Watching Birds: Reflections on the Wing

Anyone who has paused to watch a bird in flight or resting on a branch can understand the spiritual significance birds had to ancient Indian tribes. Their presence seems eternal, and the mere mortal in us hopes that by observing them, we will learn the secrets to our existence. What else could explain the liberal references to birds in literature from Chaucer to Heaney?Now, in her book of essays, Watching Birds: Reflections on the Wing, Ann Taylor captures some of those literary references and puts them into modern day perspective for the ordinary mortal venturing into the new millennium. Ann Taylor's book of essays, recalling birds in literature, does, in true De Montaigne style, attempt to explain why birds capture our imagination and compel us to observe them with reverence and awe. ----Marie Coady, columnist, Daily Times Chronicle

This differs from most of the bird books I have reviewed in that it provides literary views of birds and their world. Prof Taylor admits having been fooled by a fake owl, being unable to draw birds, and never mastering the recognition of bird songs. Yet, she takes great pleasure in both real and literary birds, sharing that enthusiasm with her students. I found her essays on foreign travel especially interesting because she keenly observed birds, birdwatchers, and customs in England, Italy, Kenya, and India. If you enjoy clearly written essays unified by a love of birds, you should read "Watching Birds" by Ann Taylor.