Plate 52. Chuck-will's Widow 

"Plate 52, Chuck-will's-Widow" is an illustration made by John James Audubon in the 19th century, a time when the relationship between humans and the natural world was undergoing dramatic change. Audubon's detailed depiction shows us not just the birds, but also a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem. There is a coral snake winding its way around the branch where the Chuck-will's-widow birds are perched. The inclusion of the snake hints at the complex relationships within nature, challenging any sentimental ideas. The name "Chuck-will's-widow" is an attempt to capture the bird's distinct call, a lament that echoes through the forests of the American South. The artist's attempt to capture the call of this bird reminds us of the human desire to find meaning and narrative in the natural world. Audubon’s work invites us to consider our place within the intricate web of life, urging us to recognize the beauty and fragility of the natural world.