n lost represents a double death. Our hunting always had a point; each bird we shot or butterfly we netted was in the service of science. But burnt, they now serve no one.” Pg. 110. But it is ironic that Alec is not killing for the good of science, he is killing for his own motives. The main character, Alec, has this revelation. He realizes he is not collecting for science. However, he is very comfortable with, welcomed into and familiar with native people and their environment. In his whole story he never gains wealth nor does he achieve fame, yet he immersed himself in the world of nature. It is also interesting to think about how Wallace becomes successful, but is never fully submerged in the jungle. Alec is, but never becomes famous. Alec is not invited to the fancy parties that Wallace is, but he experiences true joy living the native life. In the end, he achieves freedom upon the realization that he is not a scientist in the way that Wallace is. He hunts because he loves it and loves the jungle, unlike Wallace who hunts for science. And because of this we like Alec better. We want him to win.In the end, we come to the realization that Alec is a bird with no feet. He has nowhere to land. He is constantly searching for somewhere to “land” or in other words, some way to become famous and make his place on the earth. It is ironic that Alec goes searching for a bird with no feet. He doesn’t find one. It is at that time, he discovers in himself that there is no scientist, just as there is not a bird lacking feet. He also realizes it is time to land that he can land and face the fact that he is different than Wallace. Alec is a hunter, not a scientist. He enjoys the hunt, he loves the capture, and he is attracted to his skins and animals. He is a lover of the jungle and wants to be part of it. Because of this, we like him.The story "Birds with No Feet" climaxes when Alec hunts for birds with no fe...
