The Whip-Poor-Will 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 Whip-Poor-Will. The essays are written in a lyrical style, with vivid descriptions of the bird's song and its habits. The author reflects on the significance of the bird's presence in the natural world and its impact on the human psyche. Throughout the work, the author grapples with themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Memoir · 1,211 words
First lines
One day in May, walking in the woods, I came upon the nest of a whip-poor-will, or rather its eggs, for it builds no nest, -- two elliptical whitish spotted eggs lying upon the dry leaves. My foot was within a yard of the mother bird before she flew. I wondered what a sharp eye would detect curious or characteristic in the ways of the bird, so I came to the place many times and had a look. It was always a task to separate the bird from her surroundings, though I stood within a few feet of her, and knew exactly where to look. One had to bear on with his eye, as it were, and refuse to be baffled. The sticks and leaves, and bits of black or dark-brown bark, were all exactly copied in the bird's plumage. And then she did sit so close, and simulate so well a shapeless, decaying piece of wood or bark! Twice I brought a companion, and, guiding his eye to the spot, noted how difficult it was for him to make out there, in full view upon the dry leaves, any semblance to a bird. When the bird returned after being disturbed, she would alight within a few inches of her eggs, and then, after a moment's pause, hobble awkwardly upon them.
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The Whip-Poor-Will 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, Non-Fiction, Memoir, Wildlife Observation, Philosophical
- Length: 1,211 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- The Hen Hawk by John Burroughs
- The Cowbird by John Burroughs
- The Catbird by John Burroughs
- The Robin by John Burroughs
- Under The Maples by John Burroughs
- The Chickadee by John Burroughs
Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the detailed observation of a bird and its behavior, emphasizing the beauty and intricacies of nature.
- Non-Fiction — The text presents factual descriptions and personal experiences related to the whip-poor-will, grounded in real-life observations.
- Memoir — The narrative includes personal reflections and experiences of the author in relation to the bird and its environment.
- Wildlife Observation — The primary focus is on observing and documenting the behavior and characteristics of the whip-poor-will.
Tags
Nature Writing · American Literature · Essay Collection · Wildlife Observation · Bird Watching · Conservation · Environmentalism · Rural Life · Farmland · Agriculture · Seasonal Change · Weather