I'm like a bird

I love these BIRDS

Erdem

Erin Fetherston

Birds of America

Naturalist John James Audubon's "Birds of America" sold at auction in London in December 2010  for $11.5 million, making it the world's most expensive book. The book, which was sold by the auction house Sotheby's, was purchased by Micahel Tollemache, a London art dealer who was present in the room.

"Birds of America" is oversize -- more than 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide -- with 435 illustrations. When first published in 1827, the images were printed in black and white and then hand-colored by specialists.
The combination of accuracy and artistry make Audubon's work unique. The first plate alone -- of a wild turkey -- could fetch $200,000. The Associated Press reports:

Because each picture is so valuable, there have been fears the volume will be broken up and sold as separate works of art. However, experts believe that's unlikely. The tome is probably more valuable intact. And collectors hold Audubon in such reverence that the notion of ripping apart a perfect copy would be akin to sacrilege.
"Audubon's 'Birds' holds a special place in the rare book market," said Heather O'Donnell, a specialist with Bauman Rare Books in New York. "The book is a major original contribution to the study of natural history in the New World." (C)

Yesterday I stumbled on a movie about flamingos... and I was totally shocked. This movie is a masterpiece. The image, the music. Everything is so beautiful and philosophical. I almost cried in the end :))) You just have to see it, it's not just another animal-planet-movie.

After watching I came up with the thought, that maybe we should learn something from these beautiful creaters, - whatever our tough life brings us, it is worth living. You only can fly, when your feathers and wings are strong, you only get beautiful, when you have found your place in this world.

Me (right) and one of my tiny flamingos

V.L.