Fascinated by birds > Likes and Comments

The reading for this month asks us to consider our feathered neighbors.

Of all non-mammalian creatures, it is perhaps birds that we humans are most fascinated by. Why might this be so?

The obvious reason is of course their near-magical ability to fly. But bats and butterflies can also do this.

Their ubiquity is no doubt part of their charm. Go outside nearly anywhere and it won't be long before some manner of bird makes itself known either by its flitting about or by its calls.

Birds can't help but draw our attention esthetically as well, with their vibrant colors and often surprisingly beautiful songs.

And though they are decidedly alien to humans in terms of their behavior, it is quite common for people and birds to coexist and form familiar bonds. Anyone who has lived with birds can attest to their social nature and "personality."

Jennifer Ackerman points toward the intelligence of birds and their incredible adaptability.

If you are reading along, please leave a comment on something you learned, a question or observation about birds and our fascination with them.

Our in-person discussion will be on October 4 at 10:30 AM at Baltimore Woods Nature Center.
https://baltimorewoods.org/bookgroup/

I absolutely loved this book. Ackerman puts together such an amazing collection of stories, anecdotes, and SCIENCE to show us how incredible birds are in terms of their intellect and emotions— bird brains no more, more like brainiacs!

I also (full disclosure) wanted to slip in a shameless plug for my book, UPLIFT, a novel told entirely through the eyes of wild birds, because I think many in this group would enjoy it! I’m running a giveaway right now through Xmas Day (enter on the book page - link below)

A multiple award-winner told entirely through the eyes of wild birds and other nonhumans, it’s been compared to Watership Down for its use of realistic animal narrators. As an author, I felt it was high time to give other intelligent, sentient beings a voice for a change, wouldn’t you agree?!🦉🐘🐬

Happy holidays and Peace on earth. ☺️

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thanks Jessica.
I will put Uplift out there for consideration to our members when we are ready to pick our next novel. Sounds like something the group would appreciate.

That would be awesome. Thanks, Todd!