The library will close on Tuesday, December 24th at noon and stay closed through Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas

Memorial Hall Library

Superb Owls (And Where to Find Them)

We understand that many Americans are very interested in a particular Superb Owl this time of year. However, birders and outdoor enthusiasts know that you can see superb owls touch down in the Merrimack Valley all year long. Check out this list of birding books to learn more, or kick off your expedition by consulting the Birds of North America Online database, which is accessible from our Research & Databases page. These resources are free for patrons, no penalty! 

Understanding owls : biology, management, breeding, training
Understanding owls : biology, management, breeding, training
by Jemima Parry-Jones

With their glowing, unblinking eyes they seem to notice everything -- and to have the wisdom to understand it all, too. From biology and taxonomy, to housing, feeding, incubation, and rearing to training and flying, a master breeder and trainer of owls shares her extensive knowledge of these nighttime creatures -- both in the wild and in captivity. A general overview covers their anatomy, and a morphology details the various subfamilies of owl. 
Owls : a wildlife handbook
Owls : a wildlife handbook
by Kim Long

Topics covered include full-color identification of all nineteen species that breed in North America, anatomy, favorite foods, reproduction, molting, feather structure, owl calls, the production of owl pellets, hunting methods, preferred habitats, natural range, and owls' superior capabilities in hearing and night vision.
Owls
Owls
by Marianne Taylor

Presents an introduction to owls, describing their physical features, habitats, life cycle, senses, diet, predatory behavior, and interactions with people, with an in-depth treatment of individual owl species.
Birding New England : a field guide to the birds of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
Birding New England : a field guide to the birds of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
by Randi Minetor

Birdwatching is for everyone. No other outdoor pursuit yields so much knowledge of nature's ways with so little effort--if one knows what to look for. Birding New England opens the world of birding to the novice and expert in this complete guide to getting the most out of birding in New England. Birding New England includes sections on birding technology, equipment, identification techniques, birding "by ear," where to view birds, field guides, optics, and other essentials to get birders of all skill levels into the field to identify birds throughout New England.
National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America
National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America
by Jonathan Alderfer
 
You don't have to be an experienced birder to enjoy this guide! With hundreds of illustrations and a user-friendly format, you'll soon be spotting and identifying birds in your locale in no time. The updated text highlights the latest trends in birding and the most up-to-date ornithological information. 
Sibley birds east : field guide to birds of eastern North America
Sibley birds east : field guide to birds of eastern North America
by David Sibley

A new edition of the eastern North American guide for bird enthusiasts profiles 550 species, and features new illustrations and maps, in a guide specifically designed for use in the field.