Olive Thorne Miller

Olive Thorne Miller (June 25, 1831 – December 26, 1918) was an American author and ornithologist. She was one of the first women to be elected to the American Ornithologists' Union, and she was a vocal advocate for bird conservation.

Miller was born in Auburn, New York, and she began writing at an early age. She published her first book, Little Folks in Feathers and Fur, in 1879. Her subsequent books, such as Bird Ways (1885) and In Nesting Time (1888), were praised for their accurate and engaging descriptions of bird behavior.

Miller was also an active conservationist. She was a founding member of the Audubon Society of New York, and she worked to raise awareness of the threats facing birds. She also campaigned against the use of bird feathers in fashion.

Miller died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 87. She is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of American ornithology.

Here are some of the principles that guided Miller's work:

• Love of nature: Miller had a deep love of nature and a keen interest in birds. She spent many hours observing birds in their natural habitats, and she was able to capture their behavior in her writing with great accuracy and sensitivity.
• Accuracy: Miller was committed to accuracy in her writing. She did extensive research to ensure that her descriptions of bird behavior were as accurate as possible.
• Objectivity: Miller strived to be objective in her writing. She avoided anthropomorphizing birds and presented them as the complex and fascinating creatures that they are.
• Conservation: Miller was a passionate advocate for bird conservation. She worked to raise awareness of the threats facing birds and to promote conservation measures.

Miller's work had a significant impact on the field of ornithology. Her books were widely read and enjoyed, and they helped to popularize the study of birds. She was also a pioneer in the field of bird conservation, and her work helped to protect birds from extinction.

Miller is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of American ornithology. Her work continues to inspire and inform bird lovers around the world.