“After witnessing shorebirds in the midst of migration, seeing the transformation on the breeding grounds was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The quiet and demure shorebirds that probe along our beaches transform into creatures with spectacular aerial displays and songs that rival any songbird.”
Join bird researcher and photographer Ian Davies as he takes us on a journey
of wonder and delight on Monday, October 20 from 7-8 pm, Eastern Time. The talk will be live streamed at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/a-journey-with-shorebirds
In his presentation, A Journey with Shorebirds: From coastal Massachusetts to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Ian will offer stunning views into the lives of breeding shorebirds, as well as discuss his work and that of others to conserve these amazing and diverse birds in the Arctic, in Plymouth, and across the hemisphere.
Male Buff Breasted Sandpiper displaying to females on Arctic breeding grounds. Photo by Ian Davies.
Surprisingly robust, tiny sandpipers and plovers fly thousands of miles annually each fall from northern Alaska and Canada to South America, returning in the spring on this same herculean journey. During their travels, the small birds pause to refuel in certain crucial stopover areas – such as Plymouth Long Beach. After resting and feeding on the abundant invertebrates in mud and sand flats, the shorebirds take wing again, often flying non-stop for several days to reach their destinations.
Bird enthusiast, photographer and researcher, Ian Davies spent many hours studying these birds during their migration stopovers in his hometown of Plymouth, including as an intern for Goldenrod Fountation. Due to his remarkable birding skills, dedication to bird conservation and science background, at age 20 Ian was offered the first of three (thus far) opportunities to travel to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to study shorebirds on their breeding grounds with the Shorebird Recovery Project of Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences.
The birds have revealed the secrets of their summertime lives and camouflaged nests to Ian and his camera. In his presentation, Ian will offer a glimpse into the lives of breeding shorebirds, as well as discussing his work and that of others to conserve these amazing and diverse birds across the hemisphere.
Please join us for this fascinating and educational presentation LIVE STREAMED on October 20 at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/a-journey-with-shorebirds
