“Floofing” — A New Look At Bird Moves

I recently came across a short article by Asher Elbein from Audubon’s Spring 2020 magazine (page 53, “Catch a Floof if You Can”) talking about lingo that has been popping up on the Internet for “cute bird photos.” After all, having cute bird photos should also be out there with all those “cute puppies,” “cute cats,” etc., etc. Interestingly, the new lingo making the rounds according to Elbein includes ” ‘birb’ for small, round, cute birds; ‘borb’ for those especially round; and ‘floof’ for a bird that is fluffed up.” Amazingly, you probably can find all forms right in your own backyard. Who knew there was such lingo to express what you were seeing all these years???

For instance, do you have a birdbath for the birds in your yard? I know it’s winter right now in New England, but birds still need fresh water, just like you and I do.  The next time you see them trying to take a bath, splashing water everywhere — what do they look like after they’re done? A “birb,” a “borb”, or a “floof”? Some of them are definitely poofing or floofing up to dry out afterwards or even to stay warm.   I saw a local Northern Cardinal all poofed up on a walk in Woburn a couple of weeks ago that caught me by surprise.  Wow — my first recognized “borb” perhaps or was it really “floofing”? I’ll let you decide.

But, preening and poofing or even “floofing” happens for birds of all sizes.  I recently was able to capture a Snowy Owl floofing, unknowingly, until I read the article.  I just thought she was relaxing after preening and seemed pretty comfortable sitting on a sign post.  While letting everyone know that where she was, no one should get any closer. And, if anyone moved, she gave them the evil, yellow eye that would stare the person down and they’d stopped moving.  Afterward, her preening and “floofing” just went right on. What an opportunity to see this Arctic visitor right here in our own backyards. Let’s keep her and all her brethren safe, by giving all birds the needed space to protect them from harm and harassment of humans. And above all, given the opportunity, preserve those memories you create and share them. Enjoy!