The Song Sparrow 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 song sparrow. The author reflects on the bird'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 1917 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Essay · 2,026 words
First lines
The first song sparrow's nest I observed in the spring of 1881 was in a field under a fragment of a board, the board being raised from the ground a couple of inches by two poles. It had its full complement of eggs, and probably sent forth a brood of young birds, though as to this I cannot speak positively, as I neglected to observe it further. It was well sheltered and concealed, and was not easily come at by any of its natural enemies, save snakes and weasels. But concealment often avails little. In May, a song sparrow, which had evidently met with disaster earlier in the season, built its nest in a thick mass of woodbine against the side of my house, about fifteen feet from the ground. Perhaps it took the hint from its cousin the English sparrow. The nest was admirably placed, protected from the storms by the overhanging eaves and from all eyes by the thick screen of leaves. Only by patiently watching the suspicious bird, as she lingered near with food in her beak, did I discover its whereabouts. That brood is safe, I thought, beyond doubt. But it was not: the nest was pillaged one night, either by an owl, or else by a rat that had climbed into the vine, seeking an entrance to the house. The mother bird, after reflecting upon her ill luck about a week, seemed to resolve to try a different system of tactics, and to throw all appearances of concealment aside. She built a nest a few yards from the house, beside the drive, upon a smooth piece of greensward.
What this Textopian page supports
The Song Sparrow is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Burroughs, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Essay, Memoir, Environmental Literature
- Length: 2,026 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Chipping Sparrow by John Burroughs
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observations and experiences related to the song sparrow and its environment, emphasizing the beauty and intricacies of nature.
- Non-Fiction — The text presents factual accounts and personal observations about birds and their behaviors, rooted in real experiences.
- Essay — The format and style resemble an essay, reflecting on themes of nature, survival, and the relationship between humans and wildlife.
- Memoir — The narrative includes personal reflections and experiences, providing a subjective view of the author's interactions with nature.
Tags
Nature Writing · American Literature · Ornithology · Bird Watching · Memoir · Autobiography · Personal Narrative · Wildlife Observation · Seasonal Themes · Rural Life · Farmland · Agriculture