From bestselling author, Sally Coulthard, comes this charmingly illustrated guide to our favourite feathered friends and folklore that surround their lives.

Even today, birds are hugely symbolic. From songbirds to seagulls, nightingales to morning larks, we still use the cultural language of the avian world. Doves bring peace, storks carry newborn babies. Robins mark Christmas, hens Easter. Blackbirds and thrushes herald the dawn, owls welcome in the night. Even in our modern, rational world, magpies and peacocks still invite superstitions.

In her new book, Sally takes a fascinating flight through the myths, magic and meaning of birds. Covering 50 well-loved avian species from across the world, she glides through their folklore, legends and symbolism. From common sayings to strange superstitions, ancient beliefs to modern celebrations, this gloriously illustrated and international guide reveals that Bird Lore is as alive and vibrant as it ever was.

A beautifully illustrated guide to the myth, magic and folklore of birds. 

Passionate about the countryside, Sally Coulthard is best-known for being Country Living’s ‘The New Good Life’ expert since 2018. She pens a monthly column and also writes and presents their ‘The New Good Life’ video series online. Sally is also the best-selling author of over thirty non-fiction books about nature, rural history and craft. Her titles have been translated into over a dozen languages. Sally studied Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford University, and worked in factual television, before moving back to her beloved Yorkshire where she set up a 12-acre smallholding and kitchen garden. Witty, engaging and hands-on, Sally shares her enthusiasm about all aspects of rural life, past and present. From the history of the landscape to native wildlife, superstitions to growing your own food, Sally loves to share her passion for the countryside through her writing, talks, interviews and presenting work.