As if we needed any more evidence that we in south Louisiana are inextricably linked with our Canadian cousins, it turns out that in the Yukon, drinking alcohol is a very popular thing. Yes, I know that is clear across the country from Nova Scotia, which is where our Acadian cousins are, but still, it's Canada.

Imbibing is so popular in the Canadian town of Whitehorse, that even the animal population has gotten into it — to the point that it has become a real problem.

It seems that this time of year (you know, the holidays), flocks of birds — specifically, the Bohemian waxwing — gorge on mountain ash berries, which have become fermented after freezing and thawing and are getting the poor little things drunk.

We're talking drunk to the point of flying into windows, and according to one animal expert, "acting strangely."

The birds are flying around while intoxicated (FWI) and wreaking havoc with their outrageous behavior.

You've probably seen it here many times. Slurring speech, weaving in and out, bumping into things and acting all-out belligerent (like your uncle Frank) when someone tries to tell you, you really should reign it in a little.

This alarming behavior has led animal authorities to issue the following plea, which I am not making up.

"If you come across a little bird that is drunk or unconscious, Environment Yukon will take it and put it in a holding tank of sorts — a hamster cage — so they can sober up until they are able to be released."

What does a drunk tank for birds look like? A little bed, water, a small cup of coffee and some wheat toast and eggs by the bedside.

The good thing is, these birds aren't getting behind the wheel of a car. The bad news is, they are flying. And, as we've seen when pilots try to fly drunk, the ending can be tragic.

"Tipsy birds have a harder time controlling their flight movements, and like people, their coordination under the influence is wonky. It can even be deadly," said one animal expert.

My question is more to the root of the problem. Are the birds getting drunk on purpose or by accident?

Well, the Yukon happens to host Canada's highest rate of human alcohol consumption and the waxwing's fruit of choice are orange berries from the Mountain Ash tree, a popular ornamental shrub there.

Coincidence? I think not.

But scientists are not saying for sure if the birds are intentionally binging on the berries to get drunk.

"All of us ornithologists are aware of literature that has birds being intoxicated from eating fermented fruit, but I've never heard of them actually seeking it out," said one expert.

If they are doing it intentionally, however, animal control officials have a plan for that. They will give the avian offenders refuge for say, a few hours, until they sober up.

"Or, if more care is required, like one bird last week, it goes to rehab at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve," added the expert.

I think it's safe to say that Whitehorse authorities have a message for their birds: Don't drink and fly.

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