Field Guide to the Birds of Etsy

Recently an anthropologist wrote that he believed our human ancestors were hunted by birds. If that doesn't give you ornithophobia, I don't know what will! Just two months ago I was eating a sandwich on a bench by the beach and a very bold seagull flew by and pecked part of the sandwich right out of my hand. I'm pretty sure it was going for my eyes, Hitchcock-style. If you suffer from ornithophobia, the fear of birds, then maybe Etsy is not the place for you. Bird imagery abounds on Etsy's pages in all mediums from paper to iron. It is a bird lovers paradise. Bird imagery has had a place in our consciousness since time immemorial, and has been used as a symbol to represent peace, love, death, rebirth, courage, and has even been used to represent the human soul. All cultures have folktales and superstitions about birds - good omens, bad omens, what have you, the bird features in all of them. Well, you know what they say - there's no such thing as bad publicity.

* CCCOEr SandySimone sent me this hilarious skit from the show "Portlandia" called "Put a bird on it". It looks like it might have been produced by Etsy.

If you want a good laugh along with a liberal dose of beautiful birds, head over to the Mincingmockingbird's shop. I guarantee giggles with each description.

If all my handmade soaps were as cute as this one I would be a dirty girl, because I wouldn't want to use it, just frame it. From Masoncj

There's a whole aviary of wonderful birdies at EvelynX's shop.

It's hard enough to get a photo of a hummingbird on any given day, they move so gosh darn fast, but to actually capture a photo of a hummingbird's patootie? I bow down to you, NatureVisions. You are quick on the draw.

The Quetzal plays a large part in MesoAmerican mythologies. It is said he is the king of all birds. I'd say this pendant carries with it some awesome juju. From Tresijas

Localcolorist makes these lovely origami peace cranes. She evens offers the opportunity to have them out of your own love letters, photocopies of photos, or anything that has meaning to you.

Tweet this, Facebook it, pass it along. Let the world know about the CCCOE and its wonderful sellers of vintage, supplies and handmade. Blog post by Felicia of Maid of Clay Ceramics on Etsy.