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Bird Quote by Patrick O'Brian

“Oh, what is that bird?' 'It is a wheatear. We have seen between two and three hundred since we set out, and I have told you their name twice, nay, three times.” quote by Patrick O'Brian
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““Oh, what is that bird?' 'It is a wheatear. We have seen between two and three hundred since we set out, and I have told you their name twice, nay, three times.””

Patrick O'Brian

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Far Side of the World by Patrick O'Brian, 1975

A narrator obsessively catalogues birds, highlighting human tendency to over‑detail trivial observations.

In simple terms: Obsessive focus on minor details.

Key Takeaway

Practice restraint in observation.

Themes

observation language humor

Mood

wry observational

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • birdwatching
  • field research
  • creative writing
  • teaching language

Key Concepts

cataloguing repetition detail overload

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we repeat details?
  • When does detail become distraction?
A Different Perspective

Too much detail can obscure the main narrative.

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