# New Friend? Or Murder? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 11, 2023, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411 "2023-10-11T18:22:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/21 "2023-10-12T15:08:10Z")
That would be a very unsettling sight if you had just seen Hitchcock’s _The Birds_! ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/22 "2023-10-12T15:11:45Z")
Redwinged starlings are an African species. Redwinged blackbirds? ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/23 "2023-10-12T15:22:52Z")
this is true. should poe accept you, you will get shiny gifts. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/24 "2023-10-12T17:00:36Z")
I think so, at any rate that is [what we call them.](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id) They are cool looking. I’d have gone for “Edgar”, but Poe is just as cool. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/25 "2023-10-12T17:07:31Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Redwinged starlings are an African species… Do they have the same coconut-carrying ability as swallows? ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/26 "2023-10-12T17:48:02Z")
That’s crazy talk. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/27 "2023-10-12T17:52:50Z")
Probably. Like I said my research wasn’t extensive. Ummm…I looked at pictures online. Or, or… I’ve just inadvertently uncovered a yet to be discovered species. Forevermore known as “Them birds in my yard” Poe was around this morning. I threw Cheerios in his general direction and he ate them. I got a cute head cock and he returned to the buffet. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/28 "2023-10-12T18:03:38Z")
I usually like to be able to compare the similar species so I can see how they differ from or are the same as the bird I’m looking at. Redwinged starling: [![](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/219399581/1200) ](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/219399581/1200) Redwinged blackbird: [![](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/assets/photo/306392131-720px.jpg) ](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/assets/photo/306392131-720px.jpg) Sometimes the yellow stripe on the blackbird isn’t this visible. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/29 "2023-10-12T18:15:59Z")
Looks like the second picture is what I have. Poe has no red. He’s different. Bigger and shiny black. I haven’t distinguished a sound as just coming from him yet But I’m listening for it. The automated dog feeder throws out dogfood in the kennel in a little while. They always show up for that so I’m gonna go watch. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/30 "2023-10-12T18:58:46Z")
Just wanted to say that I’ve never been more let down by a thread title… ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/31 "2023-10-12T20:14:14Z")
The thread title reminds me of that episode of _Barry._ I haven’t watched much of it but there’s a scene where the guy he’s supposed to kill offers to help him practice his lines for his new theater group, and Barry is really excited about the group and wants a new friend. Tough call. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/32 "2023-10-12T20:23:52Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I’d have gone for “Edgar”, but Poe is just as cool. That’s the name I picked for a bachelor raven I briefly entertained taming a few years ago. Then I did some research. Basically what I learned: > **[Can You Have a Pet Raven? 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't - Wild Explained](https://wildexplained.com/blog/pet-raven/)** > > Ok, so you are thinking of getting a raven as a pet, but you are wondering if it is a good idea or if having one is even legal. Well, legally, the answer might be yes (depending on where you live), but ethically, it’s certainly not. I agree that... From the article: > Pet Ravens Are Too Demanding > > Bird experts compare ravens with toddlers in terms of behavior and temperament. That means these birds are equally intelligent, nosy, stubborn, and demanding as kids. Ravens can throw tantrums and won’t hesitate to hit or bite you if they get frustrated. > > Like kids at a certain age, ravens show jealousy and intolerance if they think they’re threatened. These birds don’t like to share their territory or any property, not even you. > > That’s why you shouldn’t keep other pets near, as ravens can think of them as a threat or enemies. And they treat their enemies really, really bad. > > Ravens are also hyperactive, so they need a lot of activities to channel all that energy. Also, because of their intelligence, you must feed their curiosity and tackle their mind with something. That it may require a lot of the owner’s time and dedication. > > At first, it might be fun to play with your bird companion and teach them new tricks. But over time, you’ll figure out that ravens want all of you. I still leave treats around the place for them to find, though. They love fat. Good luck with Poe, @Beckdawrek, whatever s/he is. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/33 "2023-10-12T21:01:27Z")
The _[Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Raven-Investigations-Adventures-Wolf-Birds/dp/0061136050)_ has some interesting info and stories about ravens. Unfortunately the author gets a little carried away with documenting the minutiae of his investigations which makes reading a bit of a slog in parts. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/34 "2023-10-12T21:07:39Z")
Hmm? _Wolf-birds_ bring up images of @wolfpup with a black bird riding on his shoulder, in my brain. 😱 Thx for read recommendation, @blondebear , Imma look it up. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/35 "2023-10-12T22:53:38Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Ravens can throw tantrums and won’t hesitate to hit or bite you if they get frustrated. LOL you could name it Ray Rice. (sorry, sorry, I’m leaving) ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2023, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/36 "2023-10-12T22:54:26Z")
LOL, ok, that was fabulous!! I scared my dog with the belly laughs!! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2023, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/37 "2023-10-23T18:47:53Z")
—UPDATE— Prodigal Poe returns. He was missing a few days. I began thinking he must’ve been an apparition. Been known to dream up crap before, so… But, no! He is real. Saw him this morning. Threw some Cheerios his way. He munched and kept looking at me cocking his head side to side as I talked pleasantly to him. I was ready to leave to dialysis when on the 2nd step was a old bottle cap and a piece of an aluminum pie pan. The pie pan piece had definite bird beak marks on it. Yes, yes… I’ve been gifted. Aww Poe, I love you. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2023, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/38 "2023-10-23T22:13:15Z")
Excellent! You have a new feathered friend. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2023, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/39 "2023-10-24T02:41:26Z")
Yay for you, Beck. May another beautiful friendship blossom! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2023, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411/40 "2023-10-24T02:44:42Z")
I have hope in my heart. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-friend-or-murder/991411.md?page=3)