John James Audubon quotes

John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, renowned for his studies of North American birds. His major work, "The Birds of America," is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. He inspired generations of naturalists and is remembered for his significant contributions to both science and art. Here are 44 of his quotes:

But Hopes are Shy Birds flying at a great distance seldom reached by the best of Guns.

John James Audubon

I cannot write at all, but if I could how could I make a little book, when I have seen enough to make a dozen large books? I will not write at all.

John James Audubon

I took down my portfolio, to select a drawing to copy in oil. He had never seen my works before, and appeared astonished as his eyes ranged over the sheets. He expressed the warmest admiration, and said, "How hopeless must be the task of my giving any instruction to one who can draw like this?" I pointed out to him that nature is the great study for the artist, and assured him that the reason why my works pleased him was because they are all exact copies of the works of God, - who is the great Architect and perfect Artist; and impressed on his mind this fact, that nature indifferently copied is far superior to the best idealities.

John James Audubon

Hunting, fishing, drawing, and music occupied my every moment; cares I knew not, and cared naught about them. I purchased excellent and beautiful horses, visited all such neighbors as I found congenial spirits, and was as happy as happy could be.

John James Audubon

All trembling, I reached the Falls of Niagara, and oh, what a scene! My blood shudders still, although I am not a coward, at the grandeur of the Creators power; and I gazed motionless on this new display of the irresistible force of one of His elements.

John James Audubon

Hunting, fishing, drawing, and music occupied my every moment. Cares I knew not, and cared naught about them.

John James Audubon

I never for a day gave up listening to the songs of our birds, or watching their peculiar habits, or delineating them in the best way I could.

John James Audubon

In my deepest troubles, I frequently would wrench myself from the persons around me and retire to some secluded part of our noble forests.

John James Audubon

The worse my drawings were, the more beautiful did the originals appear.

John James Audubon

During all these years there existed within me a tendency to follow Nature in her walks.

John James Audubon

As I grew up I was fervently desirous of becoming acquainted with Nature.

John James Audubon

I can scarcely manage to scribble a tolerable English letter. I know that I am not a scholar, but meantime I am aware that no man living knows better than I do the habits of our birds.

John James Audubon

Almost every day, instead of going to school when I ought to have gone, I usually made for the fields, where I spent the day.

John James Audubon

The best recommendation I can have is my own talents, and the fruits of my own labors, and what others will not do for me, I will try and do for myself.

John James Audubon

Great men show politeness in a particular way; a smile suffices to assure you that you are welcome, and keep about their avocations as if you were a member of the family.

John James Audubon

To repay evils with kindness is the religion I was taught to practise, and this will forever be my rule.

John James Audubon

The Fur Company may be called the exterminating medium of these wild and almost uninhabitable regions, which cupidity or the love of money alone would induce man to venture into. Where can I now go and find nature undisturbed?

John James Audubon

My drawings at first were made altogether in watercolors, but they wanted softness and a great deal of finish.

John James Audubon

The gay bunting erects his white crest, and gives utterance to the joy he feels in the presence of his brooding mate; the willow grouse on the rock crows his challenge aloud; each floweret, chilled by the night air, expands its pure petals; the gentle breeze shakes from the blades of grass the heavy dewdrops.

John James Audubon

Surrounded by all the members of my dear family, enjoying the affection of numerous friends, who have never abandoned me, and possessing a sufficient share of all that contributes to make life agreeable, I lift my grateful eyes towards the Supreme Being and feel that I am happy.

John James Audubon

I presume the love of the mothers for their young is much the same as the love of woman for her offspring. There is but one kind of love; God is love, and all his creatures derive theirs from his; only it is modified by the different degrees of intelligence in different beings and creatures.

John James Audubon

Thank God it has rained all day.

John James Audubon