
Alexander Wilson | 1766-1813 | American Ornithology
“This has been the most arduous, expensive, and fatiguing, expedition I ever undertook. I have, however, gained my point in procuring two hundred and fifty subscribers, in all, for my Ornithology; and a great mass of information respecting the birds that winter in the southern states, and some that never visit the middle states”

On Humming Birds | As reported in 1693
“Who can but admire to see the whole Body, and all the parts of a Bird folded up in an Egg, little bigger than a Pepper-Corn ? They feed by thrusting their Bill and Tongue into the blossoms of Trees, and so suck the sweet Juice of Honey from them ; and when he sucks he sits not, but bears up his Body with a hovering Motion of his Wings : But for the relation that he is a curious singing Bird, I think it untrue.”