The Audubon Society’s definitions of “Birbs” continues to amuse me and often, when I see a bird, that bird’s appearance in relationship to those definitions is on my mind. Audubon clarifies the online avian classification of “Birb” as birds that are small, round, and the always cute. They go on to define “Borbs” (fat birds), and “Floofs” (fluffed up birds). Most birds of prey are usually, though not always, excluded from “Birbness” and “Borbness,” but they can, and do, “floof” at will so ruffled birds of prey can definitely be “Floofs.” Audubon clarifies that “Birb” and “Borb” are nouns and “Floof” can be either noun or verb. “Floof” is definitely more of an action on the bird’s part. When this majestic Great Gray Owl at Sax-Zim Bog fluffed its feathers a few weeks ago, it suddenly took on the appearance (to me) of a “Birb” or at least a “Borb” and most definitely a “Floof.” In fact, I think that it is round enough and cute enough that it should qualify as both a “Birb” and a “Borb” too.