The Bobolink by John Burroughs
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience through observations of birds, particularly the Bobolink. The author reflects on the bird's migratory patterns, its social behavior, and its place in the ecosystem. He also draws parallels between the bird's life cycle and human existence, exploring themes such as mortality, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Essays, Ornithology · 1,169 words
First lines
The bobolink has a secure place in literature, having been laureated by no less a poet than Bryant, and invested with a lasting human charm in the sunny page of Irving, and is the only one of our songsters, I believe, that the mockingbird cannot parody or imitate. He affords the most marked example of exuberant pride, and a glad, rollicking, holiday spirit, that can be seen among our birds. Every note expresses complacency and glee. He is a beau of the first pattern, and, unlike any other bird of my acquaintance, pushes his gallantry to the point of wheeling gayly into the train of every female that comes along, even after the season of courtship is over and the matches are all settled; and when she leads him on too wild a chase, he turns lightly about and breaks out with a song that is precisely analogous to a burst of gay and self-satisfied laughter, as much as to say, "_Ha! ha! ha! I must have my fun, Miss Silverthimble, thimble, thimble, if I break every heart in the meadow, see, see, see! _"
What this Textopian page supports
The Bobolink is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: John Burroughs
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Essays, Ornithology, Poetry, Memoir
- Length: 1,169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bobolink by John Burroughs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bobolink?
- How does this essay by John Burroughs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Chimney Swift by John Burroughs
- The Chewink by John Burroughs
- The Robin by John Burroughs
- The Woodcocks Evening Hymn by John Burroughs
- The Downy Woodpecker by John Burroughs
Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the bobolink, exploring its behavior, habitat, and characteristics, typical of nature writing.
- Essays — The text presents a reflective and observational style, characteristic of essay writing, discussing themes of nature and bird behavior.
- Ornithology — The detailed examination of the bobolink's traits and nesting habits aligns with the study of birds.
- Poetry — The lyrical quality and vivid imagery evoke poetic elements, despite being primarily prose.
Tags
Nature Writing · Ornithology · Bird Watching · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Non-Fiction · Essay Collection · Wildlife Observation · Field Notes · Personal Narrative · Autobiographical Elements · Scientific Observation