Edited by John Hays, this book brings together 63 selections of myth, poetry, and natural history. This diverse collection of writings hurrahs these winged creatures as fellow pilgrims on earth, guides to the meaning of place, soul singers, masters of flight, and ambassadors from other worlds. As nature enthusiast Barry Lopez notes: "Birds tug at the mind and heart with a strange intensity." Our favorite pieces are Alexander Skutch's meditations on the activities of the hummingbird, Joseph Wood Krutch on the Arizona road runner, Annie Dillard on bird song, and Robert Porter Allen on the dance of the whooping crane.