Odd Lots How to Put a Price on a Bird: the Forgotten Science of Economic Ornithology
Mar 1, 2024
Robert Francis, author of the Bird History Substack, dives into the fascinating realm of economic ornithology, exploring the intricate value of birds to society. He reflects on the legacy of Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle owl, and discusses the emotional weight of wildlife valuation. Topics include the surprising benefits birds provide to agriculture, the clash between economists and farmers on conservation, and the historical role of government in promoting wildlife. This discussion prompts a rethink on how we measure the worth of our feathered friends.
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Flaco's NYC Adventure
- Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl, escaped from the Central Park Zoo and became a local celebrity.
- He tragically died after colliding with a building.
Value of an Owl
- An owl like Flacco could have various values, including market price, replacement value, and value for pest control.
- However, he could also have negative value if he consumed private property like backyard chickens.
Economic Ornithology
- There's a whole branch of economics called economic ornithology that studies the economic value of birds.
- This field attempts to put a dollar amount on a bird's role in the ecosystem, like eating pests.