Megan's Nature Nook
Nature Notes, Phenology, Photography, Fun Facts, Trips, Maybe Even a Bad Joke or Two... and More!
Have you ever said something to your pet and they seemed to understand? Maybe they meowed or barked a response, or just did something that made you wonder: “How much do they really understand?” In Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence—and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process, by Irene M. Pepperberg studies the cognition of African Grey Parrots. The main star of the book is an African Grey Parrot named Alex. He was bought as a young chick, and Pepperberg and her team did extensive training with him. He knows colors, shapes, numbers, food and even how to say, “I love you.” Throughout the course of the book you will follow Pepperberg through her professional journey from one institution to another bringing Alex and some of his bird friends with. She is someone who sacrificed a lot for her love of birds. It is amazing to read what Alex had learned through training and what he picked up on his own. It really does make you stop and wonder what your pet really understands and what kind of emotions they have. Alex & Me is a little different than other bird books I have read lately since it has a bit more of a science base. Don’t let that scare you away, although there is a science component, Pepperberg does a nice job of explaining things without too much detail so they’re easy to understand. If you’re an animal or even just a bird person, this is a good book for you. It will make you stop and think about what is really going through the heads of those animals you see. Can they understand you? What are they thinking about? I gave Alex & Me 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, rating it as "liked it." I think it had great content, but towards the end it did seem drag on a little. All together though, it was a good book. Click here for more information about the book.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Blog Updates:
If you would like to receive a notification when there is a new post, please fill out the contact form under the "Get in Touch" page. About MeHi, my name is Megan. I love spending time out in nature and learning everything I can about it! Enjoy my blog and want to support my writing? Buy me a tea! Click the button below - Thank you!
Categories
All
Archives
June 2023
|