I have to admit that my family has a long tradition of ducking in terror whenever a bird seems to be headed our way. My grandfather was afraid of them, so is my mother, my niece is none too fond of their flitting about, and, honestly, I've had my issues. Recently, however, a deep appreciation is dawning. A bird's song, its flight, and its form are miracles of nature hard to ignore. And, so, it is with honor that I made these birds to inhabit Purl's beautiful feather tree.

I had a lot of fun experimenting with different fibers to bring five unique birds to life, each with its own personality. Some have the happy chubbiness of city sparrows, while others appear to be on more intense missions, streamlined for efficiency. They're so quick and easy to knit that you'll have your own ornothological family before you know it!

By the way, for a Christmas morning treat, how about stuffing a couple of these little guys with some cat nip for your feline buddies? Nothing to do with my old bird fears, I'm just suggesting...

Please visit my Holiday Bird Ornaments Project Journal for full instructions on how to whip up some little birds for your tree (or cat!). Thanks! - Whitney