Habitats of The Yellow Bird - Solveig Ethelberg Thimm-artist and photographer

Birds, like other animals, have typically adapted to their native environment over a long period of time. So much so that it is mirrored in their physical traits, the shape of their beek, the strength of their wings, the color of their feathers. When placed in a foreign and unsuitable environment their hardwired instincts will often result in a severe stress response, causing a combination of hyperactivity and freezing.

Basic things, such as navigating, foraging, or finding shelter, may prove difficult or even impossible. The unfamiliar and confusing landmarks may cause disorientation and failure to recognise appropriate food sources. It may migrate in a wrong direction, attempt to eat something inedible, try to dig or probe in places where these methods won’t work.

Longterm, the birds behavioural changes will either lead to some form of adaptation or to fatal decline. Depending on just how foreign the new habitat is from the old, some species are more adapt to alter their behaviour, vocalisation and diet than others.

In this mixed media project, I place The Yellow Bird in various different habitats, sometimes trying to fit in, sometimes trying to hide, and sometimes trying to stand out and take control.