Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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 6:00PM

Mon, Jul 07 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Jul 08 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Jul 09 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Jul 10 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Jul 11 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 12 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 13 12:00PM to 5:00PM

About the Branch

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

Upcoming Events

Sat, Jul 12, 9:30am - 10:00am
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: Randall Ridge Park – 2835 Winchester Dr, Elgin 60124 – 9:30-10:00

Sat, Jul 12, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Main Library
This special day, brought to you by the Vituity Cares Foundation and St. Joseph Hospital Elgin, is packed with resources, entertainment, and services to help your family stay healthy and happy.

Sat, Jul 12, 10:15am - 10:45am
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: Meier Park – 3770 Gansett Pkwy, Elgin IL 60124 – 10:15-10:45

Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library - Grove Room
Practice or improve your conversation skills with other French speakers. This discussion group will be in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere facilitated by Sue Aissaoui, who is a native speaker.

Sat, Jul 12, 11:00am - 11:30am
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: Heritage Park – 3140 Heritage Park Way, Elgin IL 60124 – 11:00-11:30

Sat, Jul 12, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Mobile Services
Boathouse Park, Rocton Ave. Elgin 60124 12:00-12:30

Sat, Jul 12, 12:45pm - 1:15pm
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: Settlers Park - 3046 Sutton St, Elgin IL 60124 – 12:45-1:15

Sat, Jul 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Come assemble some greeting cards and bookmarks for back-to-school and autumn.