Birds on the brain

Why are geese silly? Why are ducks lucky? Are larks truly happy?

I’m fascinated by birds — including how many sayings we humans have about birds. We compare ourselves to birds (“odd duck”). We compare our politicians to birds (“lame duck”). We threaten people with birds (“You’re a dead duck!”). But I’m not sure our sayings always make sense.

Why are ducks considered to be lucky? Yes, cities build ponds for them to swi…