UW News

April 6, 2011

‘Birds at the Burke: Fly on over for a visit April 17

UW News

On Sunday, April 17, the Burke Museum will present a day devoted to the birds of Washington State.

A young visitor to the Burke Museum spies a specimen from its ornithology collection. The Burke is devoting April 17 to the birds of Washington State.

A young visitor to the Burke Museum spies a specimen from its ornithology collection. The Burke is devoting April 17 to the birds of Washington State.Photo by Jack Storms

This new event is being organized in conjunction with the exhibit The Owl and the Woodpecker, and is presented  by Seattle Audubon, Puget Sound Bird Observatory, Audubon Washington, and the Ornithology division of the Burke Museum.

A schedule of talks and presentations with local bird experts is as follows:

  • 10:30 am: Introduction to Birding with Adam Sedgley
    What do I need, where do I go and what should I see if I want to go birding? Seattle Audubon Science Manager and Master Birder Adam Sedgley will walk through the basics of birding and highlight some common and interesting birds that can be found in Seattle.
  • 11:30 am: Urban Birds in Urban Habitat with Matthew Mega
    What special challenges do birds face in Seattle and how does the urban forest play a crucial role for our feathered friends and our neighborhoods? Matthew Mega, conservation director of Seattle Audubon, will discuss difficulties and opportunities for urban birds and birders, and efforts to protect and enhance Seattle’s urban forests.
  • 12:30 pm: Citizen Scientists: Why birding matters in the 21st century with Dan Froehlich
    Dan Froehlich, founder of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory, will explore the role of citizen scientists in the 21st century. The Internet has changed the scope of birding while the climate (both literal and political) calls for citizen engagement. Gain a better understand of our avian neighbors and find out more about resources for local engagement.
  • 1:30 pm: Birding Trails in Washington with Christi Norman
    The Great Washington State Birding Trail program uses nature tourism to promote environmental conservation. Program Director Christi Norman will talk about the numerous opportunities to see birds in Washington State, including where to find birds featured in the exhibit The Owl and the Woodpecker.

    This event is included with museum admission. Parking on the UW campus is free on Sundays. Learn more online.