No reciprocity

One of the key values in the field of study I'm engaged in is reciprocity. Either one takes a very loose view of that, or one has to admit that it really does not play a part in most relations between humans and animals.

I suppose that for those who believe that through honouring, thanking, or paying respect to either the animal herself or the spirit or ur-animal of that species, one could claim a kind of reciprocity. This is, of course, a simplified and all-too-lacking in cultural richness description of the beliefs of many hunter-gatherers.

What about in the feeding of garden birds - or indeed the work of wildlife sanctuaries/hospitals? In those cases, the gift goes from human to animal. And I am sure I am not alone in saying that I do not expect gratitude, honour, thanks, or any form of reciprocity.

This is interesting. Is that because I am so powerful and superior that I do not need such a gift? Or is it that I am so humble and guilty that I feel I ought to be of service? Is this an act of restitution in a sense for the crimes of my species? I don't think so - because, frankly, there is nothing I, we, humanity could ever do to make reparation for the cruelties, massacres, disparagements, servitude, heedlessness, fecklessness, and inhumanity of not just the past but the present day.

Actually, I do get something: proximity. But I don't regard that as the birds' reciprocity. It's more like a pleasant (to me, maybe not to them) situation enabled by the fact of there being food in the garden.

Anyway, proximity means pictures.

These images show Garden Robin (Chestnut, I think) in two frames of mind - bolshy and defiantly-anxious.

What a great puffed-out-chest image! The purpose is to deter Tane, of course, and you can see that in action here.

Thinking again... there is something going on with the feeding... and the territorial dispute brings it to mind. Through their actions and communications, Tane and Chestnut negotiate living together. Perhaps the provision of food is a way that I seek to negotiate living together, as in, living as neighbours. Living as sentient beings who are aware of each other?