Birds, Birds, Birds, Nature, and Books

We have a robin's nest on our deck. It is such fun to sit and watch mom and dad feed the babies. And the babies. Wobbly little heads with huge open mouths. Can you see the little bit of fuzz on the babies head?

Robin Redbreast

 I always feel special when a bird decides to nest in my yard. I believe it is because I make it a safe and happy place to raise young. I enjoy watching the birds at the feeders and this spring, we have had many migrating visitors that I have never noticed before. The more I know about birds, the easier it is to spot new ones and begin to figure out what type of bird they are.

Available at Anderson Bookshop

A really cool book I just learned about is called, Look up! Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard by Annette LeBlanc Cate. In a mere 51 pages, she provides so much information on ways to bird watch and understand birds. She breaks things down by shape, color, habits, sound, and more. Most people don't get excited about robins as they are around quite a bit, but I love to watch them.  The way they cock their head before they peck in the grass bringing up food amazes me. Annette even wrote a little song about the robins. It reminds us, that there is more to bird watching than just seeing the bird and knowing what kind it is. You learn about their behaviors and lifestyles too. This is a great book to get you started bird watching and nature journaling.

Available at Anderson Bookshop

A new release this year is How the Finch Got His Colors by Annemarie Riley Guertin. The illustrations are by Helena Perez Garcia. So lovely and full of joy. This folktale is the story of how the animals got their colors. A long time ago they were all the colors of dirt, clay, and stone. You'll have to read this tale to find out what happens and where the beautiful colors come from especially for the Gouldian Finch.

Scarlet Tanager at Colored Sands Forest Preserve in Rockton, IL

Available at 57th Street Books

Follow the seasons and animals in the lovely book,  Drawn From Nature by Helen Ahpornsiri. Each page is filled with pressed flower illustrations. Details and interesting information on birds, mammals, plants, and insects abound. This is a book that you will want to look at over and over again.

The bunnies in my backyard

You can check these books out from your local public library or purchase them for your own collection. I have included links to two great independent bookstores. While it's easy to order online, the experience of time spent in independent bookstores and libraries, surrounds you in books, curiosity, and dreams.