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Noted authors’ virtual presentation to focus on birds Aug. 4

July 24, 2020

Renowned ornithologist and illustrator David Allen Sibley, and acclaimed science and nature writer Jennifer Ackerman will explore the intelligence and often astounding behaviors of birds during a live virtual presentation at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, hosted by Lewes Loves Books and the Lewes Public Library.

The program will focus on the authors’ latest works: Sibley’s “What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing – What Birds Are Doing and Why,” and Ackerman’s “The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent and Think.” Following their presentation, Sibley and Ackerman will take questions from the audience.

The Zoom-based program is free, but advance registration is required by visiting the Lewes Public Library’s website, www.lewes.lib.de.us, or by calling the library at 302-645-2733.

The event follows a July 7 virtual presentation during which nearly 200 participants heard Ackerman discuss several of her books, including “Birds by the Shore,” written while she lived in Lewes. Ackerman delighted her audience with an illustrated presentation highlighting the brainpower of birds, including their ability to communicate, solve problems and, in the case of the bowerbird, build elaborate and colorfully decorated structures as part of their mating ritual.

Sibley is the author and illustrator of a series of successful nature guides that bear his name, including “The Sibley Field Guide to Birds.” Used by millions of birders from novices to the most expert, The New York Times best-seller is the standard by which most natural history guides are measured. 

His latest book offers birders and non-birders alike new insights and a deeper understanding of what common, mostly backyard birds are doing, and why.

In her new book, Ackerman explores recent scientific research that is dramatically shifting people’s understanding of how birds live and think.

Both authors’ books are available for purchase from Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach and Biblion in Lewes, with net proceeds supporting the Lewes Loves Books program. Copies also may be borrowed from Delaware Public Libraries.

Lewes Loves Books is part of the American Library Association’s One Book, One Community initiative. The movement, with approximately 150 local groups nationwide, brings people together to read, discuss and explore a single book selected by each community’s organizers.

In addition to the Lewes Public Library, partners in the Lewes Loves Books program include Biblion; Browseabout Books; Cape Henlopen State Park; Delaware Center for the Inland Bays; Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control; Friends of Prime Hook; Lewes Chamber of Commerce; Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute; Sea Grant Delaware; Sussex Bird Club; Sussex County Department of Libraries; University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment; and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The Lewes Public Library anticipates the needs of the community, and adapts, creates and supports classes and programs for all ages that encourage a love of reading, exploration and discovery. It provides access to a wide variety of educational, informational and recreational materials for all members of the community through traditional resources and emerging technologies. For more information, visit www.lewes.lib.de.us.

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