Bird watching is a pastime old as the swallows’ sky. Wild birds have sometimes inspired, sometimes irritated, and sometimes fed mankind. But it was not until the Victorian era that a systematic and detailed method of birding arrived. Three factors contributed to the sudden turn for ornithology. Linnaeus’s classification system, Darwin’s theories about species, and increased leisure for the middle class, combined to produce a wave of enthusiasm for nature study. Suddenly samples of feather, skin, or eggs could be analyzed, compared, and classified.
Naturalists Founded Bird Societies in Britain and North America
The British Ornithology Union, founded in 1858, was the outcome of the public interest in all branches of natural history. The union gave naturalists a chance to discuss and compare new discoveries. Members followed the scientific debates over Darwin’s theories, and exchanged information from the worldwide birding community. A corresponding rise of amateur bird watchers in the United States led Americans to found the National Audubon Society in 1905.
Ornithologists on both sides of the Atlantic encouraged legislation that would protect rare bird species. Sportsmen were chastised for wanton hunting. Wild birds also faced extinction from within the ranks of bird collectors. The practice of the day encouraged a “shoot first and study later” policy when it came to birding. 19th century naturalists like Florence Merriam were uncommon in their call to exchange the gun for field glasses. Yet by far the greatest danger to birds came from the Victorian fashion craze for plumage.
Birds in Victorian Fashion
Milliners ruffled more than a few feathers in the Victorian era by their use of birds in millinery. Members of the British Ornithology Union raged against the cruel practice of mounting songbirds atop ladies' hats and the popularization of feather boas and crane quill pins. The topic dominated drawing room and lecture hall debates in the latter half of the 19th century. Societies sprang up in Britain and the United States for the protection of wild birds.
Eventually the ornithologists won their uphill battle, beginning with legislation like the British Sea Birds Preservation Act in 1869 and gaining more ground with the American Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918.
Notable Ornithologists in the History of Birding
Men and women from various backgrounds and various eras have cherished a fondness for feathery friends. Here are some famous and not-so-famous names in the world of ornithology:
- John James Audubon, French-American naturalist and painter, dominated the American scene for over half a century with his life-size paintings of birds and wildlife. His work gave inspiration to the society that bears his name and to the development of Victorian botanical art.
- Alfred Newton, founding member of the British Ornithology Union, was influential in promoting the Sea Bird Preservation Act in Britain. He wrote several articles that are considered foundational texts for ornithology.
- Florence Merriam Bailey, American naturalist and author, traveled and wrote extensively about the habits of North American birds.
- Alger Hiss, American lawyer and politician, now iconic for his conviction of Soviet espionage in the 20th century, was an avid amateur bird watcher. His admission during a court hearing to spotting a prothonotary warbler on the Potomac opened a line of investigation that led to his conviction.
- Janet Kear deserves mention as the first woman president to head the British Ornithologist Union in 1991.
Birding Resources
Birding, or bird watching, is still a popular hobby for millions. For some enthusiasts, backyard birding might give a rewarding glimpse of rare birds at the feeder. For others, birding might mean a quiet morning spent on a nature reserve with an Audubon field guide and binoculars in hand. Or a naturalist might visit the nearest aviary several times each year with a camera. Whatever form birding takes, there are resources for the amateur and professional to make the experience more enjoyable.
Visit the Audubon Society links, Dr. J’s Ornithology Resources, or tips on birding with children.
Sources
“Alfred Newton.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Accessed June 24, 2010.
Bircham, Peter Michael Miles. A History of Ornithology. London: HarperCollins, 2007.
Chambers, Whittaker. Witness. Washington: Regnery Publishing, 1978.
Gamber, Wendy. The Female Economy: The Millinery and Dressmaking Trades, 1860-1930. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1997.
Haug, Joanne. "Wings, Breasts, and Birds: Victorian Millinery." Published online at Victoriana.com. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Josanna Simpson - Josanna Simpson, who holds a BA in Literature, is an aspiring novelist in her late twenties with a passion for British literature and the ...
