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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

Closed

Mon, Aug 11 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Aug 12 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Aug 13 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Aug 14 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Aug 15 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 16 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Aug 17 12:00PM to 5:00PM

About the Branch

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

Upcoming Events

Mon, Aug 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Main Library - Conference Room
A special interest group that encourages and assists with writing family stories and histories. Participants share their stories for help with ideas, clarification, and resources.

Mon, Aug 11, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Computer Training Room
New to computers or need a refresher on how to get started? Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard, pick up basic computer skills and browse the internet in this series. Sponsored by Comcast.
Registration is now closed

Mon, Aug 11, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
Son reuniones donde las personas hablan, participan activamente y escuchan sobre temas como los desafíos y las victorias de criar a una familia, a través de la autorreflexión y el aprendizaje.

Mon, Aug 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Mobile Services - Sprinter
620 Wing St, Elgin, IL 60123

Mon, Aug 11, 11:45am - 1:15pm
Main Library - Grove Room
Monthly Civil War-focused discussion group. Generally meets 2nd week of the month. No registration.

Mon, Aug 11, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Mobile Services
3 Times Square Rd, Elgin, IL 60120

Mon, Aug 11, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: 1300 N McLean Blvd – at Sheffield Dr. – Elgin 60123 – 3:00-3:45

Mon, Aug 11, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: Mark Ave./Greater Grace Church – 991 Deborah Ave. – Elgin 60123 – 5:00-5:45

Mon, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room B
¿Te sientes abrumado o deprimido? Únete a nuestro grupo de apoyo en español, dirigido por personas con experiencia en salud mental, en colaboración con NAMI KDK.

Mon, Aug 11, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Grove Room
Get hooked on crocheting! Bring a project to work on. All skill levels welcome. Please Register

Mon, Aug 11, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Conference Room,Info Serv - Zoom
Co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women Elgin Area Branch. Click on the event title for a list of assigned books. Facilitated by Barbara Njus and Gail Cohen. Please Register.

Mon, Aug 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
Opportunity to practice & build your signing skills in a fun, supportive environment! NOTE THIS IS NOT A CLASS, but a group of people with varying degrees of proficiency helping each other practice!