That is probably why in recent years birds have become the barometers of environmental change indicators of ecological quality the warning bells of environmentalism Conservationists in Britain cite the endangering of 30 species a figure that is depressing not only because it spells out the loss of feathered curiosities but because it is a massive cultural loss tooThese birds carry a huge amount of cultural baggage For example the skylark turtle dove and lapwing signify spiritual love romantic love and magic Anyone who has read Shelleys poems Shakespeares sonnets and Robert Gravess The White Goddess will feel more than a tug of remorse at the loss of these once commonplace birds