In Nesting Time

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25292

Title

In Nesting Time

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Olive Thorne Miller invites readers into the intimate world of bird life, offering genuine studies from nature that reveal the personalities, struggles, and social dynamics of various species. With a tone of deep affection and careful observation, this collection captures the joys and tragedies of nesting, courtship, and family life among birds, appealing to all who love the natural world.

Summary up to 500 words

In Nesting Time by Olive Thorne Miller offers a vivid, intimate portrait of avian life, challenging the notion that wild creatures are merely objects for study or sport. Miller urges readers to listen with an open heart, presenting birds not as abstract specimens but as unique individuals with distinct personalities, emotions, and family bonds. Through meticulous observation, the book documents the precarious early days of fledglings, contrasting the frantic, crying nature of Baltimore Orioles and Redwing Blackbirds with the patient, silent waiting of Wood Thrushes. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to the dramatic courtship rituals of the Orchard Oriole. Miller describes a chaotic scene where two males vie for the affection of a single female. The older, more persistent suitor relentlessly pursues the female, while the younger, less aggressive rival struggles to win her favor. This rivalry escalates into a series of noisy chases, territorial disputes, and even a grotesque 'war-dance' where the two males mimic each other's movements before abruptly flying apart in a display of victory. Despite the turbulence, the female maintains her own agency, often fleeing the older suitor to follow the younger one, only to be forced back by his persistence. The narrative extends beyond the oriole family to explore complex social interactions between species. Miller notes how orioles visit mocking-bird nests and pine-tree nuthatch colonies, displaying curiosity rather than malice. She also highlights the territorial disputes between orioles and kingbirds, where the oriole is caught stealing feathers from the kingbird's nest. Ultimately, In Nesting Time serves as both a natural history record and a celebration of the vibrant, noisy, and deeply emotional lives of birds. Miller concludes that every bird is a 'brother of ours,' deserving of respect and understanding rather than exploitation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25292.epub

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Categories

• Science
• Nature