Chapter XIII.
He begins by discussing the kingfisher, a bird from the aquatic species, and explains how divine kindness is shown towards this bird, urging us to await God's help. He also talks about the predictions of rain or wind made by birds, and the reliable protection provided by geese.
And since we have spoken about aquatic reptiles, it is difficult for our discourse to suddenly ascend to the birds of the sky. Therefore, let us first speak about those birds that dwell around the waters of the sea and rivers, with which we can emerge. So let us begin with the kingfisher. It is a seabird that usually lays its eggs on the shores, so that it deposits them in the sand in the middle of winter. For it has been assigned the task of incubation at that time, when the sea rises most, and more forceful waves crash against the shores, so that the grace of this bird might shine forth with more sudden tranquility. For when the sea has become wavy, once the eggs are placed, it suddenly calms down, and all the storms of the winds cease, and the breezes of the air are still, and the sea stands peaceful without winds, until it warms its eggs with its halcyon. However, seven days are spent on their incubation, after which it brings out the chicks and completes the offspring. Immediately it adds another seven days, in which it nourishes its offspring until they begin to grow. Do not wonder at such a short period of nurturing, when the completion of the offspring is only a few days. However, such a small bird has been granted such great favor by divine intervention, that they observe these fourteen nautical days of presumed calmness, which they also call the halcyon days, during which no disturbances from stormy weather are feared.
Is it not true that you are worth more than the sparrows? The Lord said. Therefore, if a tiny bird rises from the contemplation and surges the sea and suddenly gets crushed, and rough storms and winds of heavy winter wipe away the clouds of the sky, and it calms the waves by the sudden infusion of tranquility through all the elements; how much you should presume, O man, made in the image of God, you acknowledge, if you imitate the faith of that little bird with zeal of devotion. Seeing that storm rise, the winds raging, she, not called back by the harsh winter, not turned back, but driven forward. Finally, she places her eggs on the shore, where the wet sand still receives them with the receding wave: nor does she fear the rising waves that she sees crash and flow back.
42. And do not think that it appears to have contempt for eggs; immediately where it has laid its eggs, it builds a nest, and it warms its offspring with its own body, nor does it fear for its own safety from the flooding of the shore: but secure in the grace of God, it entrusts itself to the winds and waves. This is not enough. It adds as many other days for nourishing: nor does it fear to disturb the calmness of the treacherous sea for so many days, and it tests its own worthiness now established by the solemnity of nature. She does not conceal her tender offspring in any hiding places or shelters, nor does she confine them in caves, but exposes them to the bare and icy ground; nor does she protect them from cold, but believes that they will be safer with the divine heat, by which she despises other things. Who among us does not cover their little ones with clothing and hide them in shelters? Who does not enclose them within the confines of rooms? Who does not diligently seal the windows on all sides, so that no breeze can even penetrate lightly? Those whom we diligently nurture and support, we strip them of the covering of heavenly mercy; but those whom Halcyon casts out naked, she clothes them with divine garments.
43. And I will not pass over you, divers, to whom this name of diving has stuck because of your constant diving; just as you often gather the signs of the breezes while diving, and foreseeing a future storm, swiftly fly in the middle of the sea and hurry to the safe shores with a clamor. Just as well, you coots, who take pleasure in the deep sea, play in the shallows, fleeing when you sense the disturbance of the sea. The heron itself, which is accustomed to cling to the marshes, leaves its familiar places and, fearing the rain, flies above the clouds, so that it cannot feel the storms of the clouds. Let us consider the various birds of the sea, how, with the imminent movement of the winds, they seek safer and more peaceful waters, and there they find hidden sustenance in the depths of the earth.
But who wouldn't marvel at the night-time guard duty of geese, who by the constancy of their singing also attest to their vigilance? Indeed, it was by them that even the Roman Capitols were saved from the Gallic enemy. Rome, you owe them a debt deservedly. Your gods were sleeping, while the geese were awake and watchful. Therefore, on those days you offer sacrifices to geese, not to Jupiter. For your gods yield to geese, from whom they know themselves to be defended, lest they themselves be captured by an enemy.