The Screech Owl by John Burroughs
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience through observations of birds, particularly owls. The author reflects on the symbolism and significance of these nocturnal creatures in various cultures and their role in the ecosystem.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Essays, Wildlife Observation · 1,612 words
First lines
At one point in the grayest, most shaggy part of the woods, I come suddenly upon a brood of screech owls, full grown, sitting together upon a dry, moss-draped limb, but a few feet from the ground. I pause within four or five yards of them and am looking about me, when my eye lights upon these gray, motionless figures. They sit perfectly upright, some with their backs and some with their breasts toward me, but every head turned squarely in my direction. Their eyes are closed to a mere black line; through this crack they are watching me, evidently thinking themselves unobserved. The spectacle is weird and grotesque, and suggests something impish and uncanny. It is a new effect, the night side of the woods by daylight. After observing them a moment I take a single step toward them, when, quick as thought, their eyes fly wide open, their attitude is changed, they bend, some this way, some that, and, instinct with life and motion, stare wildly around them. Another step, and they all take flight but one, which stoops low on the branch, and with the look of a frightened cat regards me for a few seconds over its shoulder. They fly swiftly and softly, and disperse through the trees.
What this Textopian page supports
The Screech Owl 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, Essays, Wildlife Observation, Descriptive Prose, Memoir
- Length: 1,612 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Screech Owl 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
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Similar titles
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- The Robin by John Burroughs
- The Winter Wren by John Burroughs
- The Chickadee by John Burroughs
- The Chimney Swift by John Burroughs
- The Downy Woodpecker by John Burroughs
Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observation and description of owls and their behaviors in a natural setting.
- Essays — The text presents reflective and descriptive prose, typical of essay writing, exploring themes of nature and wildlife.
- Wildlife Observation — The narrative centers on the detailed observation of owls, highlighting their characteristics and interactions.
- Descriptive Prose — The writing style emphasizes vivid descriptions of the owls and their environment.
Tags
Nature Writing · American Literature · Essay Collection · Wildlife Observation · Ornithology · Conservation · Environmentalism · Rural Life · Memoir · Autobiographical Elements · Personal Narrative · Observational Style