I collect information the way crows collect shiny things! Historically, this impulse to collect the weird and wonderful found expression in cabinets of curiosities: precursors of modern museums assembled by aristocrats, explorers, and early scientists. While I acknowledge the devastating context of colonialism* in which these cabinets were assembled, I share the deep sense of awe and wonder that motivated their creators. And so:
Welcome to my own cabinet of curiosities—facts, quotes, and oddments about pretty much everything!
For today’s edition, some fun facts in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day!
The science word for a bird’s “wishbone” is “furcula.” It’s basically two collarbones fused together, and it’s got a very important function. When a flying bird brings its wings down, the furcula compresses, storing some of force of the flap. When the furcula springs back into shape, it releases that stored force, helping to push the bird’s wings back up. All of which saves energy when going flap, flap, flap over long distances during migration!
Want more? Check out my book The Boreal Forest, which features several migratory birds that nest in or pass through this important biome.
#WorldMigratoryBirdDay
#WMBD2025
* For more info on historical cabinets of curiosities, check out these articles:
Smithsonian Mag: How Cabinets of Curiosities Laid the Foundation for Modern Museums
Sotheby’s Institute of Art: Cabinets of Curiosities and the Origin of Collecting
Art & Object: The Cabinet of Curiosities & Colonialism
https://www.artandobject.com/news/cabinet-curiosities-colonialism