Our secret friends

Who are those secret friends? Dogs? This is too obvious.The popular saying "dogs are a man's best friend" comes from the 18th Century. It doesn't mean that humans are not friends with other animals, because some people prefer cats. People have formed bonds with different animals including the wild species.
So who are these secret friends of humans? The answer is birds. I want to explore one such particular friend of ours that is overlooked but since ancient times, humans have looked at birds in a way that shows this. Humans saw birds as having a divine and spiritual connection with the gods. People wanted to emulate birds and so aircraft was invented. Some types of birds have learned to talk like us!
Far back in prehistoric times, humans came to befriend birds to assist with hunting. Vultures helped primitive people to find food, such as meat. Humans also befriended the aquatic bird species cormorants who helped with fishing. There are even birds that helped humans find honey. Besides this, humans have grown to love birds and used them for clothing, eggs, food, the arts and  spirituality. All of the gods and goddesses have their own sacred bird. Not forgetting the love between pet birds and their owners, which is a very strong connection. I'm so sure that some of the wild birds have understood. They can remember things.
Have a look at some interesting pages on birds in mythology:
Unusual birds in mythology
Eight birds in myth and folklore
Birds have been teaching us a lot. In stories and legends, myths and folklore, many different birds have given a story. Here are some birds with their own messages and legends:
Owl
Raven
Robin
Dove

Storm Valkyrie