Upon The Tree-Tops

by Olive Thorne Miller

"Upon The Tree-Tops" by Olive Thorne Miller is a nature-themed account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the intricacies of bird life, expressing the author's admiration for their individual traits and songs through a series of observations. The narrative serves as a blend of memoir and field observations, presenting a rich tapestry of the relationships between birds and their surroundings. At the start of the book, the author shares her desire to immerse herself in the tranquility of nature following a hectic city life. She finds herself in a solitary farmhouse in the Green Mountains, where she watches birds from her window, reflecting on their beauty and individuality. Soon, she is joined by a friend, an "Enthusiast" of birdwatching, and together they embark on forest explorations in search of specific birds, notably the hermit thrush and the oven-bird. Their excursions are filled with lyrical descriptions of the flora and fauna around them as they eagerly listen for the captivating songs of their feathered companions, setting the tone for an intimate journey into the world of birds.