Lili Taylor’s “Turning to Birds” champions the little things and warns of “Terminator Sparrows”

Lili Taylor has completely altered my perspective on house sparrows. In her debut book, “Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing,” which was released on April 29, the Illinois native and long-time New York resident with a storied career in iconic films such as “Mystic Pizza,” “Say Anything,” “I Shot Andy Warhol,” and “The Conjuring,” as well as TV roles in “Six Feet Under,” “Outer Range,” and the upcoming second season of “Daredevil: Born Again,” describes one of the most common birds in the world as not very kind to each other, always squabbling, and particularly disruptive to nesting bluebirds. This led her to purchase a pellet gun at Dick’s Sporting Goods to try to deter them before realizing it was too challenging to hit the small, moving targets.

During a lengthy chat over Zoom while she was in Vancouver working on a project, I asked Taylor about her ongoing issues with sparrows. I shared that, as they are the primary visitors at my backyard feeders, I now observe them closely after reading the chapter in her book where she discusses boiling sparrow eggs to prevent them from multiplying and overtaking the nests of gentler birds, only to have one of the eggs hatch regardless.

“The Terminator Sparrow was born,” she writes, recounting her horror and eventual respect for the bird’s tenacity in defying its fate and persisting to trouble Taylor further. “My relationship with sparrows is a work in progress,” she remarked during our conversation, which primarily focused on her passion for birds (though not these particular birds) and her involvement as a board member for both The National Audubon Society and the New York City Bird Alliance.

Continue reading the full interview — her first for the book — to discover more about Taylor’s journey into birdwatching and how an appreciation for birds can be unlocked in all of us.

The rest of the interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

You did an excellent job. It’s fascinating to hear that you never saw yourself as a writer or author, as your writing style is my favorite. It’s very conversational, and there’s a natural humor to it that I assume is situational. Your interactions with people and experiences were relatable and humorous, which is hard to achieve in writing, so well done.

Conversational is an intriguing way to describe it. This is my first interview for the book, and I find it very interesting. It’s my initial foray into the world of being a writer. It’s a new experience for me. Writing conversationally, as opposed to a technical approach, allows for a greater appreciation of life and interactions with creatures like birds.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

This book has transformed my view of house sparrows. After reading about their behavior towards bluebirds, I now observe them closely in my backyard, noticing their bullying tendencies. They are not even nice to each other, akin to the pests of the bird world.

Your book also intrigued me as an introvert. I have anxiety, and I found your interactions with strangers while birdwatching to be fascinating. As an introvert, what are the positives and negatives of these interactions?

I’ve given up on anonymity long ago due to being in the public eye. Birdwatching has led to unexpected interactions, and I’ve learned how curious and open people can be when discussing birds. It’s a unique experience that I’ve come to appreciate.

You are involved with The National Audubon Society, which showcases your passion for birds. How do you manage your time between acting and your work with Audubon?

I haven’t been as busy with acting as I’d like, which has allowed me time to focus on my other interests, including my work with Audubon. Balancing these activities has been manageable, and I find fulfillment in pursuing my passions.

In your book, you talk about the positive impact of appreciating nature, such as cultivating native plants in your garden for birds and butterflies. Where do you see yourself heading next with this endeavor?

I’ve found my calling in birdwatching and nature conservation. While I miss acting, I’ve realized the importance of my current pursuits. I aim to further develop as an ambassador for nature conservation and be prepared for future opportunities to make a difference.

Your upcoming role in “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 is exciting. Do you research bird species in the areas where you travel for projects?

I do some research on bird species in the areas where I travel for work, as it adds to my overall experience. Understanding the local birdlife enhances my connection to the environment.

As an advocate for birds, how do you navigate the balance between intervening in natural processes and allowing nature to take its course?

Each situation requires a nuanced approach when deciding to intervene or allow nature to run its course. I’ve encountered dilemmas, such as dealing with sick birds or predators like cats, where careful consideration is essential to protect wildlife while maintaining a balance with nature.

Lili Taylor’s book events for “Turning to Birds” can be found here.