I was down at the hide one morning when I heard someone at the door. A young lady poked her head in and said "Oh! Sorry, I didn't know anyone was in here."
"That's all right," I said, "there's room for two. Here, I'll move my stuff up." And I moved my flask and sandwiches to let the young lady in. "Hi, my name's Gil."
"My name's Fancy," she blushed, deep enough that I could see it in the dim light of the hide. "Blame my parents!"
I chuckled politely, then I got on with my bird-watching and let Fancy get on with hers. It's not a hobby that needs very much chatter. Then, to my great excitement, I saw a long-necked, long-billed black bird — you'd have called it a cormorant, probably — diving off the rocks. What joy, to actually see this magnificent specimen actually fishing! I tapped my companion on the shoulder.
"Fancy! A shag!" I whispered.
…I must say I never thought to hear a young lady use such language in my life, and also I need to get some new binoculars.
Joke Poo: Astronomy
I was at the observatory one evening when I heard someone fumbling at the door. A young woman peeked inside and said, “Oh! Excuse me, I didn’t realize anyone was stargazing.”
“No problem,” I replied, “plenty of room to observe. Here, I’ll shift my gear.” I nudged my telescope and thermos over to make space. “I’m Hal.”
“I’m Nova,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “Blame my parents! They were hippies.”
I smiled, appreciating her candor, and turned back to scanning the heavens. Astronomy, like bird-watching, is best enjoyed with minimal chatter. Then, to my immense satisfaction, I spotted a massive, swirling galaxy, larger and more vibrant than I’d ever seen through my telescope. I nudged Nova excitedly.
“Nova! A cluster!” I exclaimed.
…I never expected to hear someone accuse me of being a creep that quickly, and I definitely need a new lens cap.
Okay, let’s analyze this ornithological anecdote.
Joke Dissection:
- Core Elements: Birdwatching, Awkward Misunderstanding, Double Entendre, Innocence vs. Innuendo
- Setup: Birdwatcher (Gil) is in a bird hide (a concealed observation point). A woman (Fancy) enters. They exchange names.
- Punchline: Gil excitedly points out a “shag” (a type of cormorant). Fancy misinterprets this as a vulgar invitation, resulting in shocked language and the need for new binoculars (presumably thrown).
- Humor Source: The humor hinges on the double meaning of “shag.” Gil intends the ornithological meaning, while Fancy jumps to a sexual connotation. The shock and incongruity of the reaction provide the comedic payoff.
Factual Tidbits & Enrichment:
- Cormorants & Shags: A “shag” is a type of cormorant, specifically the European shag ( Gulosus aristotelis). The term “cormorant” is generally used for larger members of the family Phalacrocoracidae, while “shag” refers to a specific species. So Gil is technically correct, but also setting himself up for embarrassment.
- Bird Hides: Bird hides are essential for ornithology, allowing observers to get close to birds without disturbing them. They’re often strategically placed near watering holes, feeding areas, or nesting sites.
- Ornithological Jargon: Birdwatching is full of specific terms, which can sometimes sound amusing to the uninitiated. Imagine overhearing someone say, “Did you see that magnificent male displaying his speculum?” (The speculum is a patch of iridescent feathers on a bird’s wing).
New Humor Creation:
Option 1: A Witty Observation
“The thing about birdwatching is, you’re always just one mispronounced genus away from an HR complaint. I mean, you try explaining to them that Booby is actually a kind of bird…”
Option 2: A “Did You Know?” with a Twist
“Did you know that the word ‘cormorant’ comes from the Latin corvus marinus, meaning ‘sea raven’? Which is a far more respectable etymology than what Fancy was thinking when Gil shouted about seeing a ‘shag.’ Apparently, Latin lessons are a prerequisite for entering a bird hide these days.”
Option 3: A New Joke
A birdwatcher is trying to impress a date with his knowledge.
“Look,” he says, pointing to a group of birds by the water, “those are Ruddy Turnstones. Marvelous little birds; they turn over stones looking for food.”
His date raises an eyebrow. “Is that some sort of… euphemism?”
The birdwatcher looks confused. “No, they literally turn over stones!”
“Right…” she says, “and I suppose they’re very ruddy while they’re doing it?”
The birdwatcher sighs. “You know, I should have just pointed out the Great Tit.”