A bird in hand is something to be thankful for, and here is a beautiful illustration of the old proverb, courtesy the American Folk Art Museum. Some scholars believe that the saying warns against high-risk enterprises while other readings of the meaning refer to medieval falconry where a bird in the hand (the falcon) is a valuable asset and arguably worth more than two in the bush (the prey). Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes for a fine bird in your hand. Taufschein for Johannes Dottere/ Northhampton County (or Bird-in-the-Hand), probably Chestnut Hill Township, Pennsylvania, c. 1831, watercolor and ink on paper.