My pets : Real happenings in my aviary

A boy growing up near San Francisco discovers a box of four orphaned owls and decides to rescue them, launching a lifelong fascination with birds. He learns the practicalities of feeding, warming, and protecting his new feathers‑filled charges, turning ordinary schoolyard walks into lessons in compassion. The narrative blends vivid descriptions of the Bay Area landscape with the quiet routines of caring for delicate creatures, showing how a simple act of kindness can spark a whole aviary.

As his collection expands, the narrator encounters a range of feathered and furry companions—from sparrowhawks to gallinules—each with its own personality and quirks. He documents the challenges of finding suitable food, dealing with jealous dogs, and navigating the seasonal rhythms of the San Mateo hills. Through diary‑like recounting, the story offers a window into early 20th‑century wildlife keeping, inviting listeners to hear the chirps, rustles, and occasional mischief of an ever‑growing aviary.