Instructions for:  Balancing Bird

       This is a commercially available toy.  The outstretched wings of the bird contain small lead weights (which should not be removed, as lead is harmful) that lower the center of gravity of the bird to a point below the balance point, the bird’s beak.  In effect, the bird is hanging down from this point (its center of gravity certainly is), not precariously balanced, as the illusion would suggest.  Place the bird’s beak in other places, your finger or nose for example; the bird will balance equally as well.

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