Do You Ever Wonder Why?

Do you? Do you wonder who decided to name things what they are named? Why are flat topped surfaces called tables? Who decided these things we sit in should be called chairs? Why are we “humans”? On these winter days when there is no yard work to be done, when the house is as clean as I need it to be and the laundry is all caught up, what is there to do, but let the mind wander and wonder?

For instance, in the world outside my windows where the furry and feathered things visit, I get that a crossbill is called a Crossbill because it does indeed have a crossed bill – the better to pry those pine nuts out of the pine cones.

and I understand a Woodpecker pecks wood

a Hummingbird does hum

and Bluebirds are blue, yet I’m pretty sure they are not “blue” (as in sad)

and Yellow-headed Blackbirds are black birds with yellow heads.

But. Do Nuthatches hatch nuts? I think not.

When they live in Oregon, why are they still called California Quail?

Are Bitterns bitter?

Can a Pelican peli? And whatever is a Peli?

Do Tree Swallows swallow trees?

What are Mourning Doves mourning?

You really can’t convince me the Purple Finch is purple. I see red.

Does a Chipmunk chip monks?

And all Chickadees cannot be Chicks; some must be Dudes or they would cease to exist.

What can I say? Idle minds. . .