Even if you are not dx with an autism spectrum disorder there could be aspects of that spectrum that apply to you, or any other person for that matter. Having difficulty with abstract and vague statements or metaphors could certainly be a part of that. I understand that your friends were frustrated when trying to talk to you, but it doesn't sound like they were doing it very nicely, and if they were truly concerned for you I would hope they would handle your feelings with a bit more care.

I do not know what they were trying to tell you, other than it seems clear that they were expressing their frustration in not being able to communicate with you in what they consider an effective way. This can be very frustrating for me with basically everyone I try to communicate with from time to time, because as humans, it can be hard using language to try to communicate something non-verbal.

With a bird, my understanding is that communication is much clearer than it is with humans, which is perhaps why you are so drawn to them and your love of bird songs. The rhythms and notes are used to express what they are trying to say, and having to choose one of many words that means the same thing, or close to the same thing but kind of different, can be really confusing and causes a lot of trouble for people in life, on this forum, and basically any time they come into play. Words are like a puzzle. When you put them together one way, they mean something. Then when you take those same words and put them together another way, they can mean something completely different. Does that make sense?

Hope this helps.

Can you ask your friends to try to explain what they meant to you?