Best Ornithology

Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous—two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex's brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures. Alex missed Irene when she was away. Alex and Irene stayed together through thick and thin—despite sneers from experts, extraordinary financial sacrifices, and a nomadic existence from one university to another. Alex is the African gray parrot whose ability to master a vocabulary of more than 100 words and answer questions about the color, shape and number of objects—garnered wide notice during his life as well as obituaries in worldwide media after his death in September 2007. While this book inevitably covers some of the same ground, it is a moving tribute that beautifully evokes the struggles, the initial triumphs, the setbacks, the unexpected and often stunning achievements during a groundbreaking scientific endeavor spent uncovering cognitive abilities in Alex that no one believed were possible, and challenging science's deepest assumptions about the origin of human cognitive abilities.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"And I've learned since then that she loved me, I didn't understand her behavior fully, there was no internet back then so i had to surmise her actions were positive towards me. She too liked to play games, such as the time I had just installed a smoke detector in the hallway outside my bathroom. Thanks for taking the time to write this book, it brought back memories while learning about the intelligence, which we know better today exists in all living creatures."
"I liked how well she treated her birds and that she makes clear these intelligent creatures should not be left alone as solitary pets."
"Dr Pepperberg is a gifted writer as well as a amazing scientist and her book on African Greys is a must read for any parrot lover."
"I cannot imagine myself having Irene's commitment and dedication and doing the amazing amount of work required with Alex and with so many people and institutions to keep the program going for the results."
"The journey of Irene and Alex's life together is so moving and inspiring, and yet another confirmation of how much we can learn from our animal friends."
"As well as the difficulties within academia for a talented woman and a smart parrot to gain the recognition and funding they deserved."
"She was a busy scientist but never once forgot the animals who shared her life!"
"This is a very interesting, authentic tale of a very intelligent woman who saw potential in her birds, and a specific bird who knew and loved her."

Stacey and Wesley's bond deepened as she discovered Wesley's individual personality, subtle emotions, and playful nature that could also turn fiercely loyal and protective -- though she could have done without Wesley's driving away her would-be human suitors! O'Brien also brings us inside the prestigious research community, a kind of scientific Hogwarts where resident owls sometimes flew freely from office to office and eccentric, brilliant scientists were extraordinarily committed to studying and helping animals; all of them were changed by the animal they loved. Owls permeate literature and mythology, an ancient animal ("some 97 million years" old) that has fascinated for centuries; still, few people have had as intimate an encounter with the mysterious night birds as biologist O'Brien. She named him Wesley, and for 19 years kept, cared for and studied him, forging a tremendous relationship with the still-wild animal, as well as a vast understanding of his abilities, instincts and habits: "He was my teacher, my companion, my child, my playmate, my reminder of God."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you love owls this book is a must read."
"The book is beautifully written and there is so much information packed into about Owls in general but not in a text book way, it flows well while it enlightens you."
"Stacey O'Brien has truly been blessed with such an amazing opportunity to have experienced the beauty and magnificent portrayal of just one of GOD’S infinite Creations."
"Wesley the Owl is a beautiful story of a wonderful barn owl and his human, and how they both grew up together."
"How I admire this young woman for her bravery, caring, kindness, intelligence, work ethics, and on and on! Everyone will read about a true love between beings that is so life confirming."
"I can't say enough positive about this book."
"Whatever the reason it had me wanting to find this book, and I did. Thank you for writing this book."
"I like birds and have been amazed by their intelligence, so I was not surprised to learn about Wesley's ability to communicate."

And because they often live near people—in our gardens, parks, and cities—they are also keenly aware of our peculiarities, staying away from and even scolding anyone who threatens or harms them and quickly learning to recognize and approach those who care for and feed them, even giving them numerous, oddly touching gifts in return. With his extraordinary research on the intelligence and startling abilities of corvids—crows, ravens, and jays—scientist John Marzluff teams up with artist-naturalist Tony Angell to tell amazing stories of these brilliant birds in Gifts of the Crow. “Researchers writing about comparative human and nonhuman cognition always make brief, obligatory reference to the underlying neurological and hormonal systems, but Marzluff and Angell actually provide us with the details. Their book is indeed a gift, not only to those of us eager to learn about corvid behavior but also but also to those who wish to understand the bases for these actions.” (Irene M. Pepperberg, author of Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process ). “John Marzluff and Tony Angell's amazing, true stories of crows who rage, grieve, give gifts, work together, and even design and use tools would be enough to make this book a great read. "In this important work, you’ll find stunning examples of crow emotionality and intelligence -- a triumphant vindication for those who have known all along that animals are capable of much more than they’re generally given credit for. “Delightful… a series of intriguing stories and stunning illustrations that together reveal the sophisticated cognitive abilities of crows and their relationship with humans." A testament to years of painstaking research and careful observation, this fully illustrated, riveting work is a thrilling look at one of nature's most wondrous creatures." In their exciting new book, Marzluff and Angell, show us how crows brains work, while providing the evidence that these cerebral birds have a lot more in common with us than we ever imagined. --Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven “Researchers writing about comparative human and nonhuman cognition always make brief, obligatory reference to the underlying neurological and hormonal systems, but Marzluff and Angell actually provide us with the details. Their book is indeed a gift, not only to those of us eager to learn about corvid behavior but also but also to those who wish to understand the bases for these actions.” –Irene M. Pepperberg, author of Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process. “John Marzluff and Tony Angell's amazing, true stories of crows who rage, grieve, give gifts, work together, and even design and use tools would be enough to make this book a great read. "In this important work, you’ll find stunning examples of crow emotionality and intelligence -- a triumphant vindication for those who have known all along that animals are capable of much more than they’re generally given credit for. In their exciting new book, Marzluff and Angell, show us how crows brains work, while providing the evidence that these cerebral birds have a lot more in common with us than we ever imagined.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The chapters on brain and anatomy are beyond my High School understanding of biology but I was able to get through them because of other books on health and the human brain I've read as an adult. I'm so glad to find researchers who can relate to me as a member of the general population."
"I will say that it looks like it is the type of book that the chapters do not have to be taken in order for the book to be thoroughly enjoyed."
"Dr. Marzluff's research was extensive and fascinating, but his writing style a bit dry for me."
"crows are great and the most you know the most you love them."
"Very science like."
"For those interested in the intelligence of beings other than humans, this is a terrific insight."
"not finished reading yet but entertaining."
Best Ichthyology

Highlighting breakthrough discoveries from fish enthusiasts and scientists around the world and pondering his own encounters with fishes, Balcombe examines the fascinating means by which fishes gain knowledge of the places they inhabit, from shallow tide pools to the deepest reaches of the ocean. Teeming with insights and exciting discoveries, What a Fish Knows offers a thoughtful appraisal of our relationships with fishes and inspires us to take a more enlightened view of the planet’s increasingly imperiled marine life. What a Fish Knows will forever change how we see our aquatic cousins—the pet goldfish included.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If, on the other hand, you like fish because they taste good, or because catching them is good sport, and you don’t want to think about the lives, the uniqueness of the beings that you are taking away from their communities and habitats, you should still read this book. It will help you appreciate the cost of the gift of their lives that you are accepting. They possess the specialized nerve fibers that mammals and birds use to detect noxious stimuli. "This one (fish) seemed to have a destination. Finally, yes, if you’re the kind of person who wants to save lives, conscious lives, who wants to help create a better balance between our ever-growing, all-consuming appetite and the dwindling abundance of ways to satisfy those appetites; if you want to get angry, yes, by all means, read the whole book, every last word."
"After all, I was taught to believe that a fish is a fish is a fish is a fish, … just automatons peddling water waiting for food and sex, sex and food, food and sex, until they become food to other fishes. Then his really challenging work begins: fishes’ pain, consciousness, awareness, stress, and joy followed by intelligence, tools, planning, and winning competitions with primates. But no, as a consummate scientist and brilliant writer, Balcombe simply lays out the facts clearly and calmly of how fishes and fish populations are suffering and how current human actions are irreparably damaging Earth’s underwater world."
"This book is wonderfully written, full of scientific data, and humanizing anecdotes, all sprinkled with humor and a sense of awe."
"Who knew that fish were so smart?"
"Who knew?"
"Excellent book!"
"Balcombe pads his book with a little too many anecdotes, and the animal-rights focus at the end - while powerful (I'm not going to eat any more commercially caught or raised fish.)."
"Very interesting topic."
Best Zoology of Primatology

Instead, he draws on the long tradition of humanism exemplified by the painter Hieronymus Bosch and asks reflective readers to consider these issues from a positive perspective: What role, if any, does religion play for a well-functioning society today? Rich with cultural references and anecdotes of primate behavior, The Bonobo and the Atheist engagingly builds a unique argument grounded in evolutionary biology and moral philosophy. “Frans de Waal’s new book carries the important message that human kindness is a biological feature of our species and not something that has to be imposed on us by religious teaching.”. - Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape “De Waal’s decades of patient work documenting the ‘building blocks’ of morality in other animals has revolutionized not just primatology but moral psychology. It’s impossible to look an ape in the eye and not see oneself, de Waal tells us, and this beautifully written book is one long riveting gaze.”. - Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. De Waal shows that human morality is deeply rooted in our primate legacy, long predating the invention of that cultural gizmo called religion.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I recommend this book to people looking for a new way to look at how human society has developed and where we want to go."
"It is written in a thoughtful and intimate way and is a great read for readers interested in learning about behavioral experiments with various animals showing interesting results related to sociality and empathy."
"I was recommended this by physician who knows my interest in animal rights and ethics."
"Frans de Waal is "the man" when it comes to primate behavior and studies."
"In Holland I found the book under the title, "The Bonobo and the Ten Commandments" suggesting that over there religion's repute resembles that of atheism in the US."
Best Zoology of Mammals

Drawing on the latest research and her own work, Grandin identifies the core emotional needs of animals and then explains how to fulfill the specific needs of dogs and cats, horses, farm animals, zoo animals, and even wildlife. Now she builds on those insights to show us how to give our animals the best and happiest life--on their terms, not ours. Knowing what causes animals physical pain is usually easy, but pinpointing emotional distress is much harder. Whether it's how to make the healthiest environment for the dog you must leave alone most of the day, how to keep pigs from being bored, or how to know if the lion pacing in the zoo is miserable or just exercising, Grandin teaches us to challenge our assumptions about animal contentment and honor our bond with our fellow creatures. Animals Make Us Human is the culmination of almost thirty years of research, experimentation, and experience. But the thing about cattle is they're a prey-species animal and they get scared really easily--and I can relate to that because as a person with autism, fear is my main emotion. And today many more people are now involved in teaching low-stress stockmanship and good cattle handling. And people need to watch for that kind of situation, because even though it looks peaceful, that one particular cat that never sleeps is going to be stressed out. Dogs need to be taken out every day for quality interaction with a person, exercise, and fun play. At the same time that I was working on cattle handling in the U.S. in the early seventies, Ron Kilgore was doing the same sorts of things in New Zealand. A woman working at Niman Ranch said that we've got to give animals "a life worth living." These cattle can have a decent life: the cows and the bulls, out on a ranch eating grass. Q: If you could give your book to one person or one group of people so that they could learn more about animal care, who would that be? Its aim is to reduce the inhumane confinement of farm animals by giving them enough room to stand up, turn around, and stretch. It's so much more expensive to put them in systems that are cage-free, and what I'm worried about is the egg industry migrating to Mexico and being a real mess, where we have no controls at all. Working from the premise that an animal is a conscious being that has feelings, the autistic author assesses dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, poultry, wildlife and zoo animals based on a core emotion system she believes animals and humans share, including a need to seek; a sense of rage, fear, and panic; feelings of lust; an urge to nurture; and an ability to play. Among observations at odds with conventional wisdom: dogs need human parents, not alpha pack leaders, and cats respond to training. Discussions of why horses are skittish and why pigs are arguably the most intelligent of beasts—raccoons run them a close second—illuminate the intersection of people and more domesticated animals; chapters on cows and chickens focus more generally on animal welfare, particularly the horrific conditions in which they are usually raised and slaughtered. Packed with fascinating insights, unexpected observations and a wealth of how-to tips, Grandin's peppy work ably challenges assumptions about what makes animals happy.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Temple Grandin shares her very profound insights into animal behavior all the way from small domesticated animals through horses and cattle and large wild animals."
"Greater understanding promotes a much healthier and satisfying relationship for both animal and human."
"I suspect that it is just normal animal behavior that has involved into the animal known as human that is being described rather than an anthromphism. Dr. Temple Grandin provides a wonderful guide regarding animal behavior and problem solving."
"This book will make you think."
"As an animal lover, I have had many different experiences with a variety of animals and found that Temple's read to be accurate and true."
"I know about Temple Grandin's story, and I have been thinking about breeding animals lately, so I thought this book might help me know more about handling animals. If you are not interested in this, ski these chapters and go straight to the chapter(s) on your animal(s) of interest. After the research section, Grandin breaks the book up into chapters on different types of animals: cats, dogs, horses, cows, pigs, poultry, wildlife, and zoos."
"I have quoted information from this books to many other dog owners and recommend it highly to anyone who shares this planet with animals."
Best Invertebrates

From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food. With her “joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures” ( Library Journal Editors’ Spring Pick), Montgomery chronicles the growing appreciation of this mollusk as she tells a unique love story. Experience a real intelligence based on a sense of touch that humans can barely imagine.” (Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation ). "Renowned author Sy Montgomery's latest gem is a must read for those who want to dissolve the human-constructed borders between "them" (other animals) and us. (Vicki Constantine Croke, author of Elephant Company ). "In The Soul of an Octopus , Sy Montgomery immerses readers into an intriguing, seductive world just beneath the ocean waves and the lives of the creatures living within. Sy Montgomery faces these questions head-on in her engaging new book as she explores the world of octopuses, making friends with several and finding heartbreak when they die. (Virginia Morell, author of ANIMAL WISE: How We Know Animals Think and Feel ). "With apparent delight, Montgomery puts readers inside the world of these amazing creatures. (Library Journal Editors' Spring Pick). "Sweet moments are at the heart of Montgomery's compassionate, wise and tender new book... Only a writer of her talent could make readers care about octopuses as individuals... Entertaining books like The Soul of an Octopus remind us of just how much we not only have to learn from fellow creatures, but that they can have a positive impact on our lives." (Newsday). "Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus does for the creature what. Helen Macdonald 's H Is for Hawk did for raptors." (Columbus Dispatch). "Naturalist Montgomery writes exceptionally affecting and enlightening books inspired by both rigorous scientific curiosity and enraptured wonder and empathy for all living beings...In prose as gripping and entwining as her. subjects’ many arms, Montgomery chronicles the octopus’ phenomenal strength, dexterity, speed... She also tells funny and moving stories about her friendships... Montgomery’s uniquely intimate portrait of the elusive octopus profoundly recalibrates our perception of consciousness, communication, and community." In the end, the book leaves one with the impression that our way of interacting with the world is not the only way or the most superior way and that sentience similarly comes in a variety of equally astounding forms, all worthy of recognition and compassion.” (Science Magazine). “Montgomery’s journey of discovery encourages the reader to reflect on his or her own definition of consciousness and “soul.” In the end, the book leaves one with the impression that our way of interacting with the world is not the only way or the most superior way and that sentience similarly comes in a variety of equally astounding forms, all worthy of recognition and compassion.” (Shelf Awareness, Best Book of 2015 List) A Notable Book of the Year (Huffington Post). " The Soul of an Octopus is an astoundingly beautiful read in its entirety, at once scientifically illuminating and deeply poetic, and is indeed a worthy addition to the best science books of the year ." The book takes readers on a vivid tour of their complex inner world… explores their proclivities, their relationships and their intelligence and ultimately tries to deduce whether they possess consciousness… It is hard to come away from this book without a new appreciation for these wonderful creatures.” (Scientific American) 2016 Notable Book (American Library Association) Sy Montgomery is a naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and author of twenty acclaimed books of nonfiction for adults and children, including the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus and the memoir The Good Good Pig , a New York Times bestseller.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I once kept an octopus in a sea water aquarium. She had so much impact on me that by the end of the week I knew I had to put her back in the ocean."
"I would probably not have given this book a second glance except that just days before it was offered to me for review I had read Turtle Reef, an Australian contemporary romance novel, in which the heroine, working at a marine park, befriended an octopus. It offers a very readable and rather unique blend of personal experience, scientific knowledge and philosophical opinion about what is understood, and unknown, about the nature of octopuses. During her time spent at the New England Aquarium she befriended several individual octopuses including Athena, who was the subject of a popular 2011 Orion magazine piece, "Deep Intellect" which went viral and was the inspiration for this book, Octavia, Kali and Karma."
"Perhaps so, perhaps not - she offers little to support this beyond the sensation of suckers winding up her arms, and what may have just as likely been the animals' desperate attempts to find relief from such close boring confines. If as seems the case that the author and aquarium staff care so deeply for these creatures, how can they then reconcile confining - alone - in a small dark boring pickle barrel for months at a time, animals captured in young and mid-life from their wild free oceanic homes. One can reasonably argue the value, plusses and minuses of zoos and aquarium in general, but capturing and tightly confining smart, free, wild animals for eventual display - and losing some in this process as the price of doing business - does have implications that are an inherent yet all but unacknowledged under-theme of this book."