How To Live Your Best Life

Summary

The article "How To Live Your Best Life" by Sandi Parsons on Medium describes the dynamics of a flock of Pink Galahs competing for a sunflower seed block in a front yard, illustrating the social interactions and hierarchy within the bird community.

Abstract

Sandi Parsons' narrative reveals the intriguing social dynamics of Pink Galahs as they vie for dominance over a sunflower seed block in her front yard. The flock, which has grown to a dozen or more birds, engages in squabbles for the prime food source, with the victor earning the top bird status. The article humorously notes that while some Galahs actively compete for control, others opportunistically benefit from the conflict by collecting the seeds that fall during the altercations. Parsons also provides insight into the Galahs' behavior, noting their acrobatic tendencies and their strong pair bonding, as they mate for life and share parental duties. The piece is part of a series of Six Word Photo Stories, with links to previous entries, and invites readers to join Medium for full access to her stories.

Opinions

The author finds humor in the Galahs' competition for the sunflower seed block, likening it to a "war" with its own spoils.
Parsons seems to appreciate the Galahs' acrobatic antics, describing them as skilled aerial performers.
The article suggests a sense of admiration for the Galahs' social structure, particularly their lifelong pair bonding and communal care for their young.
There is a touch of exaggeration in the author's description of the flock's size, acknowledging that while they can form enormous groups, the scene in her yard is a smaller gathering.
The author values the opportunity to share her observations and photography, encouraging readers to engage with her work on Medium.

The spoils of war rain down.

The two Pink Galahs told their mates, and now the entire flock has caught on. There are up to twelve Galahs moseying about the front yard looking for seed daily. The sunflower seed block is a high-ticket item. Control of the sunflower seed block also means the position of “top bird.”

It causes all sorts of drama.

Up in the bottlebrush, two Galahs were so busy squawking and screeching at each other as they competed for control of the sunflower seed block to notice the big picture.

Rather than clucking resentfully, these Galahs were more than happy to plod along underneath, picking the best of the seeds that rained down from above.

It didn’t matter to them which Galah won the war of the sunflower seed block, so long as the seeds kept coming their way!

Stating the entire flock of Galahs has caught on to free feast in my front yard may have been a tiny exaggeration. Pink Galahs travel in flocks with up to 1,000 birds. Although they can live in enormous flocks, they mate for life, with both parents taking care of their offspring.

Galahs are acrobatic birds, often spinning and hanging upside down on the power lines, like acrobats learning their latest trick. They whirl, loop, and glide to become daredevils of the sky.

More Six Word Photo Stories in the Bird Saga from Sandi:

Sandi Parsons is an award-winning school librarian with over 20 years experience working in educational libraries. She lives with her favorite husband and two problem puppies. She dabbles in the art of photography.

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