Beauty and the BirdsTed Cable, pp. 224-234
The author discusses the unjust vilification of common birds in the US: starlings, sparrows and pigeons. Thought-provoking insights related to nativism (because all of these birds were imported to the US), the nature of beauty, and elitism in nature conservation. The birds discussed are ones that our students will know and about which they will probably have experiences to share.
A delightful essay that amuses while educating, particularly the section on the many military accomplishments of pigeons.