For the birds!

by Claudia Wason

One day, while walking across campus, a bald eagle flew much lower than they normally do, circling several times before flying off toward the river. I looked around to see if anyone else had been fortunate enough to share a glimpse of this majestic bird. Several people were walking nearby, but each one had their eyes on their phones. A feeling of well-being from this brief but spectacular view of the natural world stayed with me for several days. 

During this stressful time, even a short escape into the natural world can greatly reduce anxiety and stress. I’ve learned where to walk in my neighborhood in order to be accompanied by a chorus of birdsong. A walk with music provided by an avian choir leaves me feeling refreshed and renewed. If you normally walk with your phone in hand, try leaving it at home or in your pocket. Perhaps, like me, you’ll find joy in watching and listening to the very social black-capped chickadees.

Whether you are new to birdwatching or have been enjoying the our feathered friends for years, the Library has great resources to help you learn more about birds near you.

Birds & Blooms

The August/September issue of Birds & Blooms magazine is available online through Flipster. Check out the lovely stellar jay on the cover of the current issue or look through the back issues! This magazine not only has great articles and photos of birds, but it includes tips for planting gardens that will attract birds and butterflies. 

The Flipster database can be found about halfway down the Library: Research & Resources page.

 

Films on Demand

One of my favorite databases has great full length and film segments, such as Counting on Birds: Tales of Migration—Counting on Birds Full Video (56:28). 

Description: “More than a century ago, ornithologist Frank Chapman redirected a Christmas-time tradition of revelers shooting birds to a new holiday recreation: counting birds instead. Now join the annual bird count, the longest-running wildlife census in the world. Distributed by PBS Distribution.” Join host Willem Lange, as he starts out in New Hampshire and travels to Maine, Ecuador, and Cuba to follow migrating birds. 

Films on Demand can be accessed through the Library's databases page. 

Books

Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Songs by Les Beletsky – A traditional book with built-in audio! 

Description from Amazon: “Drawing from the collection of the world-renowned Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bird Songs presents the most notable North American birds, including the rediscovered Ivory-billed Woodpecker, with lavish full-color illustrations and accompanied by their corresponding songs and calls. Renowned bird biologist Les Beletsky provides a succinct description of each of the 250 birds profiled, with an emphasis on their distinctive songs…”

Birding by Ear a Peterson Guide 

Description: Designed to help listeners recognize birds of eastern and central North America by their songs and calls. Points out exactly what to listen for to tell one bird from another.

Bird Song Ear Training Guide by John Feith 

Description: “A guide for anyone who wishes to improve their ability to recognize bird songs. Featuring 189 species found in the midwest and northeast states, each bird song recording is followed by a short description along with a common mnemonic used to remember it.”

Birds of New Hampshire & Vermont: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela

Description: “This book features 130 species of New Hampshire and Vermont birds, organized by color for ease of use. Do you see a yellow bird and don't know what it is? Go to the yellow section to find out. Fact-filled information, a compare feature, range maps and detailed photographs help to ensure that you positively identify the birds that you see.”

The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman 

Description: "Birds are astonishingly intelligent creatures. In fact, according to revolutionary new research, some birds rival primates and even humans in their remarkable forms of intelligence. Like humans, many birds have enormous brains relative to their size. Although small, bird brains are packed with neurons that allow them to punch well above their weight. In The Genius of Birds, acclaimed author Jennifer Ackerman explores the newly discovered brilliance of birds and how it came about."-- provided by publisher.

Bird-Watcher's Bible: A Complete Treasury--Science, Know-how, Beauty, Lore by Jonathan Alderfer [et al.] 

Description from publisher: “A lighthearted and broadly cultural and visual approach to learning everything there is to know about birds, bird-watching, birds in history and the arts, and life on the wing. Short narrative pieces are interspersed with sidebars, quotes, top-ten lists, and how-to instructions. Illustrated with photographs, contemporary and archival art, maps, and diagrams, the book has lots of cross-references and riches to find on every page...”

More birding resources:

• NH Audubon
• Nature trails, guide to birdwatching basics, information about native birds, and much, much more!
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Information about birds, bird identification help, bird songs, and all other things for the birds!

Looking for something else? We are here to help! Contact us via the Chat box during our regular hours, via email, or call (603) 230-4028!

Happy birding!