The Thing with Feathers (a book of wisdom from birds)

Often if we can’t find solutions to problems, all we need do is to look at the animal kingdom: other creatures rest when tired, fast when sick, forgive when hurt and accept nature’s laws. Here are some lovely books to find out more, and be inspired.

The Thing with Feathers is an illustrated ode to the wisdom to learn from our bird friends. They remind us that while life may be tethered to earth, it always holds the possibility of flight.

In this book, the author invites you to learn from our winged companions, from building nests and raising  young to weathering storms and seeking distant horizons. Birds embody the bravery, resilience and spirit that guide our own paths.

The book draws inspiration from the poet Emily Dickinson’s line ‘hope is the thing with feathers’, and includes musings and simple drawings, each page an insight how nature (and birds in particular) can guide us through life’s challenges.

Read our posts on how to create safe havens for birds (feeding, nest-boxes, protecting from cats) and preventing bird strike. Don’t play birdsong near birds, it can confuse and attract predators.