The Chipping Sparrow
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience through observations of birds, particularly the Chipping Sparrow. The author reflects on the sparrow's habits, habitats, and behaviors, using them as a lens to examine themes such as mortality, morality, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
By John Burroughs · First published 1887 · Genre: Nature Writing, Essay, Non-Fiction · 560 words
First lines
When the true flycatcher catches a fly, it is quick business. There is no strife, no pursuit, -- one fell swoop, and the matter is ended. Now note that yonder little sparrow is less skilled. It is the chippy, and he finds his subsistence properly in various seeds and the larvae of insects, though he occasionally has higher aspirations, and seeks to emulate the pewee, commencing and ending his career as a flycatcher by an awkward chase after a beetle or "miller. " He is hunting around in the grass now, I suspect, with the desire to indulge this favorite whim. There! -- the opportunity is afforded him. Away goes a little cream-colored meadow-moth in the most tortuous course he is capable of, and away goes Chippy in pursuit. The contest is quite comical, though I dare say it is serious enough to the moth. The chase continues for a few yards, when there is a sudden rushing to cover in the grass, -- then a taking to wing again, when the search has become too close, and the moth has recovered his wind. Chippy chirps angrily, and is determined not to be beaten. Keeping, with the slightest effort, upon the heels of the fugitive, he is ever on the point of halting to snap him up, but never quite does it; and so, between disappointment and expectation, is soon disgusted, and returns to pursue his more legitimate means of subsistence.
What this Textopian page supports
The Chipping Sparrow is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Burroughs, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Essay, Non-Fiction, Memoir, Animal Behavior
- Length: 560 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Chipping Sparrow by John Burroughs
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Song Sparrow by John Burroughs
- The Hen Hawk by John Burroughs
- The Downy Woodpecker by John Burroughs
- The Baltimore Oriole by John Burroughs
- The House Wren by John Burroughs
- Under The Maples by John Burroughs
Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the behavior and characteristics of the chipping sparrow, emphasizing observations of wildlife.
- Essay — The text presents a reflective and descriptive exploration of a specific subject, typical of essay format.
- Non-Fiction — The content is based on real observations and experiences, providing factual information about the sparrow.
- Memoir — The narrative includes personal reflections and experiences related to the author's observations of nature.
Tags
Nature Writing · American Literature · Ornithology · Bird Watching · Memoir · Autobiography · Wildlife Observation · Conservation · Environmentalism · Rural Life · Farmland · Seasonal Change