Hangbird: The oriole, so called from its hanging nest; one of by James Russell Lowell

This entry serves more as an encyclopedia entry than a standalone poem. Lowell shares his admiration for the oriole, a bird he enjoyed observing at his home, Elmwood, and directs readers to two longer works where he explored the subject in depth. The oriole's striking orange feathers and its intricately woven nest made it a favorite topic for him. The quoted line, "My oriole, my glance of summer fire," perfectly conveys his deep feelings for the bird.

Warm and affectionate. In this brief glossary-style note, Lowell’s love for the oriole shines through. There’s no sadness here — just the joy of a man who has devoted years to observing a specific bird and is eager to share that happiness with his readers.

James Russell Lowell wrote this entry as part of a glossary or notes accompanying his poetry, likely related to his collection *Under the Willows and Other Poems* (1868). He spent a significant portion of his life at Elmwood, his family home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where the garden served as a rich source of imagery. Long before birdwatching became trendy, he was a keen and affectionate observer of birds, with the Baltimore oriole—known for its woven, hanging nest and striking orange feathers—being a particular favorite. His prose essay *My Garden Acquaintance* (1870) provides the most detailed account of his bond with the birds at Elmwood. Aside from his passion for nature, Lowell was a Harvard professor, editor of *The Atlantic Monthly*, and later served as U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Britain. However, his nature writing reveals a quieter, more personal aspect of his literary career.