Williamsburg Regional Library

The meaning of birds, Simon Barnes

eng

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The meaning of birds

992577171

Simon Barnes

"One of our most eloquent nature writers offers a passionate and informative celebration of birds and their ability to help us understand the world we live in. As well as exploring how birds achieve the miracle of flight; why birds sing; what they tell us about the seasons of the year; and what their presence tells us about the places they inhabit, The Meaning of Birds muses on the uses of feathers, the drama of raptors, the slaughter of pheasants, the infidelities of geese, and the strangeness of feeling sentimental about blue tits while enjoying a chicken sandwich. From the mocking-birds of the Galapagos who guided Charles Darwin toward his evolutionary theory, to the changing patterns of migration that alert us to the reality of contemporary climate change, Simon Barnes explores both the intrinsic wonder of what it is to be a bird--and the myriad ways in which birds can help us understand the meaning of life."--Dust jacket flap

Taking wing -- Mine eyes have seen the glory -- Song of myself -- My place or yours? -- Dancing to the music of time -- The killing skies -- Finger-lickin' good -- Symbols at your door -- He stuck a feather in his hat -- The eureka birds -- The way of the dodo -- The fightback begins -- Birdwatchers, birders and twitchers -- Feed the birds, tuppence a bag -- Hope is the thing with feathers -- Birds mentioned in the text

adult