Since we announced that the Door County Historical Society will sponsor an Antique and Collectible Appraisal Event at Crossroads on November 19, we have been hearing a lot about collections.
Who knew all of the varied items that people collect and treasure? One friend, after confessing to collecting ceramic roosters, explained, “I guess collecting is just human nature.”
Truth is, non-humans collect also. Many mammals and birds collect items to decorate their homes. Anyone who has ever camped in the West knows about wood rats (aka pack rats for obvious reasons). And here in Door County, patrons of one area golf course are quite aware of a certain red fox that considers stray golf balls to be collectible.
Birds of prey seem compelled to decorate their nests with green sprigs, which they change regularly. Ornithologists have speculated as to the function of this home decorating behavior. Perhaps, green twigs camouflage the nest or advertise to other raptors that the nest is occupied. But, because birds invariably select branches of aromatic trees, most researchers currently believe that fresh twigs serve as insect repellents.
I can understand why hawks would need insect repellents. The parent birds leave scraps of dead meat in their nests – sure to attract flies, and the offspring of those flies can become deadly parasites of the nestlings. But, how would hawks know this, and how, with their minimal (if any) sense of smell, could birds know which tree species contained volatile repellents? I have no clue. Maybe hawks just like having decorations around the rim of the nest. Or maybe their parents decorated with green twigs, and the tradition was passed down through the generations like an heirloom.
Crows have an undeserved reputation for being attracted by shiny objects. While it is undoubtedly true that these intelligent black birds are curious and probably do investigate anything unusual in their territories, researchers tell us that wild crows do not go out of their way to collect diamond rings or steal the family silver. This widespread belief can be traced to accounts of hand-raised pet crows which apparently are so bored in captivity that they entertain themselves by hiding any household item they can carry in their beaks.
Now that the leaves are gone from the shrubs at Crossroads, we are finding bird nests throughout the preserve. Our songbirds do seem to collect human cast-offs: plastic wrappers and the little straws from juice boxes, foil gum wrappers or mono filament – all for use as nesting materials. Do birds somehow sense that these items are durable or do they just find them interesting or aesthetically pleasing?
The same questions could be asked about our antiques and collectibles. What makes them interesting or valuable? On Saturday, November 19, from 1 – 4 pm an Antique Appraisal Event, featuring Mark M. Moran, will be offered at the Collins Learning Center. Appraisals (plus a ticket to watch the show) are $15 (limit one item per person). Pre-registration is required. Applications ( including a list of items acceptable for appraisal – fine art, furniture, ceramics, glassware, vintage photographs, advertising, folk art, toys, clocks and costume jewelry) are available online: antique-appraisal-form or at the Collins Learning Center during business hours. You can purchase $3 tickets to watch the show available at the door. Come for part or all of the event. Proceeds from this program will be used for long term maintenance for the Door County Historical Society’s Village at The Crossroads.
Crossroads at Big Creek is located within the city limits of Sturgeon Bay. Consequently, it is closed to hunting. Our trails are free and open to the public. Dogs (on leash and under control) are welcome.
Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor supported preserve, welcoming learners of all ages to experience based activities focused on science, history and then environment. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan is open 2:00-5:00 daily. Phone 920.746.5895.
Saturday, November 19, 1:00-4:00
Antique Appraisal Event
Sunday, November 20, 1:00
Don’t let hunting season keep you cooped up indoor. Join the naturalist for a brisk hike. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
