Tag Archives: birds

Wordsworth, Shakespeare and nature in time of crisis

7 April 2020 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth. Since most of the world entered into lockdown, short walks have become our only distraction, and we have been taking more notice of the natural world. David … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Shakespeare's World | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Shakespeare’s swans

Over the past few weeks my husband Richard has been keeping an eye on a pair of swans, nesting just downstream of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratfordians are quite protective of their swans, not least because of their connection … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Shakespeare's World, Stratford-upon-Avon | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The sweet birds, O, how they sing!

Standing on the aptly-named Swallow Point, a promontory overlooking the Bristol Channel a week or so ago with some local birdwatchers, I was reminded what an exciting time this is for wildlife. They noted how many of the birds flying … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Shakespeare's World | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Phoenix and Turtle: Shakespeare’s Valentines

Today we are celebrating St Valentine’s day by giving flowers, chocolates and cards decorated with symbols of hearts and roses to those we love. Traditionally it’s the day when birds pair up for the mating season, and Chaucer, writing in … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare's World | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Phoenix and Turtle: Shakespeare’s Valentines

Shakespeare and the birds at Christmas

There’s no doubt that Shakespeare loved the birds he saw and heard around him. He refers time and again to their behaviour, and particularly their song. Romeo and Juliet disagree over whether they hear larks or nightingales, in Macbeth, the … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Legacy, Shakespeare's World | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Shakespeare’s Avon, Act 4: river of life

The River Avon has always been of central importance to the town of Stratford and the area surrounding it. In Shakespeare’s day, it was an important artery for trade and a source of power (the mill is mentioned in the … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Legacy, Shakespeare's World, Stratford-upon-Avon | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments