The mystery of bird song

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — David Rosenberg will read from his book “Why Birds Sing: A Journey Into the Mystery of Birdsong” at 3:00 p.m. on July 22 at Hamish & Henry Booksellers at 34B Main Street.

The variety and richness of birdsong is both an aesthetic and scientific mystery. The standard explanations, which generally have to do with territoriality and sexual display, don’t begin to account for the astonishing invention and energy that the commonest birds exhibit.

Is it possible that birds sing because they like to? This seemingly naive explanation is starting to look more and more like the truth. “Why Birds Sing,” based on conversations with neuroscientists, ecologists and composers, is a lyric exploration of birdsong that blends the latest scientific research with a deep understanding of musical beauty and form.

Rothenberg is Professor of Philosophy at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His work has been profiled on NPR and the BBC, and he has written for The Nation, Sierra, and BBC Wildlife.

For more information call 845/439-8029.