The workshops and talks were particularly appealing. At the opening reception, John Rappole injected some cartoon humor into a presentation on the lives of birds after they have raised the young and before they migrate. Michael Smith, whose photograph of “The Mad Bluebird” has assured his fame, showed us the equipment he uses and told of the patience required to obtain iconic photographs like his. Sarah Morris, ornithologist and Audubon lecturer gave tips on how to identify the “brown” birds and Vicky MacDonald exhorted us to look closely at the individual variation in birds that will never be captured in a scientific paper in which the statistics reduce bird behavior to averages. Jeff Gordon talked about the ability of birders to rapidly send and receive reports via electronic media not available in the early days of birding and ornithologist Scott Stoleson reprised his previous festival discussions on the connection of birds to habitat.
Friday’s events at the Institute, running parallel with the longer field trips, were devoted to beginning birders. Bird banding and a display of live raptors contributed to the educational possibilities. Following Friday night’s Pizza Party, which included a Bird Quiz produced by Tim Baird, many of us enjoyed clips from the re-mastered Peterson film Wild Africa, along with additional commentary on current conditions in Africa by Jeff Gordon and Bruce Peterson. It was a great Festival, you should have been here!
Michael DeSha
