Bird Stories from Burroughs Sketches of Bird Life Taken from the Works of John Burroughs

by John Burroughs

"Bird Stories from Burroughs" by John Burroughs is a collection of sketches dedicated to bird life, likely written in the late 19th century. This compilation gathers various accounts from the author's notable writings, offering readers an insight into the behaviors, habits, and experiences he had with birds in northeastern America. The book aims to invite readers, especially younger audiences, into the study and appreciation of birdwatching. The opening of the work begins with a detailed description of the bluebird, highlighting the male's courtship behavior and parenting duties. Burroughs describes an amusing encounter where a bluebird struggles to feed its young with a cicada, showcasing both the bird's tenderness and the chaotic nature of parenting. The narrative further unfolds into an adventure in the woods, where the author and a companion discover a bluebird nest and witness the challenges the mother faces when the nest is disturbed. This opening sets a charming tone, portraying the intimate and often humorous interactions between birds and their environments.