Birds, Illustrated by Color Photography, Vol. 1, No. 4 / April, 1897

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25874

Title

Birds, Illustrated by Color Photography, Vol. 1, No. 4 / April, 1897

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1897 issue of 'Birds' offers a vibrant introduction to avian life through color photography and engaging prose. Featuring essays by James Newton Baskett and Dr. W. T. Harris, the magazine explores bird anatomy, behavior, and ecology with a tone of wonder and advocacy for conservation. Ideal for educators and nature enthusiasts, it combines scientific observation with accessible storytelling to foster a love for protecting native songsters.

Summary up to 500 words

The April 1897 issue of 'Birds,' edited by Dr. W. T. Harris, presents a vibrant fusion of scientific ornithology and poetic appreciation for avian life. Edited with contributions from various authors, the publication aims to cultivate a protective attitude toward birds among children and the general public, citing a worrying decline in native populations due to human thoughtlessness. A significant portion is dedicated to 'Bird Day in the Schools,' a movement urging educators to foster sympathy for nature, noting that studying even one bird often converts a child into a lifelong friend of all birds. The issue features James Newton Baskett's comprehensive work, 'The Story of the Birds,' which explores evolutionary history, physical adaptations like feathers and bills, and complex social behaviors including nesting, migration, and communication. The text is illustrated with detailed color photographs and descriptions of specific species, each profile detailing habitat, diet, and unique characteristics. Featured species include the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, celebrated for its mellow night song and social nesting habits; the Canada Jay, known as the 'Camp Robber' for its boldness in raiding human camps; and the Purple Gallinule, a stout water-fowl with remarkable swimming membranes. Other profiles highlight the Smith's Painted Longspur, often overlooked but common in prairie fields; the Crossbill, whose name derives from a legend of it freeing the Savior from the cross; and the industrious California Woodpecker, which stores vast quantities of acorns in tree bark. The Pied-billed Grebe is described as a dedicated water-fowl that rarely leaves the water, while the Bohemian Wax-wing is praised for its silk-like plumage. The Marsh Wren is noted for building multiple nests to protect the female, and the Arizona Jay is depicted as a sociable foothill bird. Throughout the issue, the tone blends scientific rigor with sentimental advocacy. The text celebrates the aesthetic and practical value of birds as insect destroyers and songsters, while urgently calling for their preservation against threats like hunting and habitat loss. By combining field anecdotes, biological facts, and artistic illustrations, the magazine seeks to win popular favor and ensure the prosperity of both the publication and the birds it cherishes.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25874.epub

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Categories

• Science
• Zoology