Birds have been banded since
ancient times. In one recorded instance a besieged Roman garrison was sent a
swallow with three threads around its toes, indicating that help would arrive
in three days. By the late 16th century many species of birds were
being tagged in some way. Some Chinese put silver tablets on …

An ancient myth refers to the
Phoenix, a bird which was supposed to live for 500 years, go up in flames and
arise anew from ashes. It has come to represent rebirth, renewal, hope, etc.
Ever since there have been
terrestrial plants and animals, there has been fire. Ecosystems have evolved and
the burning of …

Bluebirds have become associated with happiness partly
because of Native American legends but mostly because of the song “Bluebird of
Happiness”  written in 1934. And you may be familiar with the line “Mr. Bluebird on my
shoulder”, from  ”Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.”

There are three species of bluebirds in North America: the
Western and Eastern, very similar birds, …