Many may already know actor Lili Taylor from her work in films such as Ship of Fools, Ransom, Girls Town, Mystic Pizza and Say Anything, but now, Lili is also an author.
During a much-needed break from her work, she sought peace and quiet--and in that quiet she rediscovered birds.
Now an avid birder, Lili wanted to share how birding has helped her listen, practice mindfulness and be present and engaged with the world. She shares this experience in her new book Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing.
In a recent What We’re Reading interview, Lili Taylor noted that there is a similarity in both acting and observing birds—namely, listening. She further explained, “I found that it’s crucial to [listen] not just when I’m observing birds, but really everything.”
The idea for the book was sparked by Lili noticing that whenever she mentioned birds to someone, they would light up. Even if they themselves weren’t into birding, they knew someone who was. She said, “I started to think that there were maybe people who would want to hear some of my observations. Then I started to feel that it wouldn't be honest for me not to share.”
Most chapters in Turning to Birds contain an essay focused on a specific bird species and Lili’s experience learning about it. For example, her essay on Cedar Waxwings speaks to the time Lili judged a bird tattoo contest and got her first glimpse of the bird--tattooed on the ankle of a contestant.
Another chapter on finches follows Lili while on location in Santa Fe filming a TV series. She installs bird houses in the area after observing a pair of House Finches trying to build a nest on one of the trailers that she knew would leave soon when the shoot wraps, destroying the nest in its wake.
Other chapters cover catbirds, cranes, swifts, and in a moving essay “Tribute in Light,” Lili volunteers in a bird count at the Tribute in Light memorial at the 9/11 site in New York. Each year on September 11, to memorialize the lives lost, two giant beams of light shine up into the night sky, but unfortunately, countless birds get trapped in the lights during their nighttime migration.
For those interested in getting into birding, Lili has this advice: keep it simple.
She explained, “Maybe start with a feeder. Just see what's going on in your neighborhood and get to know your neighbors--your bird neighbors.”
She also recommends resources such as Sibley bird guides, the Merlin Bird ID app, Cornell Lab and the National Audubon Society.
As Lili continues birding, a couple birds remain on her list to see.
“I would like to see an Albatross…seabirds fascinate me. But the first that one that comes to my mind, like, in my life, is a Pileated Woodpecker…they really do remind me of dinosaurs.”
Find out more about Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing here.
Looking for a good book recommendation? Want to recommend a book you've just read? Check out our What We're Reading page on Facebook, or text us at 218-326-1234.
What We're Reading is made possible in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
