Background:

The prints on this page feature the smaller members of the Bird kingdom, e.g. Thrushes, Finches, Swallows, etc.  The illustrations are by the noted British naturalist Alexander Lydon.  The prints are particularly appealing as the Birds are featured in a natural setting at different seasons in the year, with some of the prints showing the nests of the species.  Each print identifies the Birds which are illustrated.

The Introduction to the folio in which these prints appeared contained the following poem about our feathered friends:

    Tis pleasant to think of the trill of the Lark,
    And the song of the Nightingale flooding the dark,
    And the sweet mellow strains of the Blackbird and Thrush,
    And many a songster's melodious gush;
     And back, by the aid of bright memories, bring
     The sunshine of summer, the freshness of spring.