**Birds of a Feather: Tales of a Wild Bird Haven**
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of a wild bird haven, where feathered residents thrive amid a tapestry of habitats meticulously crafted to nurture their diverse needs. Through Linda Johns' captivating narrative, discover the intricate lives of these winged wonders, their resilience, and the profound bond between humans and wildlife.
Step into the tranquil sanctuary of the aviary, where an array of species flit and flutter in harmonious coexistence. Observe the vibrant plumage of parrots, with their playful antics and enigmatic vocalizations. Witness the graceful swoop of hawks and falcons, their piercing gaze and lightning-fast reflexes. Marvel at the diminutive hummingbirds, their iridescent wings shimmering as they dart through the air like miniature rainbows.
Explore the sprawling meadows, a haven for ground-dwelling birds. Listen to the melodious songs of robins and wrens, their cheerful voices filling the air. Watch as sparrows and finches forage for seeds, their delicate beaks expertly navigating the undergrowth. Encounter the elusive woodpeckers, their sharp bills tapping rhythmically against tree trunks as they search for hidden insects.
Journey to the shimmering pond, where waterbirds find respite and sustenance. Observe the elegant glide of swans, their pristine feathers reflecting the sunlight. Watch as ducks quack and paddle, their webbed feet propelling them effortlessly through the water. Marvel at the aerial acrobatics of kingfishers, their lightning-fast dives into the depths to secure their prey.
Venture into the lush woodlands, where trees provide shelter and nesting sites for a myriad of avian species. Listen to the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers, their calls echoing through the foliage. Witness the acrobatic feats of nuthatches, their agile bodies clinging to tree trunks as they search for hidden treasures. Discover the shy and secretive owls, their nocturnal eyes piercing the darkness.
Experience the transformative power of nature as you witness the nesting, courtship, and fledging of these fascinating creatures. Learn about their remarkable adaptations, their intricate social structures, and the delicate balance that sustains this thriving ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of a wild bird haven, where the symphony of nature's wonders unfolds before your very eyes.
Winner, Evelyn Richardson Memorial Prize for Non-Fiction
Well-known naturalist and artist Linda Johns shares her woodland home with a menagerie of injured wild birds - starlings, blue jays, pigeons, baby woodpeckers, a rose-breasted grosbeak, a semi-palmated sandpiper, and even a gannet. She and her "saner half," Mack, have gone so far as to transform their living room into an indoor forest, complete with two dead trees providing a variety of perches and a screened porch making do as a practise flyway. Johns nurses her feathered convalescents day and night, helping them to drink and bathe and hunt, and gaining deep insights into their highly individual personalities. Most she attempts to release back into the wild but a few, inevitably, move in to stay.
Birds of a Feather: Tales of a Wild Bird Haven is a warm and funny account of eight months - from May to December - in the life of this caring wildlife rescuer. Fans of Johns's earlier wildlife books will relish her humorous descriptions of the antics of such irresistible characters as Blossom, the media-savvy chicken, and the goats Mower and Munch. Enhanced by line drawings of her avian housemates, this delightful collection of anecdotes in the tradition of James Herriot and Farley Mowat celebrates some of Nature's smallest and most awe-inspiring miracles.
Author: Johns, Linda
Publisher: Goose Lane Editions
Illustration: y
Language: ENG
Title: Birds of a Feather: Tales of a Wild Bird Haven
Pages: 00265 (Unencrypted EPUB)
On Sale: 2010-11-01
SKU-13/ISBN: 9780864924308
Category: Nature : Birdwatching Guides
