I love to see gulls on our trips (and occasionally, some make it as far as central Texas to hang out near the lakes). I love their calls and just watching the groups of gulls busily go about their day. Many people often dismiss gulls as mere scavengers. However, these adaptable seabirds carry rich symbolic …
We’ve all heard about the blue bird of happiness – but why is it considered a harbinger of joy and good fortune in various cultures? This belief can be traced back to ancient folklore and modern anecdotes where these colorful creatures symbolize happiness, prosperity, and renewal. But when exactly do blue birds bring good luck, …
It’s hard to picture the Victorian era without its rich symbolism in art, literature, and everyday life. Did you know that some of that symbolism included birds? This historical period was marked by a fascination with nature and birds were especially potent symbols, each species carrying its own array of meanings. Here’s a look at …
At our house, we have not blue jays but scrub jays. With its blue plumage and loud call, they share many of the same characteristics, though, and I love to see them swoop across the yard. The blue jay, a bird well-known for its intelligence and complex social behaviors, also carries its own set of …
We live in a bird preserve for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and see many other kinds of warblers around our home, too. Warblers are a diverse group of small, insect-eating songbirds belonging to the family Parulidae. While warblers may not have the same level of symbolic significance across cultures as some other birds like ravens …
We have a pair of ravens who call our valley home. They’re fascinating to see (and hear!) so it’s easy to see why for so many years and in so many places, the Raven has held a powerful and enigmatic presence in the folklore, mythology, and spiritual beliefs of diverse cultures around the world. Revered …