Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is C.A.B.S.?

C.A.B.S. (pronounced “cabs”) is a research organization working in the exciting new field of Artificial Birding, which in turn draws heavily from the fields of ornithology, cartography and psychogeography. Hoping to utilize the talents of amateur scientists (like you!), C.A.B.S. seeks to document and map Artificial Birds (ABs) viewable from public space in the Greater Chicago area.

 

What does C.A.B.S. consider an “artificial bird?”

C.A.B.S. adheres to the definition of Artificial Birds adopted by Artificial Birding International (ABI), which in part reads “human-made representations of birds, perceivable from public space, intended for an audience of living, non-human creatures. Artificial Birds commonly include, but are not limited to, decoys, scarecrows, distress calls and silhouette decals. Artificial Birding is not focused on advertising or decorative representations of birds[…] ”

ABI and C.A.B.S. reject the term “real” for living birds, since it implies that non-living birds are imaginary. Instead, ABers commonly use the more precise categories AB, LB (live bird) and DB (decorative bird).

 

Isn’t there a level of interpretation involved in that? Aren’t you attempting to decipher intentionality?

Yes, to an extent this assumes that intentionality can be inferred. Like all of the sciences, the field requires judgment. C.A.B.S. carefully reviews all contributions before posting them. Unlike many fields, Artificial Birding aims to err on the side of inclusion rather than exclusion, allowing future diligent researchers the ability to decide for themselves.

 

How will C.A.B.S. data be used?

That’s hard to say. C.A.B.S. is committed to collecting data and making it available to researchers, both professional and amateur, for free. C.A.B.S. believes that among its many potential revelations, this data may lead to a better understanding of human attitudes regarding human-avian relations in the built environment; however, C.A.B.S. doesn’t pretend to imagine what specific exciting insights future researchers may propose.

 

How can I get involved?

Getting involved with C.A.B.S. is super simple! When you find an Artificial Bird, submit as much information about its location as possible via the submission form. If you have the ability to submit a digital photograph, please do. If not, please just submit the address or location information, and a C.A.B.S. volunteer will document it. Please note, undocumented ABs will not be posted. You are not required to become a member or make an account to contribute—you may contribute anonymously. Would you like to document others’ submissions? Just drop us an email indicating your neighborhood and how far you’re able to travel, and we’ll contact you about volunteer opportunities.

 

Why AB when I could LB?

C.A.B.S. believes there are numerous advantages to ABing. We’ve listed just a few, and we’re sure you’ll discover more:

  • There is no reason to adjust your sleep schedule. You can AB when it works best for you.
  • ABing can be a social or solo activity. You can listen to music, talk on the phone, chat with a companion, etc., all with no fear of scaring your bird away.
  • ABing is a great form of exercise. ABs are passive, so ABing is active. There is no point in staying still. Remember: the more ground you cover, the more ABs you discover.
  • ABing requires you to explore new terrain. Since ABs are stationary, there is no point in ABing the same path over and over.
  • ABs have been found in “hidden” parts of neighborhoods you might normally never visit during your commute. ABers report that they now experience their city in surprising, rewarding new ways.
  • Since ABs can appear in unexpected places, you really have to pay attention to your surroundings. You may not discover an AB at every turn, but you will discover something new—and you’ll give your mobile device a break.
  • Unlike LBs, ABs rarely move, so if you want to see a bird, you can find one on the map and know with confidence that it will likely be there.

 

Do you have pointers for a new ABer or best practices?

ABing is a new field, challenging assumptions almost daily. Even novice ABers can develop and contribute new best practices.

That said, we have learned ABing takes a lot of focus, and is best performed on foot. C.A.B.S. and ABI strongly advise against actively ABing while driving or riding a bike; proper ABing will not allow for the focus needed to drive those vehicles. Remember: distraction causes accidents.

Surprisingly, we have found that ABs appear to be social, appearing in clusters or on several sites in one zone. You may cover several blocks without seeing any, and then discover three or four together. So if you see one, take the time to scour adjacent areas. Whatever you do, have fun, don’t trespass and stay hydrated—and bring your camera!

 

Can I submit the Artificial Bird in my yard, on my roof, etc?

You can, but remember C.A.B.S. only maps ABs that are viewable from public space. If you’d like to submit an AB on private property, even your own, please provide documentation taken from public space. This means alleys, sidewalks and streets, but not in yards, on decks or behind gates.

 

I went looking for an AB on the map and couldn’t locate it. What should I do?

Remain calm and please contact C.A.B.S. We will investigate, but sadly we may need to remove the site from the map of current ABs.

 

I don’t live in the Greater Chicago area, but I’m interested in Artificial Birding. How can I get involved?

Regional AB groups are emerging every day. Please check with Artificial Birding International (ABI), the global federation for Artificial Birding, to see whether an AB group exists in your area, or for more information about founding your own chapter.

 

Is C.A.B.S. a member of ABI?

Yes, C.A.B.S. is proudly the founding affiliate of ABI, which is headquartered in Chicago.

 

C.A.B.S. is great, and I’d like to financially support it. How can I do that?

That is awfully nice, but like most projects that matter, we do it because we love it and because we believe it matters—not just to get people to give us their money. We did make some nice tote bags, which are super affordable. Send us an email to find out how to purchase one.

 

What is the history of C.A.B.S.?

In May 2014, on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, New York, USA, Chicago-based artist Philip von Zweck proposed Artificial Birding as a modern, practical alternative to live birding in a conversation with artist Brian Taylor and composer D. Edward Davis, who was an enthusiastic member of the Brooklyn Bird Club. Inspired by the conversation’s implications and possibilities, von Zweck developed C.A.B.S., and ABI followed shortly after.

 

Contact info?

C.A.B.S. c/o Philip von Zweck

PO Box 667, Chicago, IL 60690

pvonzweck -at- yahoo- dot- com

 

Credits?

Philip von Zweck, Founder

Steve Ruiz, Chief Information Officer

John Kannenberg, Graphic Designer

Stacey Recht, Consultant