
BY
INTRODUCTORY.
BABY BIRDS.
BIRD-STUDY IN A SOUTHERN STATE.
THE MOCKING-BIRD'S NEST.
A TRICKSY SPIRIT.
THE "WISE BLUEBIRD."
THE GOLDEN-WING.
A STORMY WOOING.
FLUTTERBUDGET.
In this vivid collection, the author invites listeners into the bustling world of backyard birds, sharing close‑up observations that make each feathered neighbor feel like a familiar companion. Through lyrical narration of nest building, egg‑laying, and the first clumsy attempts at flight, the book paints a portrait of avian life that’s both scientific and deeply human.
The narrative begins with a quiet summer morning on an elm tree, where a drama unfolds between a bold blackbird and a pair of orioles defending their leafy hammock. Listeners hear the chorus of husky calls, bright oriole trills, and the muffled rustle of wings as a fledgling makes its daring departure from the nest. The author’s careful ear captures details most of us miss, turning ordinary garden sounds into a symphony of survival.
Beyond the intrigue of predator‑prey encounters, the book reflects on how our own perception shapes the way we understand these creatures, urging a more attentive, compassionate gaze. It’s an intimate guide that celebrates the small miracles of nest life, perfect for anyone who wishes to hear nature’s hidden conversations.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (308K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Robin Monks, Joseph Cooper, Leonard Johnson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-05-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1831–1918
Best known for writing as Olive Thorne Miller, she brought birds and everyday nature to life in a way that felt warm, observant, and inviting. Her books joined careful watching with an easy style that helped make nature writing more popular with general readers and young audiences alike.
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