Talks and Keynote Presentations
These 45-minute to one-hour presentations are ideal for monthly
or annual meetings. In addition to the following programs, Kevin will consider
creating a program specifically for your group.
ALASKA:
The Last Frontier - Birds and Wildlife of Alaska and the Arctic Tundra
This entertaining program offers a whirlwind journey from the scenic coastlines
and mountains of the Kenai Peninsula to the barren expanse of Alaska’s Arctic
Coastal Tundra. Birds are the highlight of this show, but beautiful scenes and
other wildlife images are included. The last half of the program concentrates on
Alaska’s Arctic Coastal Tundra, where Kevin worked as a wildlife biologist from
1992-95. In this frozen world of extremes, many of the world’s most intriguing
birds and wildlife choose to breed and raise their young. Life and death
struggles unfold as creatures interact with nature in one of the most
undisturbed places on earth. Global warming threatens this fragile Arctic world
today, so come and experience it from a firsthand point of view. A few musical
interludes accompanied by striking photos further enhances the show.
SHOREBIRDS:
Amazing Global Wanderers
While
shorebirds comprise only 214 of the world’s 8000+ bird species, they are among
the most visible members of the bird kingdom.
Besides being champions of long-distance migration, the unique arctic
breeding behavior of many shorebirds is incompletely known.
Selected species are highlighted as Kevin discusses interesting aspects
of their natural history and traces movements from breeding to wintering areas.
Kevin’s four summers as a wildlife biologist in the Alaskan Arctic help
to offer a fascinating first-hand perspective on behavior and habits of nesting
shorebirds. Short indoor and full or half-day indoor/outdoor ID Workshops are
available to accompany this keynote program.
BIRDS ON THE WIND: The Miracle of Migration
Nothing is more fascinating in the avian world than
migratory movements of birds. From 20,000-mile annual journeys of Arctic Terns
to 1,200-mile non-stop flights of Blackpoll Warblers, there are still many
unanswered questions concerning the “how, why, where and when” of bird
migration.
This show begins with a review of different
types of bird migration, giving general and specific examples of each in photos
and words. Kevin then highlights different bird families and selected species
that perform amazing feats of physical endurance each year during migration.
Finally, interesting facts will be shared that maintain the mystique of bird
migration. Several short interludes put to music will allow beautiful action
images to enhance the migratory experience.
BIRDING
BY IMPRESSION: A Different Approach to Field Identification
This
exciting new concept to field identification is changing the way that many
people are enjoying and identifying birds in the field. Using impression based
physical characteristics rather than scientific plumage analysis as the initial
approach to field identification, a simple, yet surprising accurate picture is
quickly obtained. The beauty and effectiveness of this approach lies in its
simplicity and doesn’t require knowledge of complicated feather anatomy or
prior experience with birds. Beginners and experts alike will share the
benefits, with common sense and a keen sense of observation the most important
tools needed.
FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDS
The
world around us is changing in dramatic fashion, with the sport of birding
following suit. This program takes both serious and light-hearted views of our
relationship with the world of birds and examines some of the changes, both good
and bad, that have resulted. It also
takes a humorous look at changing lifestyles and habits of birders, and how the
sport is evolving with modern technology. The program ends after journeying to a
number of popular birding hot-spots, sharing birds, history and scenery that
make them memorable. This program is appropriate for birders and non-birders of
all skill levels, with a mix of an opening environmental message, humor,
bird-related history and an assortment of stunning bird photographs.
CAPE MAY: A
Journey through the Looking Glass
Over
the years,
Cape May
NJ
has consistently provided birders with unforgettable avian migratory spectacles
as well as numerous rare bird sightings. In
fact, many believe there is truly something magical about this special place.
Seen through the eyes of a resident,
Cape May
and surrounding areas are explored in this light-hearted natural history
presentation. From the birds,
butterflies and other natural creatures that create this mystique to the
personalities of birders who weave the tales, the “Magic of Cape May” is
shared with all.
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