Well, I just learned something. When I lived in New Mexico I had swarms of red-winged blackbirds at the bird feeders in early spring, more than 100, they were not shy and didn't sing pretty songs. So I googled them -- they're totally different from blackbirds! And YOUR blackbird -- they don't live in North America! It's a kind of thrush, German: Drossel. Didn't know that.
OMG Ben, I was looking up the Pippi quote in Danish (I had a colleague who would say it every meeting), and you're not going to believe it... she apparently never said it. Not in the books. Nor in the Swedish tv shows.
The Dutch version of the show did a mistranslation which was translated back to:-
»Det har jag aldrig provat förut, så det klarar jag helt säkert!«
I'm pretty sure she never says it in English either. And definitely no apology needed! background information and knowledge updates *especially* pedantic ones are *always* welcome in this space!
Pippi is Swedish! We have all her books translated into English. A wonderful role model who is the strongest girl in the world and home (self) ed and runs rings round stupid policemen.
Your post reminded me of a blackbird in our garden who was not bothered by human interference and whom I would natter away to. The evening song of the current blackbird last night was far too complex to interact with. It is predicted that AI will soon translate these bird babblings…I’m not sure whether to be delighted or distressed by this news. Will the birds be complaining about the ever increasing traffic noise they have to ‘shout’ above 🐲
I am very pleased to hear that blackbirds human relationships continue across the world. They do have the most amazingly complex song. It's right up there with the lark for crazy!
Well, I just learned something. When I lived in New Mexico I had swarms of red-winged blackbirds at the bird feeders in early spring, more than 100, they were not shy and didn't sing pretty songs. So I googled them -- they're totally different from blackbirds! And YOUR blackbird -- they don't live in North America! It's a kind of thrush, German: Drossel. Didn't know that.
the video :)))!!!
Yep, blackbirds are definitely not the wisest when it comes to choosing where to build, but sing most beautifully
Is that a thing? I thought I might just have a "special" one :D
Loved the video! Xx
OMG Ben, I was looking up the Pippi quote in Danish (I had a colleague who would say it every meeting), and you're not going to believe it... she apparently never said it. Not in the books. Nor in the Swedish tv shows.
The Dutch version of the show did a mistranslation which was translated back to:-
»Det har jag aldrig provat förut, så det klarar jag helt säkert!«
https://dm.dk/sektorer-i-dm/dm-kultur-og-medier/fagmagasinet-perspektiv/artikler/det-har-pippi-aldrig-sagt/
(sorry to do a Scandy well-actually on your substack, it's still a good quote and it's self explanatory why it's so popular)
I'm pretty sure she never says it in English either. And definitely no apology needed! background information and knowledge updates *especially* pedantic ones are *always* welcome in this space!
Animal tales with a bit of Pippi Longstocking thrown in - ahh - a wonderful edition this week, good sir!
Peace to you, the blackbirds, worms, pigs, and deer that comfortably surround you!
we much never forget the pigs!
thankyou, Jack x
Pippi is Swedish! We have all her books translated into English. A wonderful role model who is the strongest girl in the world and home (self) ed and runs rings round stupid policemen.
I only came across her when I moved to Austria in the mid 90s, and for the longest time, I thought she was Austrian! :)
Your post reminded me of a blackbird in our garden who was not bothered by human interference and whom I would natter away to. The evening song of the current blackbird last night was far too complex to interact with. It is predicted that AI will soon translate these bird babblings…I’m not sure whether to be delighted or distressed by this news. Will the birds be complaining about the ever increasing traffic noise they have to ‘shout’ above 🐲
I am very pleased to hear that blackbirds human relationships continue across the world. They do have the most amazingly complex song. It's right up there with the lark for crazy!