Dr. Pepperberg discussing her research with Alex...

Here's an interesting video of Dr. Irene Pepperberg discussing her research involving Alex, the African Grey parrot. It's remarkable the degree to which the concept of avian intelligence - something most scientists take for granted today - was brushed off, even mocked, when she first tried to get funding for her studies. And what's really extraordinary is the degree to which Alex was able to use his acquired language skills in ad hoc communications. It's fascinating stuff, far more important, I suspect, than we realize right now. Check it out; it's well worth the time:



The underlying scientific premise of my novel, Little Birdies!, is based on Dr. Pepperberg's work. You can read the reviews here, and read the opening chapters here: Little Birdies! excerpts. And of course, you can buy it here (available in both softcover and Kindle). Check it out; if you're an Alex fan you'll love the book, I promise...