Friends in the Meadow
Birds
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
One facinating bird is the Northern Mockingbird. Children mimic those around them as this is a primary way they learn. The Mockingbird also mimics other birds. Below is the section of the book on the Mockingbird to give a glimpse of how the birds are presented in the book. This excerp does not show the pictures. The book has approximately 60 photos of 21 different species of birds.
"The Northern Mockingbird"
One thing that Lovie Dove loves most is a good song. The friend that is most likely to have one ready to sing is the Mockingbird. Her friend, Melodie (Mel for short) Mockingbird, has learned to sing from her parents.
She can sing her own original songs but also can sing the songs of many other birds. It is hard for people sometimes to tell if they are listening to another bird singing its own song or if it is a Mockingbird borrowing another bird’s song. Either way, they sing beautifully.
This picture is Melodie in the nest with the other nestlings. They cannot yet open their eyes and have only a few fuzzy feathers. They do know how to hold their heads up and open their mouths to eat when they feel the movements of the mother bringing them food.
Mel and her family like to eat insects, berries and fruit. Mockingbirds live almost everywhere and are able to find food without using feeders.
Mel’s Mom and Dad are good parents. They both help to make the nest each year. They build their nest low in shrubs but both keep a keen eye on their young. They will attack other animals and humans if they get too close. The couple will have up to eighteen babies a year. Melodie’s family members are gray almost all over with a lighter gray on their chest. Their outer wings are a darker gray and they have white spots on some of the wing tips. They are beautiful birds in
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The family can even become “citizen scientists” by joining groups identified in the book. These groups gather bird data from back yard birders across the country and use the information in research to learn about the well being of our earth and the well being of the birds. The hobby can grow into a lifestyle that is fun, educational, interesting and even exciting. No two days of birding are ever the same!
The hobby of bird watching can help children build self-esteem, deepen relationships with parents and others, and is a great educational tool. They learn while having fun!
About the Author
Peggy Williams and her husband, Wayne Williams are natives of
Their life’s work has involved helping hurting children in various settings including the church, counseling centers, treatment centers, residential programs, school settings, correctional facilities, military and mental health centers.
As both are nearing retirement, their thoughts have turned to other ways of helping those that are hurting or those that are just looking for ways to enrich their lives. So the thought of writing Friends in the Meadow – Birds materialized and grew.
Peggy authored Friends in the Meadow – Birds, and
Peggy has chosen the hobby of bird watching for several reasons. First, the hobby is available to anyone, even a child that has a limited area to play outside can see the birds. Secondly, the hobby is affordable. Thirdly, those that are hurting emotionally need a positive focus that helps them escape the hurt. Focusing on birds and nature offers this escape to all ages. Fourthly, the hobby does not require any special skill to begin. Lastly, but not least, the hobby can develop into a lifestyle and for some even a vocation. Birding is a positive activity that parents can join their children in and have great family outings and experiences together. These are just some of the reasons as birding offers much more.
When you get the bird “bug”, your life will be enriched. Once you catch the “bug”, you will want to pass it on!