The appearance of birds as harbingers of hope for grieving people was the topic of a recent edition of “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue on WMOT-FM (89.5 and www.wmot.org).

Dr. Patricia Gaitely

Dr. Patricia Gaitely, associate professor of English, is looking into the connection between birds and grief. She was prompted by her love of both birds and folklore and intrigued by anecdotes she has heard in various conversations.

You can listen to their conversation here.

Gaitely says the people she has encountered don’t believe the birds that appear to them to be their reincarnated loved ones. They do, however, consider the birds to be reassuring spiritual messengers of a sort, the professor adds.

To listen to previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to the “Audio Clips” archives here.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.