Bird-Nesting Time by John Burroughs
The narrative revolves around the natural world and the changing seasons. The author describes the process of birds building their nests, highlighting the intricate details and the various materials used in this process. The text also touches on the theme of renewal and rebirth, as the author notes the arrival of spring and the subsequent awakening of nature from its winter slumber. Throughout the narrative, the author's focus remains on the natural world, with a particular emphasis on the behaviors and habits of birds.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Essay · 1,942 words
First lines
The other day I sat for an hour watching a pair of wood thrushes engaged in building their nest near "Slabsides. " I say a pair, though the female really did all the work. The male hung around and was evidently an interested spectator of the proceeding. The mother bird was very busy bringing and placing the material, consisting mainly of dry maple leaves which the winter had made thin and soft, and which were strewn over the ground all about. How pretty she looked, running over the ground, now in shade, now in sunshine, searching for the leaves that were just to her fancy! Sometimes she would seize two or more and with a quick, soft flight bear them to the fork of the little maple sapling. Every five or six minutes during her absence, the male would come and inspect her work. He would look it over, arrange a leaf or two with his beak, and then go his way. Twice he sat down in the nest and worked his feet and pressed it with his breast, as if shaping it. When the female found him there on her return, he quickly got out of her way.
What this Textopian page supports
Bird-Nesting Time is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Burroughs, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Burroughs
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Essay, Wildlife Observation, Environmental Literature
- Length: 1,942 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bird-Nesting Time by John Burroughs
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observation of birds and their behaviors, emphasizing the beauty and intricacies of nature.
- Non-Fiction — The text presents factual accounts of bird nesting behaviors and ecological observations.
- Essay — The format and style resemble an essay, reflecting personal insights and reflections on nature.
- Wildlife Observation — The primary content revolves around the detailed observation of wildlife, particularly birds.
Tags
Nature Writing · American Literature · Essay Collection · Wildlife Observation · Ornithology · Seasonal Themes · Springtime · Birdwatching · Conservation · Environmentalism · Rural Life · Farmland