A Bird-Lover in the West

"A Bird-Lover in the West" by Olive Thorne Miller is a nature study and travelogue written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the author as she embarks on a journey to the Rocky Mountains, specifically exploring Colorado and her experiences observing birds and flora in their natural habitats. Through her detailed observations and poetic reflections, Miller invites readers to appreciate the beauty of the Western landscape and its diverse wildlife. The opening of the book sets the stage for an introspective and deeply personal exploration of nature. Miller describes her departure from the constraints of city life, emphasizing her desire for rest and rejuvenation in the mountains. As she travels through the changing landscapes, she expresses her anticipation of discovering the unique avian life of Colorado, underscoring the contrasts between her familiar Eastern experiences and the novel environment she encounters. The chapter establishes a serene and reflective tone, building a connection between the author and the natural world around her. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Harriet Mann Miller was an American author, naturalist, and ornithologist. She was one of the first three women raised to elective membership in the American Ornithologists' Union. Miller wrote stories for leading magazines. At the start of her career, her articles appeared under the pen name "Olive Thorne" while after marriage, she used the signature of "Olive Thorne Miller". Her books include: Little Folks in Feathers and Fur (1879), Queer Pets at Marcy’s (1880), Little People of Asia (1882), Birds’ Ways (1885), In Nesting Time (1888), and also a serial story entitled, "Nimpo’s Troubles", published in the St. Nicholas Magazine, in 1874.