Book Review- What the Robin Knows

One of our new books, What the Robin Knows, by Jon Young, a tracker, birder and naturalist, considers robins, juncos and other songbirds the key to our natural world. He writes of his life-long interest, beginning as a teenager, in the songs, companion calls and alarms, that telegraph a bird’s awareness of its surroundings. His book refers to his research as “deep bird language” the behaviors and calls that may telegraph danger or keep birds in touch with their mates. This writer shares stories, such as the brave cardinal who saved his mate from a hawk and  observations of the corvids, crows, ravens, jays and magpies, who steal eggs and hatchlings for food.  If you love nature, this is a well-written book that will explain animal communication and it offers a web site of “bird” audio recordings.

The NHTI Library has added a new subscription to Birds & Blooms, a magazine devoted to birds and gardens, filled with columns, photos, how-to articles and facts. Stop in the library to explore an issue.

Young, Jon. What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World. Boston: Houghton, 2012. QL698.5 .Y68 2012

Here are other books in the NHTI Library collection about birds:

• Atlas of Birds: Diversity, Behavior and Conservation QL678 .U58 2011
• Best-Ever Backyard Birding Tips: Hundreds of Easy Ways to Attract the Birds You Love to Watch
• QL677.5 .M37 2008
• Hawks at a Distance: Identification of Migrant Raptors QL696 .E3 L538 2011
• How Fast Can a Falcon Dive? Fascinating Answers to Questions about Birds of Prey QL677.78 .C37 2010

Check the online catalog, www.library.ccsnh.edu, to learn if a book is available or call 271-7186 for assistance.

Welcome Back!

Whether you are a new or returning student, take a moment to become familiar with the NHTI Library home page. A the top of the page, locate and try our latest feature Quick Search the EBSCO Discovery Service that searches databases, e-journals and the library catalog all at one time.

Also featured on the home page are newly added databases. Contemporary Authors offers biographical information for 130,000 modern authors, titles or works published by the individual author. Search by name, title, awards or subject/genre to get a head start on English assignments.

If you are interested in your family’s history, consult Ancestry.com, a 10 billion record database that investigates immigration records, birth, death and marriage registers along with census and military records.

Over the summer, we combined reference and circulation services now located at the front desk in the lobby. You’ll find more staff, all friendly, helpful people, who want you to have a successful first semester.

Stop by for assistance with research and use of library resources. Show us your shiny new student ID and sign up for a free library account. This will allow you to check out books and DVDs and gives you access to use the special “reserves” materials. 

If you can’t make it in to see us and need help with research, you may send your question to “Ask a Librarian” if online, or email: nhtireference@ccsnh.edu. Remember to include your phone number.

Library Hours:

Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.