Maybe we can get this moved to "Flank Openings"...but there is a lot of info on 1.f4 in that section...

thanks for your help on opening ideas Bird Brain.

I don't know why this is in the French section, but there are various ways to meet the Bird.  Plus, it depends on what kind of Bird you are talking about.  There are e3 setups, g3 setups, etc...so it depends.  The above mentioned setup is kind of a "universal" way to develop against the Bird, but it will also be a setup that most Bird players are most familiar with, and therefore they understand it very well.  So my suggestion, if you like that, try it.  If you like tactics, study a bit on From's Gambit, 1...e5!? (note - some 1. f4 players will play 2. e4, the King's Gambit, at this point, so be ready).  If you prefer the Sicilian, just play 1...c5 and develop along your normal routes.

If you want to prevent (or fight) against the early queen fianchetto, then 1...g6 is the way to go.   

To answer this question better, it is good to know what kind of setups you like to play for.  I also like some of the ...c6 lines for Black against the Bird - not as aggressive, but definitely playable.

Playing in the way White classically does against the Dutch, with moves such as ...d5, Nf6, g6, Bg7, 0-0, c5 and Nc6, is quite normal and good.