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> This theory posits that the formic acid produced by ants might act as a sort of stimulant for birds, and might even be addictive. I like that idea. I also re
by rdtsc 8y ago
> This theory posits that the formic acid produced by ants might act as a sort of stimulant for birds, and might even be addictive.
I like that idea. I also remember growing up we used to put straw on top of ant hills waiting for ants to "attack it" with formic acid, then we'd lick the straw. It was a fun sour taste. Since birds groom their feathers, maybe they just enjoy it like kids might enjoy sour candy.
- plink 8y agoIs that you, Horty Bluett?
- rdtsc 8y agoYes that's me. I am enjoying my exciting new life as a carnival performer on HN Though it is hard to type with three missing fingers...
- dmix 8y agoWhere did you learn to do that?
- rdtsc 8y agoOther kids showed me. How did they learn? Not sure, same way :-) But yeah, at some point someone decided "Hey, I know, I'll put this stick in the anthill then lick it to see what it tastes like".