As a result of his travels across the North American continent in the eighteenth century Alexander Wilson pioneered the science of ornithological writing and illustration. Most of the ornithological works that followed, drew inspiration from Wilson’s own work. Wilson’s Ornithology and Burds in Scots celebrates the artwork of Alexander Wilson, and reproduces his illustrations alongside new poems in Scots by Hamish MacDonald, looking at the habits, habitats, and characteristics of birds. The collection contains an introduction by Paul Walton.
As a result of his travels across the North American continent in the eighteenth century Alexander Wilson pioneered the science of ornithological writing and illustration. Most of the ornithological works that followed, drew inspiration from Wilson’s own work. Wilson’s Ornithology and Burds in Scots celebrates the artwork of Alexander Wilson, and reproduces his illustrations alongside new poems in Scots by Hamish MacDonald, looking at the habits, habitats, and characteristics of birds. The collection contains an introduction by Paul Walton.
‘ As well as Scots words adding colour and satisfyingly descriptive sounds to Hamish’s word portraits of his chosen birds, the entertaining and informative book is a great advert for Scots and its power for a younger generation.’
'Hamish MacDonald is yin o oor finest Scots writers. He has been scrievin and fechtin for the leid for a lang time.'
The crossbill is a bonny bird
An she sings wi a guid Scots tongue
Jip-jip-jip
A’ll gie ye gip
Gin ye meddle wi me nor ma young