I’ve had a fascination with birds for as long as I can remember. The art of flight to this day still amazes me. If only I could fly like a bird and free myself from the daily routine and the gravity that holds me bound to this earth…

Birds capture our imagination because they are natural symbols of freedom and escape. After all, what could better encapsulate our vision of pure freedom than the ability to fly off into the sunset? Birds can rise above our heads and cover great distances. They are privy to something we humans can only dream about, that birds-eye-view of this planet, as they dip and soar across the sky. This ability makes them a perfect metaphor for taking a larger view of an issue or obtaining a fresh perspective on a situation.

What Do Birds Symbolize?

Birds often symbolize other things, such as human character traits and qualities. There’s the proud peacock, the noble eagle, the thieving magpie, squabbling crows, and cooing love birds. Swans are the perfect picture of grace and elegance in motion. The hawk is a symbol of war, the dove a symbol of peace.

Birds, a Subject for Photographers

Birds have been one of the greatest subjects for photographers for centuries now because they have an inspiring beauty and mystify us with their gift of flight and diversity. Most people enjoy the sight of birds, even those who have never been active birdwatchers. Although birds are less like us in appearance and habits than our fellow mammals, birds undeniably hold a special place in our hearts.

A Birds Colors

Feathers appear to come in an unlimited variety of magnificent colors and designs, from the simple, earthy shades of the well-known sparrow to the extravagant, iridescent display of the flashy peacock. Birds seem to be stunning works of fine art, signed by mother-nature. Their plumage gives color and spectacle to a mundane world.

A birds color might also have suggestions of association for us. The familiar brown sparrow can be comforting and homey for they are our backyard neighbors. Cardinals and blue jays are of a cheerful color and can be a sight for sore eyes on a gloomy day. Even though a bit more glamorous, they still bring visions of a familiar friend. Then there are those birds that live in far off exotic places, such as African pink flamingos and tropical parrots. We admire them not only for their spectacular colors, but also for their association with far-away lands and alluring adventures.
But the wonder of birds is not solely limited to the visual elements of form and color. Why?

A Birds Song

Because birds also fill our space with music. It appears that they offer up their song merely to entertain us, and they seek nothing in return. The playful songs of birds seem frivolous and out of place in a world full of harsh realities. Even though it looks as though they were put on earth for the sole purpose of entertainment we of course, know this is not true because their color and song serve biological ends in the process of natural selection. But that does not prevent us from enjoying such sights and sounds. We can listen in on their free concerts and derive pleasure and serenity from the experience. We can also be amused when a few species of birds even mimic our own speech.

The Wonder of Birds

We may all have our different reasons for loving birds, but their appeal is indisputable and universal. From the cuteness of the teeny sparrow to the majesty of the imposing raptor, birds fill our eyes and ears with wonder. They are enjoyed, admired, and yes, even sometimes envied. Birds increase our appreciation for the quality of life and to the diversity here on earth. I believe I can speak for more than myself when I say that the world would be an emptier place without them.

About the Author

Gina lives in Federal Way, Washington with her husband Mike, 2 dogs and a turtle. She enjoys the great outdoors and all the beauty that Washington has to offer. Blogging about things near, things dear, and miscellaneous crap is her specialty. Other sites you may or may not enjoy: Anything Koi, Our Green Planet, Scrapbooking