Apparently what we lack is an
Official, Elected, Government-approved National Bird. I agree: what could be more important?
Wikipedia suggests that we already have one,, the Robin, but he/she’s never won a popular vote or official
recognition. Several of our candidates are already taken – Denmark has nicked the Mute Swan
(don’t tell Her Maj), and Sweden the Blackbird.
But, looking more closely, that shouldn’t be a problem – Golden Eagles
are everywhere! Even in Scotland.
Which leads me to two related
thoughts. One, can’t we cast the net a
bit wider? Does the bird have to live
here, or even exist? After all, our
national animals seem to be the Lion (not particularly indigenous) and the
Unicorn (not yet detected).
And secondly, shouldn't a National
Bird in some way be reflective of national character? (Out of
respect for my American friends, I say nothing about the Bald Eagle’s feeding
habits.) Just looking at the state
of the Kingdom as we near our defining General Election, I’m surprised that the
Magpie and the Ring-necked Parakeet aren’t on the list.
So, here’s my considered candidate
for Britain’s National Bird:
Or perhaps the Great Bustard?
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