The Cedar-Bird by John Burroughs

Name: The Cedar-Bird
Author: John Burroughs

This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience through observations of birds, particularly the cedar-bird. The author reflects on the symbolism and significance of this bird species in various cultures and its role in the ecosystem.

By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Descriptive Prose, Non-Fiction · 719 words

First lines

How alert and vigilant the birds are, even when absorbed in building their nests! In an open space in the woods I see a pair of cedar-birds collecting moss from the top of a dead tree. Following the direction in which they fly, I soon discover the nest placed in the fork of a small soft maple, which stands amid a thick growth of wild cherry-trees and young beeches. Carefully concealing myself beneath it, without any fear that the workmen will hit me with a chip or let fall a tool, I await the return of the busy pair. Presently I hear the well-known note, and the female sweeps down and settles unsuspectingly into the half-finished structure. Hardly have her wings rested before her eye has penetrated my screen, and with a hurried movement of alarm she darts away. In a moment the male, with a tuft of wool in his beak (for there is a sheep pasture near), joins her, and the two reconnoitre the premises from the surrounding bushes. With their beaks still loaded, they flit round with a frightened look, and refuse to approach the nest till I have moved off and lain down behind a log. Then one of them ventures to alight upon the nest, but, still suspecting all is not right, quickly darts away again. Then they both together come, and after much peeping and spying about, and apparently much anxious consultation, cautiously proceed to work. In less than half an hour it would seem that wool enough has been brought to supply the whole family, real and prospective, with socks, if needles and fingers could be found fine enough to knit it up. In less than a week the female has begun to deposit her eggs, -- four of them in as many days, -- white tinged with purple, with black spots on the larger end. After two weeks of incubation the young are out.

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The Cedar-Bird 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, Descriptive Prose, Non-Fiction, Essay, Wildlife Observation
Length: 719 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observation of birds and their behaviors in a natural setting, emphasizing the beauty and intricacies of wildlife.
Descriptive Prose — The writing style is rich in detail, vividly describing the environment and the actions of the cedar-birds.
Non-Fiction — The content is based on real observations and facts about bird behavior and nesting habits.
Essay — The piece reflects personal insights and contemplations on nature, characteristic of essay writing.