Birds of the Air

Eyes and No Eyes #4

by Arabella Burton Buckley

Fourth volume in the "Eyes and No Eyes" series, introduces the youthful reader to bird life, beginning with birds of home and garden and ending with water birds and birds of prey. Children learn how to identify birds, why birds sing songs, how they build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young, where they sleep, and how they feed in summer, migrate in autumn, and survive the winter. Eight color illustrations and numerous black and white drawings complement the text. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Genres: Nature, Science, Science Nature, Nonfiction, Childrens, Birds, Classics

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1901

About the author

Arabella Burton Buckley (1840–1929) was a writer and science educator.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoyed this book, packed with information in a quaint, conversational tone. But it is worth noting that Buckley wrote in England about English birds, making it harder for an American audience to connect. When she says “you’ve surely seen …” I have to reply that I surely haven’t.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Arabella Buckley books are growing on me. My children really enjoy them and developed a good, genuine interest in birds. Even though they mention many birds that don't live near me, the general ideas are what prevail, with the local birds only being an illustration of them.

[Kareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re a bird-loving family (we even have a pet bird!), and Birds of the Air by Arabella Buckley was a perfect fit. It helped us learn so much about birds in a gentle, story-like way. My daughters were curious and engaged—we now notice more bird behavior around us and appreciate them even more. A beautiful blend of science and wonder!

[I Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely educational book, it introduces children (and adults!) to the lives of common British birds in a friendly, conversational way which engages the reader and doesn't make them feel they are being taught, rather chatted to. Despite this easy style, the text actually contains a lot of information and I'm sure would inspire youngsters to take notice of the birds around them and find out more.

An old piece still relevant for today.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio version is well-read. The content encourages wonder and is informative enough to give kids an idea of what birds' lives are like.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book is a textbook written for students and teachers back in the 1800's. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and wished it had been written about Australian birds instead of English ones. The author obviously had a passion for both birds and education, although I was surprised by her suggestion that readers take any opportunity to examine dead birds. Ick! Though perhaps my response is hypocritical. When my son was quite young and very interested in biology, he would always examine a chicken when I cleaned it before cooking, so he could take a close up look at all the innards.
I listened to the librivox audiobook, which was very well read and rather helpful in sending me off to sleep.