Many religions that could be dubbed modern “mainstream” faiths due to their widespread prevalence and large number of followers, as well as those of a more ancestorial and/or esoteric nature have made birds a part of their traditions and stories.įor both myself and a fair number of other Pagans, witches, and Wiccans, birds play important roles in our beliefs, practices, and, where applicable, magickal workings. In some instances, gods and goddesses were believed to exist in bird or bird-human hybrid form (i.e., the falcon-headed Egyptian god named Horus), in others birds or images, figures, etc depicting them have been used both ritualistically and magically. The spiritual significance that birds have long held for many individuals cannot be overstated.
Whether revered and worshiped, used for food, feathers or other body parts captured in art, written or sung about, or simply appreciated for their talents and beauty, birds have impacted the lives of countless people across the span of history. It is no surprise then that birds have played important roles in the lives of a tremendous number of cultures around the world since time immemorial. In fact, the Canadian Wildlife Federation informs us that there are approximately 462 known bird species living across this vast country.Īnd according to a CTV News article published last year, globally that number rises to a staggering 600,000+ species of birds.
These include, but are not limited to, ravens, owls, hawks, northern flickers, pheasants, Eurasian collared doves, mourning doves, blackbirds, Steller’s jays, finches, sparrows, magpies, robins, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, woodpeckers, quail, and even the occasional hummingbird.īeyond those winged visitors who come to call in our yard, both our town and region are home to many other species – as are British Columbia and Canada in general. In the four (and a tad) years that we have lived at this house so far, we’ve spotted and heard a wide array of birds. If their numbers are any evidence, the local birds that flock to the trees on our property clearly adore this spot of woodland as well. While our house is technically in a residential neighbourhood, it is situated between two parcels of beautiful woodland and our own (literal) backyard is jam-packed with lofty birch and evergreen trees.įor a forest adoring soul like myself, this really is a dream backyard and not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars for it. This is both a harbinger of the current season as it approaches, as well as further proof that spring is here again once.
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