetically-engineered in, but of course the physical production of human-intelligible language is beyond the physical structure of most animals, hence the brainwave-interface collars. which btw could also be used on profoundly disabled humans, and that might be a plot point at some point; i do have some disabled characters in this story. I know I researched those like, communication board things that nonverbal humans can use and I settled on Magical Radio-Networked Interfaces that speak out loud instead for the simple expedient of streamlining things because like how is a mammoth going to carry a communication board around that it can like get out and point at. how is a dolphin going to carry anything. so, this is just where I ended up.)

(I was thinking parrots but then parrots wouldn't need the collar because they can actually make human-speech noises on their own. so that's a fun variation. maybe in this world african grey parrots actually just talk.)

Anyway back when I first started the solarpunk mammoths novel I researched Asian elephants a lot and studied their social structures and read up on their physical abilities etc., so in between trying to find out how radio waves and semiconductors work (i get the radio waves thing & think i have my mcguffin sorted out but semiconductors made my eyes glaze over and then begin weeping so i gave up) (also supercapacitors i don't understand u sorry bye) (do i know any electronics engineers who want to explain this in normal languages? shit i do know a chemical engineer maybe she knows. heck) ... ok i wandered away from this post to text her and then forgot i was making it. i did not get a lot of sleep last night the amphetamines are not being kind this go-round but i must continue the experiment. uhhhhh where was i

GAY DOLPHINS

too powerful

Yeah so I started researching dolphins, because if I'm going to have named-and-speaking dolphin characters, I need to know a little bit about how they work.

Now I have a slight head-start on this, just as I did on mammoths. Mammoths, I've been obsessed with since I was a toddler. But dolphins. For a while I used to go to SCA camping events and there was this guy who used to be a Navy diver and then worked for Sea World and he. well he was really good at telling stories, was his deal. And he had Seen Some Shit, and some of that shit was about interacting with dolphins. And the thing about dolphins is that. Well, they're violent little chaos gremlins, and just in the course of going about their normal lives, one of the things they do to interact with the world is, well. they have sex with things.

when they do this to people it is generally not a positive experience for the person. but. so i knew that going in. and most of the information on the internet about dolphins is really like. earnest and loving and whatever, which is great. but the thing is that dolphins are chaos gremlins who will fuck anything they can't eat, eat anything they can't fuck, or sometimes do both to the same unfortunate object if it proves to be possible.

what i'm saying is, these are going to be really entertaining characters to work with. because elephants, conversely, do not have recreational sex. they do a lot of things, but they just don't really do that. so dolphins are like. inverse-elephants, culturally.

Elephants also tend to have a strong matriarch, strong bonds between females, and then the males tend to be largely solitary, but will congregate more loosely, often around an older male who will teach them manners. (A well-mannered bull is MUCH more likely to be allowed to mate with desirable females, who have little patience with male foibles.)

Dolphins have looser gender roles; on the whole, the females tend to loosely congregate, and pregnant females usually go back to their mother's pod to birth and raise young, not dissimilar to elephants, but the males--

male dolphins very, very frequently will pair-bond. Two males of similar age-- adult males have very little to do with juveniles of either sex, generally-- will pair-bond and will be inseparable for the rest of their lives. If one of them dies, the other will mourn-- mourning behavior is well-documented in dolphins-- and then will seek to pair off with another adult male, because male dolphins prefer to work in pairs, for survival and companionship. (Dolphin "pods" are also more loosely-organized than elephant herds; dolphins will have a couple of core companions, but then will freely associate and disassociate with other individuals and groups over short periods of time without much fuss, depending on the situation.)

The pair-bonded males are the ones who in the wild do the behavior you see in shows, where they do like synchronized jumps and very-close fast-precise swimming and such, which in the wild are apparently courtship or threat displays-- i.e. "look how tight we are, you can't fight us" or, alternately, "isn't that hot" because

yes that's often how they court females. The pair will corral a desirable female and herd her away from other dolphins so they can both mate with her, and keep her from mating with anybody else.

(other females have been observed collaborating to free a corralled female who did not want this to happen, so it's not quite as rapey as it sounds. though, i mean. dolphins. what can you do.)

anyway dolphin threesomes are canon. but that derailed the rest of my night and i was unable to concentrate on anything else because the gay-- I should say really bisexual dolphins are too powerful.

so anyway i wrote a test scene with a dolphin character, and i had my main character take his wife and baby down to the jetty to introduce them to his dolphin pals, and a bonded male pair he'd known for years showed up and immediately tried to steal the wife, and then expressed shock that he didn't have his male best friend with him, because in their experience breeding was THEE most important time to have your buddy with you. He explains that his buddy is off on a long-term work assignment, and they're like hmph next time you breed you MUST include him, it is so much easier trust us. and the wife is like hmmmmm!

henceforth i will refer to m/m/f threesomes as "dolphin style" you're welcome

[reidsbookclub]

comfort fic for spencer reid x badass!reader watching one of those ASPCA-like commercials and spencer looks over and reader is BAWLING and he is so confused and yet wants to comfort r. maybe he promises to take her to the shelter the next day or something 👀? thank you <3

2 + 1 = 4?

AN: I’m sorry if this feels rushed. Also yes I know theoretically it’s virtually impossible for it to be the same cat but work with me here please I tried to make the timeline work since this is S1- S2 Spencer

Spencer was in awe of the sight before him here she was crying her eyes out, one would think something terrible and life threatening had happened but no, it was a commercial. Here she was, the person who Spencer had seen just a night earlier take down an unsub all by herself , crying her eyes out because the local shelter would be closing.

“Sunshine? Sunshine someone will adopt them it’s going to be ok” he said in a low whisper trying to calm her down

“But—but what if they don’t? What’s going to happen to them Spence? Will they be homeless—or worse?” She replied in between sobs.

“Ok what if instead of sleeping in tomorrow we wake up early and I’ll take you to the shelter. We can adopt one together—we we have been talking about expanding our little family after all” he said blushing to which looming up at him with excitement in her eyes she responded “now let’s go right now”

Spencer was amused at her child-like excitement “sunshine we can’t it’s 3:30 am” he said giggling.

•

She was the first to wake up, making sure to be ready by the time a half-asleep Spencer finished his coffee.

The ride to the shelter consisted of an excited Y/N screaming Taylor Swift and an wonderstruck Spencer taking in the view from the passenger side.

“I think we should get a puppy” she said, “a big fluffy one with a brown patch in his eye”

“That’s specific” Spencer muttered, and continued looking at our the widow, “ I was thinking more in the likes of a caramel colored bunny”

“But babe,” she replied, “bunny would be too much to take care of”

“And a puppy won’t?” He said chuckling.

They spent the whole 45 min drive talking about what animal they would adopt.

Once inside the shelter they passed a an African Grey parrot called Buckley, he used to belong to an elderly couple and would scream “spank me!” Every time someone passed. Spencer couldn’t help but be startled at the parrot shaking his head immediately.

As they approached the dog kennels Spencer could tell she was begins to feel discouraged not finding a pet that she felt connected to. It all changed when they stopped at the last kennel she saw a white and light grey fur Ragdoll cat. “Can we please see this one?” She asked the shelter volunteer.

They were both amazed at how the cat, whose name they learned was Dusty, walked right up to them and began asking for head and tummy scratches. “What’s her story?” Spencer looked up towards the volunteer. Who answer in a whisper, almost as if he didn’t want Dusty to hear and be reminded of it, “Dusty was abandoned two blocks away from here, she hadn’t eaten anything in a while it seemed like due to how skinny she was. But she never lost her friendly personality”

Spencer looked from the volunteer towards y/n and knew just by the look in her eyes that Dusty would be coming home with them. “Spence, babe I want her. Let’s take her home with us.”

“How soon can we take her?” Spencer asked the volunteer who scratched the back of his neck nervously, “well you see I don’t think you’ll want her..maybe how about…” but as he was looking for another cat to show them Spencer asked, “why not her”

“Well she got attached to another cat we have here at the shelter, a Chartreux, we wouldn’t want them separated but we also won’t pressure you to take both since the Chartreux, has been through a rough time. He is actually nameless at the moment which is sad because he’s a senior cat but his previous owner was brutal so much so he is blind in one eye.”

“Can we see him?” Spencer asked.

“Sure, he’s being checked by the shelter’s vet as we speak follow me”

The minute they saw the second cat from the window Spencer and Y/N knew that he would be going home with them and without looking at Y/N for confirmation he spoke loudly, “we’ll take them. Both of them.”

“Let me go tell the vet then”

As they were waiting Spencer couldn’t help but feel drawn to the Chartreux cat he hadn’t taken his eyes off

“You ok Spence? You seem spaced out babe.”

“He reminds me of Reginald”

“Who?”

A spaced out Spencer replied in a sad and nostalgic manner “He was my mom’s cat. She had him since he was a kitten, I was 8-9. I would call him Reggie, he was exactly like this cat but he wasn’t blind in one eye. I used to take care of him when my mom was first institutionalized. During my first year of college my roommate left the door open and Reginald left, he never came back.”

“Spence?” She asked, “was Reggie microchipped?”

“I don’t know”

“Excuse me?” Y/N said knocking on the window that overlooked the vets clinic station

“Yes?”

“Is either cat microchipped? We just don’t want any trouble if they are”

“Dusty isn’t but Im not sure about this one he’s been here since before I was working at this shelter, let me see” the vet replied.

“I’m sorry it looks like this cat is microchipped it belongs to a Diana Reid from Las V…”

“Las Vegas, Nevada address 42 Wallaby Way Apt 13B—she’s my mom. OMG Reggie is alive” Spencer interrupted. “I lost him my freshman year of college and he’s here in DC. How? Oh Reggie!”

The drive home consisted of Spencer telling Reginald everything he had lived through and for a split second she could see specks of child-like happiness in Spencer and with a job like theirs, that was the same as if she had won the lottery.

That night their bed felt smaller with two cats sound asleep by the end of the bed, using their feet as pillows but for the first time in the year they’d been together Spencer’s cold feet pressed on top of hers weren’t and issue.

•

Taglist

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[budgie-city]

"Budgie City" — how is it organized and what is the story about?

Hello, I'm glad you decided to read my lore article about "Budgie City". The second article talks about where this world came from in general and how I came up with the idea. If you haven't read that article yet, you can check it out here. This article right here will tell you about the world itself and the society of the budgies, as well as describe the plot of the book in general terms. I remind you that the book is currently in the process of writing and will only be published when I have finished it completely.

Fundamentals of the "Budgie City" world

Yes, this is a story about talking animals, in particular, about birds! Set in a world much more wild than our own, filled with lush forests and untouched lands, you can meet the wild variety of birds (the story focuses on parrots though) you may know from all across the globe. From Australian (Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Grass parrots, etc.), African (Lovebirds, Ring-necked parakeets, Grey parrots), and South American parrots (Macaws, Amazons, Short-tailed parrots) to Weavers, Sunbirds, and occasionally even birds-of-paradise - you may find a broad spectrum of non-predatory birds residing right here.

But, of course, the bulk of the population of Budgie City, the main setting of the story, consists of colorful budgies. The city is essentially a large colony that has developed enough to turn into a complex system that depends not only on internal organization, but also on foreign trading. Trading between colonies in their world is based on barter, though inside cities there are local currencies — in most cases they are not metal coins, since metal is a rare and heavy material for birds, but they have their own kind of money equivalent.

The only species that has mastered metallurgy are African Grey parrots. Their colonies settle near volcanoes, and they are one of the only birds strong enough to handle such heavy materials. Therefore, metal is the main trading resource for them.

To show you what other species living in the city have to offer, I have this small excerpt from the first chapter that summarizes this quite concisely:

"Large parrots, due to their large carrying capacity, could easily transport quite bulky baskets with all kinds of food or raw materials, therefore, instead of independently transporting goods to other colonies, the budgies simply unloaded the goods large parrots brought, loaded them with their own and sent them back. Macaws most often brought figs and wild apples, cockatoos were famous for their special success in growing berries and gathering wild bee honey, grey parrots were the only birds in these forests who tamed metal... each species could provide something of its own to others, and as a result, all neighboring forests lived on trade links with each other. Budgies were skilled craftsmen in the manufacture of wooden utensils, and their chicks were believed to have the softest fluff among all parrots. So the fluff of the chicks that came down with molts was carefully collected, and other birds used it for the most delicate bedding in their own nests."

For such mentioned exchanges between the different birds, there is a trading base in the city — a group of large platforms on the trunk of the main baobab, where birds arriving with cargo are received, and cargo from the budgies is sent to other similar colonies.

The Budgie city stands "on seven baobabs" — an analogy to one well-known large city in our real world, which I came up with in 2014, and has since then remained more or less unchanged.

As can be understood from the scheme, the Seventh Baobab is considered the main one — it stands in the center and it is surrounded by the main structures that secure the functioning of the city. The remaining six baobabs are mostly residential. Instead of roads there are rope bridges connecting the structures to one another, which prove quite convenient in the case of carrying something around or to simply reduce the energy consumption that continuous flying demands. They start from the platforms on the baobabs, form multi-tiered intersections on the lower and branching trees standing between the baobabs, whereby, of course, this web converges on the seventh central one.

As for common areas, there are the market, the canteen, the baths (some are located on the Third baobab + the pool in the crown of the Seventh) and numerous interest clubs scattered throughout the city. For example, there are several board game clubs based in the crown of the Fifth Baobab, which the main characters tend to visit, especially Gesha and Gosha (since the two initially met at checkers).

Seventh Baobab concept art (artwork by me and @blackteaarts)

How did Budgie City come into being? Are there other cities in this universe?

Budgie City was founded by Phoenix. A bird whose species is unknown to anyone, so she is considered unique by the other residents. In addition to that no one knows her real age — she outlived those who helped her founding the city, outlived their children and their grandchildren, and so on. At this point no one is even trying to guess how old she is and where she came from. There were rumors about her, which had long become urban legends that every chick knows — they say she has magical abilities and can control fire. But there is no real evidence of this anywhere. In fact, no one living in the city has ever noticed anything supernatural about her — she is just a wise, kind bird with beautiful plumage, who treats every citizen like a mother treats her chick — with love and care.

Chroniclers often tell stories about how she herself was once raised among budgies and considers them part of her kind, and therefore decided to create a place where her sworn brethren can live in harmony and prosperity. Until then budgies had never lived in a colony this large before — usually they resided in rather small communities scattered many hundreds of square kilometers away from each other. Therefore Budgie City is the biggest known colony around. In number of citizens, it surpasses almost all others, which is why it is the center of attention of all the inhabitants of the surrounding forests.

Other parrots and some weavers live in a similar way. Small colonies have built their settlements right around the baobabs — in so-called suburbs, but similar formations exist in other places very far from the Budgie City as well.

What is the plot of the book?

I want to clarify that the book is currently in the process of writing in the form of a paper draft, and will be published only after the completion of the full work. Here I will give a brief description of the plot in general, without spoilers or delving into details, but so that you can have an idea of what this story is about.

In the peaceful and steady life of Budgie City — a life without any prerequisites ever before, there is a sudden turning point — Phoenix disappears. Moreover, she does not just go missing, but literally incinerates, leaving behind only one golden feather. In its entire history, the city had never had to change its mayor before, since Phoenix had ruled continuously since its foundation, so confusion and panic among the residents ensues. The so-called Royal Family, a circle of Phoenix's close advisers, who are direct descendants of the budgies who helped her founding this city, decide to hand over the reins to whom they deem the most responsible and emotionally resistant of them — Clementine and Jack.

But in a fit of desire to preserve their relationship with their son Fenya, who is slowly distancing from them, the couple, without putting it out as a question to the rest of the advisers first, use their new powers, and hand the reign to him. Subsequently, Fenya is now at the head of the city — an unstable, egocentric, arrogant yesterday-teenager. Having been partially raised by a zebra finch nanny, he sees more traits of finches in himself than those seen in other budgies. Therefore invites them to live in the city and he certainly does not go into details about why finches were never favored in the colonies of parakeets. Because there are good reasons for that... Finches are not just small and harmless birds, especially when there are a lot of them. And very soon the residents of the city will feel the effect of the appearances of the uncalled visitors…

In the midst of the ever growing chaos lives Gesha. A quiet florist who loves his routine filled with greenery and quiet pastime, who had always rested in a rather small circle of acquaintances, is forced to get out of his comfort zone and starts acting against the messy situation at hand. All because, it seems to him, that everyone around him prefers to believe and hope that everything will get fixed by itself, when this is clearly not the case. His friend Gosha is of the same opinion — although he often gets a bit carried away by his desire to administer justice (periodically turning into stupid brawls). He's just like that — against everything bad and for everything good, but tends to cross the line sometimes. Together they decide to create a secret society where they keep records of everything that upsets the citizens in this new reign, and try to find ways to solve these problems. While Gesha wants to deal with the situation through negotiations, Gosha, as usual, is more eager for a showdown.

Further down the line, Yasha appears — a native of a remote village who came from distant forests, where Budgie City is only considered a legend. He is a hopeless dreamer and a restless talker, but just as he is looking for a cozy home in this, for him, new and magnificent place, it is meanwhile literally bursting at the seams. Which soon forces Yasha to take off the metaphorical rose-colored glasses and, together with his new friends, face the harsh reality head-on.

Will the united citizens be able to solve the problem of the finch invasion and pacify the restless Fenya? Or maybe even bring Phoenix back? You will find it all out when the book is completed!

Huge thanks to @annchanorsomethin for helping with translation of this article!

[xreaderstoryideas]

Project seed ship #13

Cargo: earth animal DNA and independent testing subjects (I.T.S)

I.T.S #1

Trial: can independent DNA be mix with earth animal DNA attributes .

Test Species: pig.

Results: I.T.S Deceased after contamination of pig viral Disease.

I.T.S#27

trial: can I.T.S stabilize more that one earth animal DNA

Test species: stabilize mink , introducing hyena DNA

Results: although finally stabilizing the first set of non primates DNA, if second DNA is not of the same sub-species, Immune system begin to attack and destroy itself. Terminated

I.T.S #79

Trial: can I.T.S stabilize non mamal DNA modification

Test species: Africa grey parrot

Results: although 40% stabilize I.T.S pain receptor are constantly active, stopping further progress. Terminated

I.T.S #397

Trial: stabilizing I.T.S with one of every animal family

Test species: bald eagle, meerkat, white marlin, boa constrictor

Results: I.T.S DNA overload, even though conscious, organ and full body disintegration processes unavoidable. Terminated

I.T.S #649

Trial: species shifting mutations

Test species: grey wolf to flying squirrel

Results: I.T.S DNA shifting sequencing malfunction, extreme aggressiveness. Terminated

I.T.S #1536

Trial: I.T.S mental stability after consecutive species shifting

Test species: American bully, puma, sea lion,toco toucan, sea turtle, moose,natter jack toad, polar bear ,Eurasian wolf, cardinal bird, blacktip reef shark, komodo dragon, lynx, rattle snake, white rhino, African wild dog, galapagos rice mouse ,+

Results: faster than anticipated lost of energy, need longer time of restoration that quata permitted. Terminated

I.T.S #4126

Trial: stabilizing and keeping same I.T.S consciousness trough all species shifting, same multiple answers each shifting

Results: I.T.S mental stability slipping after reaching shifting #4387 , I.T.S mental identity degradation at fast rates each shift . Terminated

I.T.S #7777777

Trial: consecutive species shifting, extreme survival parkour, death match against DNA Enhance predator

Test species: full DNA species data integrated

Results: complete.

I.T.S #7777777

Trial: beginning human symbolic connection

Project seed personal: ship #05 Rem Saverem

Radio contact requested to ship #5.

Radio contact confirmed .

Sending tasks reports to crew personnel Rem Sarevem.

Ship #13 Initiating maneuver for future coupling with ship #5.

Ship #13 calculations approaching ship #5.

Initiating coupling maneuver to -

Error

Error

Error

Coordinate resetting to impact planet name Gunsmoke.

Attempting Coordinate override to safe destinations.

Failed.

Attempting Coordinate override to safe destinations .

Failed .

Emergency alert activated.

DNA preservation protocol activated.

Data transfer to multiple black box complete.

I.T.S preservation protocol activated: I.T.S #7777777 cryopod secure confirmed.

Brace for impa-..................................

[stanley-cryptid-co]

Part 2 HeadCanons MySt: Gene & Dante

I love these two and I would die for them. /hj As much of a red flag Gene is, I'm fixing him... kind of. Not really. Dante deserves so much better than he got, and wow the issues. Dante, my man. He has issues. Gene does too and a lot of Dante's issues are because of Gene. Dante has had to deal with Gene being the focus of attention because Gene has a lot of personality disorders that made him dangerous and terrifying. Dante's parents divorced when he and Gene were rather young, and his father tried to love-bomb him into staying. He didn't, he decided to live with his mom because he loved her and Gene. Dante and Gene are both dream-eating vampires, because why not? They have to bite someone's neck, kinda connecting to the brain and heartbeat, and they can feed off of the dream. The kind of dreams they eat also influences their moods in the morning and sometimes for the day. Dante has a fear of people leaving and constantly seeks approval because he wants to be noticed by others. I also think he's much more of a nerd than he leads on. Definitely plays D&D... He's a DM and DMs for Garroth and Laurance, sometimes Zane. Dante also doesn't know that senior year of highschool, he accidentally got Nicole pregnant, and she kept the baby(Dmitri). Eventually when he finds out (6 years later), he's going to freak out because that baby could have so many mental problems, be a vampire, or have his fatal peanut allergy. Dante also has two birds, one a blue budgie named R2D2 and the other a cockatiel named 3CPO (NERD). Gene has a lot of personality disorders. NPD, BPD, and OCD specifically. He suffers from a lot of intrusive thoughts and has a really hard time abstaining from the thoughts. He's also a dream vampire, and since he lives with Sasha and Zenix he can technically eat off of them whenever he wants, but he prefers to stay away from Zenix's weird ass dreams. In the SK household, they've all got enough problems that they get a little dixie cup full of medication that they have to take. Zenix insists on having one even though he only has one or two medications. Gene has a bird name Marilyn Manson Monroe, or MMM for short. They call her Monroe half of the time and she's an African Grey parrot. Gene got her when she was 60 and he was 17, so he has seen a lot of her. Gene has also been to prison for arson, the mental hospital three times when he was younger and once when he got out of prison. He got into therapy once he was out of the mental hospital for the fourth time. He did not have a fun time when he was older, espeically when he was older. He's doing a lot better and trying to fix his faults. There was a time that Sasha, Zenix, and Gene went to a bar, and when they were leaving Zenix made the joke that they were going to the "grippy sock place" Gene was drunk, meds wearing off, and terrifed he punched Zenix twice and tried to stop Sasha from driving. Luckily they didn't die, but Zenix had a black eye and a bloody nose for a while.

[fizzyxcustard]

🌻 If you get this, answer with 3 random facts about yourself and send it to the last 7 blogs in your mentions, anonymous or not! Let's get to know the person behind the blog 🌻

1) I had major surgery on my left leg when I was a kid due to having a bowed leg. Had to wear an external fixator for 4 months. Basically metal rods were drilled through the bone and connected to rings.

2) I have an African Grey parrot. I didn’t know for definite that she was a girl until the end of last year when she laid a clutch of eggs.

3) I drive a black Ford Focus.

[stitchthesewords]

Wait wait Grian is an African Grey in ruft au?? I must have forgot or didn’t realize because I would have been going insane about this sooner! African greys mean so much to me, my grandparents had one when I was growing up and I love them very much. Grian being one makes me so so very happy <3

Yeee!!!! The only thing. The ONLY thing I had planned from the start was that he was based on an african grey

So hilariously. I am. Terrified of birds. Genuinely so scared of them. [I am also terrified of dinosaurs. I wonder if these things are connected somehow.] And I have, coincidentally, a lot of friends who own or otherwise work with birds. Including a man here who helps take care of my local zoo's bird exhibit hall, of which one area consists of a room about the size of an acre [okay. that might be an exaggeration but it is at LEAST a half acre] full of trees native to the amazon and unsurprisingly, a lot of tropical birds. Yes I know the African Grey is not a bird from south america but I'm going somewhere with this.

So this room - I never wanted to go into it as a kid, I would burst into tears, because like. The birds are just free roaming. They're allowed to go anywhere in the room. They do feeding shows and many of the birds are used to humans so they'll get quite close to you regardless. There is a macaw in this room who is WELL acquainted with humans and likes to land on people's shoulders. He scared the SHIT out of me as a kid bc I mean - macaws are huge birds. And here one was, just sitting on my dad's shoulder.

So years later, I'm in college and well. As I'm sure people have noticed on here, I like to make friends and generally just like talking to people. So I make friends with bird guy and he gets me an after-hours tour of the bird hall - it's just me, him, and a few coworkers, one of whom is the primary caretaker of this giant bird room. And they have taken it upon themselves to help me get over my fear of birds.

It's a feeding time for the birdies so I am tasked with holding some birdseed out - the birds that eat the birdseed are generally the smaller species in the room and I have one or two takers, while most of the birds sort of peck at the ground - and then this Macaw shows up. And he lands on my arms and I get scared and drop all the seed in my hands. But he does not lead. In fact he scoots closer to me, and I nearly burst into tears. Now - they dont try to train the birds or anything to mimic human speech, but parrots who're comfortable w people, im told, 'do as they will', and so this parrot goes 'Sad? Sad?" whilest like, tilting his little head in my face. And I mean that is just simply so startling that I stopped crying and was like "Uhhhh. Yeah. I guess."

This is not a disney story, he didn't like magically know what to do with that or anything and one of his keepers took him from me because I was, you know, clearly in distress. But I think that experience is sort of what got me interested in birds ANYWAY and now I've got a lot of friends with birds and watch a lot of bird videos - and ONE of these friends has an african grey parrot that is genuinely one of the nicest animals, of any species, I have ever met. So I warmed up to her and she is like a beloved niece to me. I love going to like, a pet store and buying her a new toy for her room [Bc. she has. An entire room in my friend's apartment god bless.]

Anyway this story got out of hand but yeah, Grian's an african grey because I think I've got a bit of a bond with parrots in general now and. One little african grey has won my heart. love her.

[For those curious, the Zoo's Macaw is named 'Michael' bc he DELIGHTS in saying his name when people say the word 'macaw'. 'Michael Macaw Michael Macaw!' and my friend's parrot is named Seedie - Like Sadie but. Seed.]

[professionalnooneatall]

I texted "What do you want for dinner," to the Missus. "Rare red meat," she texted back. Oh no. That means things went bad at some point at work. And it usually means some Epsom salt and lavender is in order for a good long hot bath that has to be just right so she can lower herself into it slowly but so it doesn't burn her and it's nice to watch her do that over a few minutes... Excuse me. My dear lady works so hard for me. And Balthazar, Indigo, Stinky Fred, Peoni, David Fincher, and Leonardo. Our five cats, and our African Grey Parrot. It became rather obvious what she did for a living after about two years of marriage. When we met, she'd been living in a single-bedroom apartment but the bedroom was filled with pelican cases and she was using the rest of the space like was a studio. She was - and is - sweet and cute, and kind to waiters and cashiers. And cats. And Birds. And dogs. And frogs. And iguanas. And monitor lizards. She is perfect. I don't want to think of her when she's killing people. I know she's good at it. She's good at everything. Except taking care of herself. But when I met her there was a fear in her that made me think she'd been abused or fought in a war or something. Not that those things are very different. However, at least in war, you get to kill the people who attacked you. Eventually. As near as I can figure, she saw both long before we met. I'm now 95% sure she kills people for a living. Sometimes she comes home exhausted and tuned the hell up by the bruises she shows. Roughly every six months her job "changes," and it's rather adorable how she makes a good show of it for a month or so. But the cats and the parrot? They don't change. At one point, Leonardo, being the sort of bird that he is even literally talked shit to her about her "new job." I keep up appearances, I know that's important in a marriage. Once I asked her about her "first day" at her "new job" doing god knows what to god knows who and when she said "Just bullshit," Leonardo decided to hop around saying "Fake news! Fake News!" for a whole minute.

I stared him down. Whilst Leonardo was probably right, there was no reason to be so blunt. "Leo?" "Leonardo," he said, correcting me as he always did. "Leonardo, we have to go shopping," I said. He hopped and spun happily and flew to my shoulder and we stepped out of our nice house. Leonardo talks to people because I can't.

"Good morning," he says, "Hello! Hello!" he says. When we get to the shop "Was-salamu alaykum!" Rahim loves Leonardo. "Walakum Salaaaam!" Rahim shouted while his wife rolled her eyes. "Dance with me!" He pressed a button and "Hip Hop Horray" by Naughty by Nature began. I let them indulge while I think about her because I like to do that. I think about her a lot. I think about the pain she can't tell me about. I think about the pain she won't ever admit to. I think about my grandparents who were refugees and soldiers and lived in fear for decades.

I think about how that is the life she won't ever tell me about. "Hallo!" Rahim said and waved his hand in front of his face. He knew I was German and his family was from Germany, too. It was how we connected.

"Entschuldigung, Habibi," I said. "My lady is coming home from a business trip and she asked for red meat for this evening's meal."

Rahim's smile is a smile I appreciate. A professional asked a question that they know the answer to. Broad and unconscious.

It reminds me of her when I ask her about guns. And when she brushes my hair. Rahim came back with a package of butcher paper, blood gently soaking through it, with string.

"The redest of meats for the redest of ladies," Rahim said. "Sayidati." And he tilted his head with respect. For the very first time.

Leonardo bowed and spread his wings. And said nothing. For the very first time. It felt like flying. "I need," I started to say.

"Parsely?" And that professional smile again.

How can I love a woman so much that a man will smile at me with his brightest smile and offer me help to make her good food? My wife loves tabbouleh but with the freshest parsley only. I can mangle the recipe as much as I want, which isn't a whole lot but if the parsley isn't fresh? She will set her jaw with such anger and silence that it terrifies me. I never want to see it again.

I wondered if Rahim was terrified of his wife's disappointment as much as I am of my own wife's disappointment and then Rahim slammed a whole bouquet worth of parsley on the counter and said "Bismil'Allah," with such joy that Leonardo decided to speak again. "Good family good food!" he said. "Look how you learn! A very good bird, wait here!" Rahim disappeared to the back and came back with his fist bursting with cashews. "Here you are, sir!" and Rahim opened his hand. Nothing gratified Leonardo more than being called "sir," and he danced and spun. He took the cashew, crunched it up happily and then ate the pieces.

"Best best best," Leonardo said. "Rahim, can I get some chicken hearts, for the cats?" I asked.

"Stupid cats!" Leonardo snapped. "أنتَ كيف تجرؤ!" Rahim laughed. "Give me just a moment." Rahim went to the back and shortly came back with a plastic container stuffed with chicken hearts. "Bismill'Allah, most people don't know about chicken hearts," he smiled. "You're a good woman. So is your wife." I felt myself blush and my ability to speak just gave me error messages so I forced something out

"You're a good man, Rahim," I said. He presented his fist and I tapped it with my fist. Leonardo and I went home and started to cook dinner. First I roasted the chicken hearts for the cats and that only took an hour. Then my wife came home.

She was brutalized. We are the same height but I'm just not beautiful like she is. It's. You know I'm not like here. She looks like a jeweled sword and I'm. Normal looking. And she falls into my arms. And whatever the hell happened it's okay. Our cats are losing their minds and I pick her up with all the love I have.

I can smell her blood and I bring her to the bathroom. I take her clothing off with the special scissors and I wish I knew who did this to her. "I'm fine," she said as she passed out. She is bruised. Incredibly bruised. Like in ways you can't imagine. But she's got shrapnel and I think bullets as well? I feel this rage looking at her. She's still beautiful. After who the fuck ever tried to kill her. The cats are eating the chicken hearts. The lamb is in the oven. I do what's necessary. I have an electromagnet and I pull out the fragments that are easy to pull out. She grunts and moans but I don't work her body like that. She has bruises everywhere. I check her bones and nothing is broken. "No drugs," she said. "No drugs ever, I'm not... drugs" "I know babe," I said. I picked her up, put her in the bath, and started the water. "MOM MOM MOM!" Leonardo said. "Leooooo," My wife said. "Science science science!" Leonardo said. "I'll be okayyy, your other mother is good, she loves me a whole. lot." my wife said. "Do you love her a whole lot?! A WHOLE LOT?!" Leonardo shouted at me. "Yes, I do," and then I turned my head in a way that Leonardo usually would "A whole lot,"

I lifted my wife up and put her into bed. We held her hoping she wouldn't die and our cats surrounded us and brought healing purrs. We spent our first night together in two years. I take care of her. I love her. I want the best for her. She will have to take a break again. I'm fine with that. It's good to have her home again.

Your spouse (erroneously) thinks they’ve done a good job hiding the fact that they’re an assassin for hire from you. You’ve known for years now, but find just how awful they are at hiding it endearing, and don’t want to spoil it for them.

[petsmania14]

best pets that show affection: A Comprehensive Guide

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Why Affectionate Pets Matter

Before we dive into our list of affectionate pets, let’s briefly touch upon why having an affectionate pet is so important. In a world where stress and anxiety seem to be ever-present, having a pet that exudes love and affection can provide immense therapeutic benefits. Affectionate pets offer:

1. Stress Relief

Studies have shown that spending time with an affectionate pet can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. The simple act of petting your furry friend can have a soothing effect on your nerves.

2. Companionship

Pets are wonderful companions. They offer unconditional love and are always there to lend a listening ear, making you feel less lonely, especially during times of solitude.

3. Improved Mental Health

The companionship of an affectionate pet can significantly improve your mental health. It can alleviate symptoms of depression and boost your overall mood and happiness. If you want to learn in details about best pets that show affection then simply click on it.

Now that we’ve established the importance of having an affectionate pet, let’s explore some of the best options to consider.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their boundless affection and loyalty.They’re called “man’s best friend” for a reason, after all. Labradors are wonderful family pets since they are not only sociable and outgoing but also wonderfully gentle. Your heart will surely melt when you see their waving tails and beautiful eyes.

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is another breed that excels in showing affection. They are known for their friendly disposition and warm-hearted nature. Golden Retrievers thrive on human interaction and are quick to shower their owners with love and attention.

3. Ragdoll Cat

Cats can be just as affectionate as dogs, and the Ragdoll Cat is a prime example of feline devotion. Ragdolls are known for their docile temperament and penchant for cuddling. They love being cradled in your arms, and their purring is a soothing melody.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you’re looking for a small breed that oozes affection, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fits the bill perfectly. These charming dogs are known for their sweet and gentle nature. They are always eager to please and enjoy being by your side.

5. African Grey Parrot

For those who prefer feathered companions, the African Grey Parrot is a highly affectionate choice. These intelligent birds form strong bonds with their owners and can mimic speech, creating a unique form of communication that fosters a deep connection.

6. Miniature Donkey

Yes, you read that correctly! Miniature donkeys are not only adorable but also surprisingly affectionate. They enjoy being petted and thrive on human interaction. These pint-sized equines are perfect for those seeking a unique and loving pet.

Tips for Nurturing Affection in Your Pet

Once you’ve chosen an affectionate pet that suits your lifestyle, it’s essential to foster and nurture that affection. Here are some tips to help you build a strong bond with your furry or feathered friend:

1. Spend Quality Time Together

Schedule daily interaction with your pet. Whether it’s playtime, cuddles, or a simple walk in the park, quality time strengthens your connection.

2. Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to reward your pet’s affectionate behavior. This encourages them to continue expressing love.

3. Consistent Routine

Pets thrive on routine. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, grooming, and play to create a sense of security for your pet.

4. Patience and Understanding

Every pet is unique, and they may express affection differently. Be patient and understanding, allowing your pet to develop trust at their own pace.

best pets that show affection: Conclusion

In conclusion, the world is filled with affectionate pets waiting to bring joy and warmth into your life. From loyal Labradors to cuddly Ragdoll Cats and even miniature donkeys, there’s a perfect pet for everyone. Remember that the key to a loving and affectionate relationship with your pet lies in the time and effort you invest in nurturing that bond.

[allcreatureswarehouse]

Nurtured Feathers: The Charm of Hand-Reared Birds

Birds have long been cherished for their captivating beauty and melodious songs. Among the various ways to acquire a feathered friend, hand-reared birds hold a special place in the hearts of avian enthusiasts. These unique companions, raised with human care and affection, bring an extra layer of connection and charm to the world of pet birds. In this article, we'll explore the captivating allure of hand-reared birds and the joys they bring to both novice and experienced bird owners.

The Bond of Early Interaction:

Hand-reared birds, often referred to as "hand-fed" or "hand-tamed," are birds that have been raised by humans from an early age, typically from the moment they hatch or shortly thereafter. This close interaction with their human caregivers during the critical early stages of development fosters a deep and unique bond between the bird and its owner.

Trust and Affection:

One of the most notable characteristics of hand-reared birds is their high level of trust and affection toward humans. These birds are comfortable being handled, touched, and even cuddled by their owners. This intimacy creates a delightful and rewarding companionship experience, as hand-reared birds often seek out human interaction and enjoy being part of the family.

Social and Interactive:

Hand-reared birds tend to be exceptionally social and interactive. They are more likely to engage in conversation, mimic human speech or sounds, and participate in various activities with their owners. This interaction can be both entertaining and emotionally fulfilling for bird enthusiasts, as it often feels like communicating with a feathered friend.

Easier Training and Behavioral Adaptability:

Due to their early exposure to human handling, hand-reared birds are generally more receptive to training and behavioral modification. They are more likely to learn tricks, follow basic commands, and adapt to household routines. This makes them an ideal choice for families and individuals who wish to engage actively with their pet bird.

Varied Species Availability:

Hand-reared birds are available in various species, from the popular African Grey parrot and cockatiel to the exotic macaw and conure species. This diversity allows bird lovers to choose a species that matches their lifestyle, preferences, and level of experience.

Responsibility and Commitment:

While hand-reared birds offer unparalleled companionship, they also require a strong commitment from their owners. Proper care, nutrition, and social interaction are essential for maintaining the well-being and happiness of these birds. Potential bird owners should be prepared to invest time and effort into nurturing their feathered companions.

Rescue and Adoption:

It's worth noting that many hand-reared birds are available for adoption through bird rescue organizations. These birds, often rehomed due to various reasons, still possess the social and interactive qualities that make hand-reared birds so endearing. Adopting a hand-reared bird not only provides a loving home to a bird in need but also offers the rewarding experience of building a unique bond.

In conclusion, hand-reared birds are more than just pets; they are cherished members of the family. Their trusting nature, social interactions, and unique personalities make them a delightful addition to any bird lover's life. For those who seek not just a pet but a companion with whom they can share moments of joy, laughter, and connection, hand-reared birds offer a special and rewarding relationship that is truly something to cherish.

[kennyparrots]

The African Grey Parrot Makes a Superb Pet

African Dark parrots have many charming characteristics and parrot sweethearts will observe that an African Dim Parrot is one of the most straightforward parrots to keep as a pet. Not just that, the African parrot is an extremely famous pet parrot for some reasons. Their uncommon talking and mental capacities implies that they connect well with their proprietors and are a delight to have as a most loved pet.

Since time is running short, these parrots will foster an enormous jargon and it has been accounted for that they discuss well with their proprietors whenever given the motivation.

What does an African Dim parrot resemble?

Buy african grey parrot it is a medium measured parrot of around 10 to 14 inches which likewise makes him an ideal pet since he is not difficult to house and to deal with. Of course, the male is bigger than the female, yet all at once just barely.

Albeit practically the same apparently, there are two distinct kinds of African Dim. One is the Congo African Dim which has a light dark body tone, exceptionally light dim to white on the head and with a splendid red tail. The other is the Timneh African Dim with hazier dim quills on top, light dark chest and with a maroon shaded tail. The general body work of both of these parrots is a lot of something similar with the two genders, yet the female will in general have a marginally smaller head and a more thin neck than the male.

Not shocking when you consider the life expectancy of different parrots, the African Dark has a long life expectancy so a proprietor should can make a drawn out obligation to the parrot when they choose to take one on as a pet. They can satisfy 60 years which is very astonishing when you consider the typical family pet.

Keeping your African Dark solid and cheerful.

This parrot has an exceptionally high knowledge which truly intends that in the event that not kept entertained they will become exhausted and this isn't great for his general prosperity. An exhausted parrot will foster a few vices and rapidly as well, which could be difficult to switch. A few signs to search for to check whether he is exhausted are:

- Feather picking

- Testy and antagonistic

- Gnawing

- Self-mangling

According to the pet parrot's perspective, one of the propensities that will cause him hurt is that of plume picking. Assuming you at any point notice your parrot taking out feathers move on to this issue straight away on the grounds that it isn't great for him to have uncovered patches where he has culled out his quills.

Another issue is that they can turn out to be exceptionally cranky assuming they are exhausted and this will make him a disagreeable companion. He will probably begin gnawing and be very awful to people around him. On the off chance that truly bothered, he will even self-disfigure.

Very much like any shrewd creature a pet parrot needs communication with its proprietor consistently and needs excitement to keep it blissful. This doesn't imply that you should play with it for hours daily, yet your pet likes to have a specific measure of opportunity and play with its proprietor.

The African Dim do prepare flawlessly so partake simultaneously and show him a few deceives that he will cherish doing and individuals will cherish doing with him. Likewise hang some toys in his enclosure so he can play with them when he is all alone.

Be 'one of the herd' to your parrot.

Right at home, the African Dim would fly in a group so they truly do will generally regard their proprietor as one of the herd. Due to this the parrot will frequently appreciate having the side of his head scoured and somewhat of a scratch there as well, yet he won't partake in his body being taken care of. You will frequently see with a gathering of parrots that they will more often than not kiss around one another's head. It is a propensity for parrots.

Assuming you have your pet parrot around your face really do be mindful so as not to let it 'kiss' you around the mouth (and they love to do this) since people can move microscopic organisms from their mouth to the bird which isn't sound.

In the event that being kept by a family, kids need to comprehend the character of a parrot since, supposing that they really do get nibbled, it harms as the parrot's nose is exceptionally hard and sharp and is intended for opening seeds and nuts. On the off chance that a youngster disturbs a parrot they could get chomped, even by a serene parrot.

African Dark parrots will engage for quite a long time, yet provided that they are painstakingly cared for with the right eating regimen, social necessities and lodging. Appreciate helping them to talk and watch them play out the stunts that you show them and they, at the end of the day, will do assuming you give them the toys to play with.

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[thelostgirl21]

You've definitely hit on two things I absolutely adore: birds, and the way different people and cultures use language! 🥰

I actually tend to feel some kind of strong, natural kinship with birds, because I grew up without any human siblings in a house filled with budgies and lovebirds, now live with a green cheek conure (and also another human! 😆), and took lessons to become a certified parrot behaviorist a few years ago, with the goal of improving the interpecies communication skills of human beings when interacting with their parrot companions.

Cats make no sense to me, and I'm barely fluent in dogs (although I've been called the human embodiment or a Golden Retriever). But birds? Birds I get! 🦜🐦🤗❤️ Even when I get stumped by a species with their own extremely unique body language, they still tend to make some sense to me in my brain.

Actually, even parrots of different species gets stumped. If you're curious to see an African Grey and Indian Ringneck totally failing at understanding each other's body language, it's kind of hilarious. 😆

But, to go back to The Witcher, I remember finding it a bit odd that Jaskier would be called "The Sandpiper" when I first saw season 2.

All I knew about sandpipers, basically, was that they are rather cute little birds that you often see running fast fast fast fast - then stop - fast fast fast fast - then stop - on tall tiny legs when you're walking or hanging out at certain beaches.

But sandpipers aren't particularly reknowned for their singing, as far as I know...

Then, "Blood Origins" came out, and I could understand why Éile would have been nicknamed "The Lark", since larks are mainly known for two things: their melodious singing... and viciously attacking people (and also being the name of Montreal's football's team*, "Les Alouettes")!

*I'm referring to our American football team, not soccer/football.

So, I started wondering if there was any type of connection between larks and sandpipers...

I typed "lark sandpiper" in Google search engine, and it gave me the "sand lark" Merriam-Webster definition as the second entry.

I'd never taken the time to look into the sandpiper's actual behavior until today though... But yeah! I guess I could sort of see it! 😆. Not sure if those comparisons I found have anything with the reason they chose that name on the show, however.

Another theory I had, was that Jaskier being called "The Sandpiper" was a reference to "The Pied Piper", as Jaskier is smuggling people out of a city (like the "Pied Piper" managed to smuggle an entire group of children out of a city without being seen or caught).

I wonder if it's even been said where Jaskier becoming known as "The Sandpiper" on the show came from in interviews, and if I've somehow managed to miss it.

3x06 // the last wish // "extraordinary things"

[t34-mt]

Little fun fact

when maanuls and kyhuines speak they sound like how an African Grey parrot would speak, tho it is better than them, we would still find it weird to hear it. And since they have an avian like organ for vocolasation, they don't have a larynx. To them, we would be the ones with an uncanny way of speaking.

And also they don't rely on moving their mouth so much when speaking for articulation because they mostly rely on their vocal cords, which may look uncanny to us. To form words we humans use our lips, tongue and also teeth, but for maanuls and kyhuines they will use tongue and teeth. Not the lips because they simply don't have any, by that I mean human like-lips.

The vocal chords is a sort of vent thing that is separated from the oesophagus, it is normally closed but can open for speaking to then be connected with the respiratory system, when they speak it might open the vent of their olfactory vents so the head nostrils might open while vocolasation, because yes they are build in a messy way. Olfactory organs has evolved separately and differently on many species on altuyur and theirs isn't the most effective compared to some animals.

When they shout, a bit of sound might even come out of their opperculum since the two are connected. When performing certain calls, a sort of light whistle can come out of the respiratory holes (opperculum)

I know I mentioned in previous posts that kyhuines don't have front teeth, so how would they use them for speaking? The thing is like I changed the way their teeth are AGAIN(sorry) tho it is not that noticeable.

I should do a chart of the vocal box, oesophagus, olfactory vent so it feels more clear to people. If I can then maybe one day I'll do a simple gif with that same chart but showing how it looks when they speak.

Oh yeah since respiratory and feeding system are separated they can't suck things into their mouth, so they will rely on muscles instead

[whenlifegivesyouconures]

You know, life is really funny. I've been looking into getting a relatively young galah or eclectus for a while now. I was planning to find a good parrot to work with and train from a young age.

Ever since Mickey died, I've been birdless, and I figured a project parrot would help me recover emotionally. Plus, I have plenty of time to dedicate to a bird. So why not find my next life partner and get started?

Tonight, a sanctuary two states over let me know that they had a 25-year-old African Grey with scoliosis looking for a home. Her name is Princess, and she lived with one woman her whole life. Recently, her owner died, and well, I feel connected with her already.

I'm driving out tomorrow to meet her. I'll keep you all posted. 🎃 Happy Halloween!

[reimahowaido]

And the last 3! Aaaaaah, oh boy These fellas don’t have as much to themselves as the earlier ones, but there’s still story relevance even if they’re not that closely tied to previously mentioned characters. There are connections, yes, but less to talk about as a whole

Swift Edge - He/Him - Idea from some of the 100% completion pics African Grey Parrot inspired in looks He short, further so due to a slightly hunched over posture Swift is the roundest of the Mawkin included in this listing. He’s just as combat capable as all the rest, but his main focus is in lifting things. He may be short, but comparatively to other Mawkin he can lift quite a lot of weight and that’s really admirable. He’s not that much into fighting overall and prefers to use his energy in carrying and moving things around. Also quite durable, man might not have a shield, but he can take all sorts of hits and is seemingly resistant to damage and ready to get back to lifting things pretty swiftly, meaning he seemingly recovers rather quickly too. Some might call him lazy, and perhaps he is a bit lazy, but mostly he’s just docile and takes after his general - that being White Crow as he is part of White’s unit. A long time member of it in fact, almost the second in command in a way. Swift Edge is decades younger in comparison to White Crow, but past that there’s a bit of an age gap between the two and the rest in the unit. Swift hasn’t sought to promote to a Red Armor, he can help with things but doesn’t necessarily like the pressure of responsibility, so he’s satisfied where he is ~~~~~~~~~ Ebony Lark - She/Her - Fully original Based on the Magpie Lark & Maghreb Magpie (for the bits of purple) One of the shortest Mawkin around Ebony Lark isn’t exactly the most social of the bunch and prefers to keep to herself. She’s just not that interested in spending time with others and would rather focus on other things. Her main job is taking care of artistic elements. Sculpting, carving, detailing... She has a bit of knowledge in fabrics too, but her main forte lays elsewhere. If you need a mural made or someone to craft up the smaller parts of statues, she’s the Mawkin for the job. Diligent and sharp-eyed, she’s devoted to her craft, does her job and that’s enough for her. She can be a bit picky when it comes to materials though, but usually she’ll make just about anything work if needed. ~~~~~~~~~ Soot Rook - He/Him -  Inspiration from a 100% completion pic again Honestly he’s a mess. Gray Catbird might be a stretch, but it’s something (There’s a better explanation as to why he’s a mess at the bottom xD) As average in height as they get Also a member of White Crow’s unit, he’s the newest member and somewhat of a rookie in comparison to the other members. There are other fresh additions to the team too, but Soot Rook is the latest addition. He may not be as experienced as others, but he sure is eager to take part and prove himself. Occasionally he gets a bit nervous and might lock up if overwhelmed, but he’s trying his best and the other members of the unit are fairly supportive - though there’s a limit to everything. And while Soot hasn’t necessarily ever annoyed any Mawkin in the team, he does hope to not risk getting on anyone’s nerves if their patience is being tested already. He does have a habit of being a little unlucky though, and he can occasionally appear a bit clumsy too, but he has good manners and usually a proper apology is all it takes to get past that Little bonus: He used to have. So many potential different variants and versions. First based on the Iberian Magpie and Sardinian Warbler kinda, as well as the Pied Wheatear and I loved these, but boi. They just didn’t have the right feeling to them so I had to pass up on them :C I eventually just pretty much had to go make stuff up to try and get the vibe right. The middle one here is the closest to feeling like what I wanted, but also it just reminds me if a discount Raven Beak xD If the little blue line was dark and he had a more prominent light beak... Uh oh. Rawr’n Bark (and the discount Thoha, Bath Robe) I really like the first and last ones though, but we already got so many fellas fighting for screentime in the writing I don’t think I’ll be able to use the designs through crafting new characters. The creative pain