As a wildlife rehabber I have cussed out* so many baby animals that I’ve lost count.
*”For the love of god, please eat the fucking formula or you’ll die you obstinate little bastard” muttered quietly, under my breath, at 11:30 PM.
Most recently "I'm sorry but you have too many legs and therefore belong outdoors"
And "I know those flowers are irresistible but you need to be outside"
I do this constantly lmao. I like, reflexively greet animals and I’ve let a mockingbird know how impressed I am with its repertoire. Anytime I see a Monarch butterfly I tell it Godspeed.
Aw you're nice ❤️Just last night I said to a firefly "oh honey don't go in the house, that's a bad idea!" but mostly I'm more like waking up at 4 am and yelling at a bird "why are you up so early and why are you so loud about it?!"
i mostly feel sympathy with the wrens in the nearby tree when they wake up before the sun and complain about it at top volume, but also that is what i want to do now, thanks a lot, you monsters woke me up 😠
Almost everything in the natural world gets a greeting from me at one point or other. Acknowledging the creatures, complimenting the plants; it’s perfectly normal to say hi to the neighbors and wish them well (in some cases, from a respectful distance!)
We apologize for scaring the birds when we're out canoeing. Or for getting too close to the nest (mostly swallows and blackbirds) "yes, yes, we see you, we're going."
And I love that you included an audax! I always wave pinkie and forefinger at them to mimic their displays, since I know if I can see them, they can certainly see me!
Jumping spiders are amazing. Sounds like you already know this, but for other folks: jumping spiders have the best sight out of any spiders. They can solve puzzles, and have long memories. They have distinct personalities, and many varieties make friendly pets.
At a wildlife refuge last week we spotted FOUR basking garter snakes in a small area and I scream-whispered "HELLO BEAUTIFUL BABIES!" I also apologized to them when us standing there too long unnerved a couple of them.
I often ask alarm-calling birds what's bothering them.
I talk to animals constantly. The most frequent thing I say, though, is “Oh, dude, *no*,” usually to squirrels being brainless but also to small raccoons and the occasional spider failing to respect personal space. They sometimes also get a “Seriously?!”
I talk more to animals than I do to humans. Today alone I have complimented several common wood pigeons for their pleasing plumpness, an adoslescent magpie for being a very good gal, and told a Canadian goose to chill. It happens.
I go running by a lake that has quite a few ducks, and I go "it's just me, I won't hurt you", almost every time.
Not that they care, because they are so used to humans that even one running at them gives them no pause.
If I'm walking around and any of the varied urban wildlife gets near me it's usually a, "Hey little guy, watcha doing?"
So I'm glad to learn I'm not the only one who does this. 😄
I always make sure to say ‘excuse me’ (to bugs and things I might startle or need to move) but sometimes also ‘SLOW DOWN’ (hummingbirds flying into my head) or ‘go home you’re drunk’ (June beetles flying into my head)
