Intro

The library of Jehay Castle includes a considerable number of works devoted to ornithology, published mainly in English in the 19th century. Unfortunately, there is no indication as to who owned these books. We are left to guess at the thoughts and preoccupations of their anonymous owner who was linked to the history of Jehay Castle and interested in birds. Fictional, the following texts proceed from an effort of imagination. They allow us to catch a glimpse of the thoughts and observations that may have gone through the mind of a bird lover at the end of the 19th century. The study set up for the “(Extra)ordinary Birds” exhibit offers the ideal environment for this kind of writing.

This historical reverie began with the discovery of an old notebook hidden between two thick encyclopedias shelved in a corner of the library. One must be delicate when reading these sheets with their tight, but fine and regular, handwriting. Time has taken its toll and the paper is dry and brittle. This notebook dates from 1889 and was certainly part of a series of journals devoted to naturalistic observations. Although written in French, there are hints (the mention of certain works, events, etc.) that seem to indicate that the author was familiar with the English-speaking world. Unfortunately, there is no mention of the author’s identity. Here we provide some excerpts that illustrate the viewpoint of this bird lover in the region of Jehay.