KEARNEY – As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Center for Great Plains Studies is bringing its Paul A. Olson lecture series to the University of Nebraska at Kearney next month.
A panel of scientists and artists will discuss birds, birding and human connections to our feathered friends during the “Fly Ways” event, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. March 4 at UNK’s Regional Engagement Center. A 5 p.m. reception will precede the discussion. There is no cost to attend.
Birding continues to rise in popularity as a way to connect with nature and wildlife, with 96 million people in the U.S. engaging in birdwatching. At the same time, environmental stressors have put pressure on bird populations, especially grassland species, which have suffered the biggest declines of any biome group since 1970.
Known as the “Sandhill Crane Capital of the World,” Kearney is the perfect location for a conversation about birds during one of the world’s greatest migrations.
Panelists for the event include:
- Daizaburo Shizuka, associate professor of biology specializing in ornithology and behavioral ecology, UNL
- Jacob Cooper, assistant professor of biology specializing in ornithology, UNK
- Allison Johnson, avian biologist, research assistant professor and artist, UNL
- Jude Martindale, artist focused on sandhill cranes
- Moderated by Mary Harner, professor of communication and biology specializing in ecosystem ecology and science communication, UNK