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The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds

with Smithsonian Biologist Jay Falk

2025-08-05 13:00:00 2025-08-05 14:00:00 America/Chicago The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography & clear explanations in this absorbing global guide, The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, & History of Birds. Please register Virtual -

Tuesday, August 05
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-08-05 13:00:00 2025-08-05 14:00:00 America/Chicago The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography & clear explanations in this absorbing global guide, The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, & History of Birds. Please register Virtual -

Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography & clear explanations in this absorbing global guide, The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, & History of Birds. Please register

Birds are dinosaurs with a history going back millions of years. Our fascination with them runs deep in history, and our close association is reflected in creation stories, myths, legends, songs, and children's stories.

This book and presentation explore:

  • Both the natural history of birds and that deep cultural connection. From their evolution and anatomy to their behavior and diversity.
  • Hawks, finches, swans, or birds of paradise, moving the focus away from a predictable species-by-species account and allowing for truly global coverage. 
  • The bold nature of European Robins and why they are associated with Christmas; the mythical Phoenix, which rises from the ashes; and learn about eagles, from their hunting prowess to their myriads of stories and symbolism.

Packed with information, beautiful photography, and illustrations, The Bird Book is a must-have for nature enthusiasts. Register today to learn more about your very own backyard friends!


About the Author: Dr. Jay Jinsing Falk is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the University of Colorado. He is an evolutionary biologist and behavioral ecologist fascinated by the diversity that can be found within species, especially in sexual traits. During his PhD, he began studying White-necked Jacobin hummingbirds as a STRI Short-Term Fellow, and later as a Smithsonian Predoctoral Fellow. His findings, that some females of this species look like males while others do not, has become the cornerstone of his research program. He is inspired by the dizzying array of feather coloration that can be found in hummingbirds. After completing his PhD at Cornell University, he moved to the University of Washington to study hummingbird movement and metabolism. Now at the University of Colorado, he is investigating the genetics and development of feather coloration. Jay currently lives in Gamboa, Panamá, where he studies the hummingbirds that visit the feeders at his house on the edge of the forest.

Please Register for link to program.


Live Virtual Author Talks - This new series through Library Speakers Consortium offers live online talks by bestselling authors of books in a variety of genres. Participants receive a link to the program when they register. Please see https://libraryc.org/gailborden to register and also view recorded videos of past speakers.

AGE GROUP: | Virtual Live | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Nature & Science | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Virtual

Phone: 847-742-2411

Hours

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 9:00PM

Mon, Jul 14 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Jul 15 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Jul 16 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Jul 17 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Jul 18 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 19 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 20 12:00PM to 5:00PM

About the Branch

Programs presented virtually through FB, Zoom, YouTube, and other online sources.

Upcoming Events

Thu, Jul 17, 9:30am - 11:30am
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Computer Cafe
Get help with common tech issues like Microsoft Office, using a tablet, hotspots, syncing email with your phone, downloading content, and more. Drop in for personalized assistance at your library.

Thu, Jul 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Lobby - Piano
Piano performance in the lobby by volunteer community members.

Thu, Jul 17, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Join us for an interactive storytime! Best for kids birth-6 with an adult caregiver. All ages are welcome. Drop-in! No registration required.

Thu, Jul 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library - Elgin Room
Tired of paying an overpriced bill? Learn about how you might be able the “cut the cable cord” in favor of popular streaming subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu and more.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Main Library
Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this open-ended playtime encourages imagination and fun on our KidSpace outdoor patio. Drop in and play—weather permitting!

Thu, Jul 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Join Ms. Carrie to explore unique art this summer. We'll learn about an artist or medium, but we'll spend most of our time MAKING ART! This session, let's go to the circus with Alexander Calder!
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Mobile Services - Sprinter
425 Dundee Ave. – Elgin 60120

Thu, Jul 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Shales Living Room
Come drop in and join with others to learn some new techniques, drawing trends and just...draw!

Thu, Jul 17, 11:30am - 12:45pm
Mobile Services
Location: St. Francis Park

Thu, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Join Ms. Carrie to explore unique art this summer. We'll learn about an artist or medium, but we'll spend most of our time MAKING ART! This session, let's go to the circus with Alexander Calder.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Shales Living Room
Learn how to make duct-tape wallets, roses, keychains, and more! Registration encouraged, but not required. Drop-ins are welcome. Grades 7-12.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual
Explore the intricate world of Legend with Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Please register.
Register

Thu, Jul 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - Elgin Room
¿El dinero te confunde? ¿Los términos financieros suenan como otro idioma? No te preocupes, aquí lo vamos a aprender todo.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Studio 270 Digital Media Lab
Learn how to make your own beats on Garageband and make them sound epic. Grades 7-12. Registration required.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Outdoor Stage
Come enjoy summer music to include pop, jazz, classical, film, Broadway, patriotic, & Americana selections. Bring a picnic dinner & blanket or chairs and enjoy the music. Please Register
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
South Elgin Branch
In this series, learn how to use Microsoft Excel to manipulate, format, and organize numbers and other types of data. Sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Conference Room
Usando material de USCIS que incluye preguntas de educación cívica, el formulario de solicitud y otros requisitos para la entrevista de ciudadanía. Este grupo de conversación es solo en inglés.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jul 17, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Grove Room
Semi-monthly meeting of the Elgin Genealogical Society. No registration required.

Fri, Jul 18, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Outdoor Stage
Sing, dance, bounce, and bop with Miss Carole's Macaroni Soup concert! This energetic, interactive concert is perfect for kids ages 0–6. Drop-in, no registration required.

Fri, Jul 18, 11:00am - 11:45am
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Bring your curiosity and join us for a different theme or activity each time as we explore. This is a Drop-In Program. No Registration Required.

Fri, Jul 18, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Mobile Services
Location: South Riverside Drive

Fri, Jul 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
In The Community - In the Community
Calling all Nature Rangers! Join us for a hike at a local forest preserve or nature center. Please register.