the forbidden union

This is a longer version of this post, trying to collect all the details on the swan maiden race that I am playing in the Pathfinder RPG that jewelfox is running.

( Dark eyes and feathered cloaks... )

So... I don't know who knows the "Young Wizards" books by Diane Duane. But, in them, there is a very beautiful Wizard's Oath.

( Cut for people who know it or don't want to be spoiled )

And, cereus posted recently, about a Saurian/Cat's Oath in later books (that I have not read yet):

( Cut for people who know it or... etc. )

I wondered what a swan/bird Oath might be. So, I tried it....

( Cut )

This is just some informations that I think people in the world should know. If you are capable to read the links without being triggered, it just takes a few minutes of time so please, educate your self if you can.

Parrots

- If you are thinking of getting a parrot, watch this short video first. It's just the truths of parrot ownership, good and bad.

- SOAR - Supporters of Avian Rights [content on this website contains animal abuse, might be very painful to look at]

Please read this site:
* before buying a bird from a pet store
* if you know about a place or person where birds are being neglected
* if you want to be educated on the problems of captive breeding parrots
* if you believe that animal cruelty laws in the US should cover pet birds

- If you want to get a parrot, please opt to adopt! Then take a look at ParrotFeather.com to learn about the good and bad of keeping different types of parrot species, to find the right bird for you.

- Support No Feather Left Behind adoption and rescue work with these pendants!

Swans

- Please keep your dogs on a leash in swan habitats, especially in the breeding season (between March and May). Breeding swans will defend their mates very strongly and there may be a fight. They will hurt your dog, and, your dog will hurt them. Dogs are responsible for many swan deaths, and, swans can kill your beloved dog too... please be a responsible pet owner/animal companion!

- How to feed swans: don't feed them bread! Read here for healthy advice on how to feed swans, geese and ducks. Here is a quick list of good ideas: "greens cut up into small pieces; healthy popcorn (without artificial coloring and flavorings); corn / cracked corn; whole wheat GRAIN (not processed, not bread - natural state grain); whole oats; brown rice, lentils, split peas and smallish seeds". Please only feed a small amount, don't make them rely on people for food.

- Before you support killing of mute swans because they are "invasive species", or, believe (good meaning, but, not complete) arguments you read on the internet and even many good meaning conservation sites about this: read about another view here.

If that essay is too long, there is also a good one here by the Michigan State University College of Law, a quote from it is here:

The MDNR claimed it was "joined by mainstream conservation groups that understand the need to reduce the exploding mute swan population" and that only "a small band of wacky fringe groups" trying "to make a buck" were opposing the effort to kill swans. [...]

Moreover, it appears that only the "wacky fringe groups" bothered to look into the science. Scientific validation of the claim that mute swans are responsible for anything other than negligible damage to the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay is conspicuous in its absence.

If you want to know what you can do, please, tell others about this, and, sign petitions at savemuteswans.org or muteswantruth.ca (different petitions).

- Adopt a trumpeter swan and help to protect these rare birds!

Other

Put these posters up in your local park to protect birds from harm by six-pack rings and kite string.