Judy Pelikan

F. Schuyler Mathews was a 19th-century composer who became so adept at actually listening to the songs our feathered brethren sang, that he wrote them down as musical compositions. In this book, there are fifty of his compositions along with gentle watercolours by Judy Pelikan, a breathtaking combination.

Did you know that the Nashville Warbler's song can be heard in Rossini's Carnovale? I've never seen or heard that bird, but I know the music, so I was pleasantly surprised. However, I do show more know the Blue Jay, the noisy diva of the backyard, and that bossy bird has a perfect octave. No wonder my little group flies when I start warbling.

I've actually read this book several times now, so I could try to emulate the birdsongs. I must say that I had a guilty favorite in the description and illustration of the Cowbird (the painting is a "Wanted" sign stating "THIS IS A BAD BIRD"). A gangster and a freeloader, I couldn't help but think how the Cowbird fits right into today's society.

Book Season = Year Round show less

A journal for young readers, complete with tear-out bookplates, this is also a treasure trove of the thoughts of young children on reading, so it's a most excellent feedback loop indeed! Most highly recommended.

You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate this book, though being one would bring even more understanding and pleasure.
Based on a 1902 study of wild bird songs, Judy Pelikan has adapted the original book and added wonderful illustrations of fifty birds as their songs are thoroughly analyzed as musical compositions. The analysis is presented in several forms ranging from basic dots (Cuckoo: .. .. ... .. ... ..; Flicker: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; to full musical scoring. Often show more lyrics are added to help with identification, e.g., Bob White Bob White.
There are also comparisons of some bird songs with musical pieces by composers including Beethoven and Mozart.
The reader also learns not only how the birds look but where they can be found and when they are most likely to be singing.
Pelikan’s THE MUSIC OF WILD BIRDS is a unique addition to the library of anyone who likes birds, their songs, and/or music. show less