Saturation Point
 The theory of nature versus nurture really comes into play, not only with animals from the wild kingdom, but also humans. I can definitely argue that in some instances I believe that there is a very fine thread that separates man from beast. In even rarer circumstances, there are those instances that elevate beast above man. But that is a different article entirely. What I have noticed lately is that animals from the smallest to the largest are diverse and complex beings capable of some amazing things.
Take hummingbirds as an example. What is their purpose in life but to suck nectar and buzz around? At first glance, perhaps we can make this assumption. On a second look, a particular species of hummingbird have caught the eyes of researchers at the University of California-Berkeley. The research suggests that the male Anna’s Hummingbird does something so “fantastical” to gain the attention of females that it had to be recorded by a high-speed camera. I think they should rename this bird the daredevil, but I digress. This little powerhouse will fly up 100 feet into the clouds and then plummet, wings wide, toward the ground without hesitation. This display is topped off with a chirp that one would imagine comes from the tiny beak. However, the chirp comes from this hummingbird’s tail feathers! Imagine going so fast your toes squeak!
This is where the high-speed camera comes in. The researchers were able to pinpoint when the sound was made by studying each frame. The sound was heard when the little guy spread his tail feathers briefly. And to top that, it isn’t really a whistle, but a vibration. The study suggests that because these creatures from the aviary department of existence have such small songboxes they have evolved a way to save their throats the strain, which is their tail feather chirp. Pretty amazing stuff when you stop to think about how nature provides for itself and makes changes when needed.
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