
Step into a late‑19th‑century celebration of avian music, where scientific curiosity meets poetic wonder. The author blends careful observation with lyrical prose, asking why birds sing and how their melodies shape the natural world. Color photographs, rare for the era, bring each feathered performer to life, making the listening experience feel like a walk through a sun‑lit garden.
Among the highlighted singers are the ruby‑throated hummingbird, whose wing‑buzz eclipses its faint squeak, and the bright yellow warbler, whose cheerful trill brightens spring mornings. The mournful coos of the dove, the unmistakable call of the cuckoo, and the metallic thread of the ruby‑crowned kinglet each receive thoughtful commentary that invites listeners to hear their distinct personalities. With vivid descriptions and historic illustrations, the book offers a gentle invitation to become a student of bird song, even if you’ve never held a field guide before.
Full title
Birds, Illustrated by Color Photography, Vol. 2, No. 3 September 1897
Language
en
Duration
~58 minutes (55K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Anne Storer, some images courtesy of The Internet Archive and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-11-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A collection shaped by many different voices, backgrounds, and eras, bringing together a wide range of styles and perspectives in one place.
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