A novelist writes of her experiences during a 12 month period through pregnancy, new motherhood, and return to writing.

A blue jay building a nest outside his window prompts John Berendt to find his camera and record the familiar, yet always fascinating sequence of events that will unfold, from eggs being laid to chicks emerging and trying to fly. Children and adults alike will be astonished at the adventurous spirit of one particularly curious young blue jay as he ventures into the world. The author of the best-selling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil brings his narrative skill to this up-close and delightfully informal account of an event that recurs each spring.

The story of a sick baby bird nursed back to health and into the wild.

Signs From The Afterlife: Identifying Gifts From The Other Side By Lyn Ragan

Miss Dana's class has front-row seats for one of nature's most awe-inspiring spring performances. In the branches of the fir tree outside their classroom, two blue jays build their nest. Shortly after the nest is completed, the female blue jay lays her eggs. The male brings her all kinds of food-an acorn, a worm, even a piece of a cookie! She guards her eggs closely, but the children are able to get a quick glimpse of them. Days later the children see the newly hatched baby blue jays huddled together in the nest. Three weeks later, the children say good-bye as the blue jays leave the nest for the first time. Without a single lesson, the birds spread their wings and take flight. This charming story with spectacular three-dimensional illustrations will bring out the nature observer in every child.

A one-of-a-kind guide to birding locally that encourages readers to slow down and notice the spectacular birds all around them. Many birders travel far and wide to popular birding destinations to catch sight of rare or “exotic” birds. In Slow Birding, evolutionary biologist Joan E. Strassmann introduces readers to the joys of birding right where they are. In this inspiring guide to the art of slow birding, Strassmann tells colorful stories of the most common birds to be found in the United States—birds we often see but might not have considered deeply before. For example, northern cardinals thrive in the city, where they are free from predators. White brows on a male white-throated sparrow indicate that he is likely to be a philanderer. This essential guide to the fascinating world of common, everyday birds features: detailed portraits of individual bird species and the scientists who have discovered and observed them advice and guidance on what to look for when slow birding, so that you can uncover clues to the reasons behind specific bird behaviors bird-focused activities that will open your eyes more to the fascinating world of birds Slow Birding is the perfect guide for the birder looking to appreciate the beauty of the birds right in their own backyard, observing keenly how their behaviors change from day to day and season to season.

BLUE JAY SLAYER whispers and shouts at us but never tells us what to think. It is dark at times, yes, but not what you'd expect: playful sometimes, angry sometimes, reticent when necessary. It's brimming with curses and gifts. Matt Hart digs up the dead with his words and points to what we think is real but makes us question what we initially thought. Ken Henson gives us glimpses of who he may be with his illustrations of the flaming reality of the dark side but without the hellish cliches. Well, maybe there are a few. BLUE JAY SLAYER will take you like you could get permanently lost in that world and never come back but you do. You come back feeling absolved."