A Short Philosophy of Birds

This charming and engaging book invites the reader to consider what we can learn from the life of birds on common themes such as vulnerability, equality, following the rhythms of nature, family, love, freedom, fidelity, pleasure and beauty. Each chapter uses ornithological observations (with chapter heading etchings) to illustrate and reflect on patterns that link us together. We are all subject to life and death, growing up in families before striking out on our own paths. Some reflections are also allegorical, for instance the loss of our sense of direction and the reasons for travelling. We learn, for instance, that the Arctic tern travels an incredible 55,000 miles every year. All species have to balance individual survival and self-assertion with care for others. Beauty can mean that we can get caught up in appearances and 'all too often, we humans mistake strength for courage, power for bravery.' In reading this book, I was reminded of the chapter on birds from Viscount Grey's Fallodon Papers – there is much that we can learn from nature and its rhythms, and in this case from birds. I recommend that you read the book yourself, then place it in your guest bedroom.