Corvus: A Life with Birds

I'm currently reading Corvus: A Life with Birds by Esther Woolfson and it is making me consider what a sad life we would have without birds! I am reflecting on the idea that we need animals in our lives. They are an integral part of our lives - they offer us a way to connect with nature, and our past and present. They provide us with the comfort of simply knowing they are there - knowing that something else exists. We need animals, but do they need us? Do they need us to feed them? To provide them comfort and relationships?

In Corvus: A Life with Birds, the author writes of her true account of accidentally becoming a bird keeper. Inheriting birds from friends and rescuing birds from the local pet shop became not only a hobby, but somewhat of a necessity. Her relationship with birds helped her to think critically about what it means to have a relationship. With humans and non-humans. Woolfson admits that previously she knew more about birds in literature, poetry, and art. She writes, "Usefully enough, I knew the Chinese characters for birds: snow goose, pheasant, kingfisher, phoenix...I was good with symbols. I could manage poignancy, sorrow, longing, separation. On the other hand, did I know how to feed a bird? Hold one? Had I ever looked a bird in the eye?"(Woolfson, 16-17) Looking at animals beyond symbolism is a difficult and powerful act. Looking at humans beyond our assumptions about them is a difficult act. And looking someone in the eye displays trust, openness, and sincerity. Does this act mean the same when we look an animal in the eye? Is there any reason is should be different?

Woolfson contemplates whether or not her relationship with her birds is one-sided. Is she merely a symbol of food to her birds? Simply the hand that feeds them? They meant so much more to her. "I thought about what we'd all miss if we didn't have them: our pleasure in the way they looked, their presence in the garden as they lined up to bathe, wandered across the grass on damp mornings, pottered by the pond, the fanatic, obvious delight they took in flight, their luminous, stellar beauty. Their sounds had become part of our lives, their voices echoing down the sound-chambers of the chimneys, the way the movement of their wings outside altered the colours in the rooms." (Woolfson, 33)

Through Woolfson's relationship with her birds, she truly gets to know them. She distinguishes differences in personalities, she understands that some of her birds on some days desire more attention and on others want to roam free by themselves. Some attach themselves to other birds and some form bonds with certain people. Some dislike certain people.

As I continue to read this book I will be looking for ways that Woolfson is connecting and identifying with her birds and ways that she might not be. I will be looking for ways in which we can abolish the symbolism that we have already placed on animals. I imagine this is a pretty difficult task.

The relationships that Woolfson writes about are truly beautiful. Whether one-sided or not, these birds have created a life for her. They have taught her about relationships, kindness, cruelty, loyalty, and so much more. Can't wait to keep reading!