Evan T. Pritchard, a descendant of the Mi’kmaq people, has taught Native American studies at Pace University, Vassar College, and Marist College and is the director of the Center for Algonquin Culture. Steeped in bird lore by his Mi’kmaq great aunt Helen Perley, he is the author of several books, including Native New Yorkers and No Word for Time. A regular on radio shows such as NPR’s Fresh Air and on the History Channel, he lives in the Hudson Valley of New York.
Acknowledgments
Part 1
What Is Bird Medicine?
A Whistle and a Word to the Wise
Bird Origins and Early Influences on Humans
Part 2
The Four Gatekeepers
The Birds of the Four Directions
Eagles
Hawks
Crows
Owls
Part 3
Mentors and Messengers
Messengers and Carriers of Spirit
Birds as Teachers
Birds as Musicians
Birds Speak Our Language
Bird Warnings
Birds as Role Models
Healing (and Humorous) Birds
Peacemaking and Patient Birds
Part 4
Other Bird Allies
Hummingbirds
Seagulls
Sparrows
Loons
Parrots
Turkeys
Thunderbirds
Part 5
Fledgling Thoughts
Gathering Feathers
Feathers in Arrows, Fans, and Badges
Birds and Colors
Bird Totems for Warriors
The Eagle Bone Flute
Twelve Birds
Bluebirds of Happiness
Part 6
Threats to Our Bird Allies
The Cautionary Tale of the Passenger Pigeon
Birds Face Multiple Hazards
Cell Phone Towers: The New DDT
What Can We Do?
Afterword
Notes
Bibliography
Index
