Nature Night
Bird Alliance of Oregon’s 2023-2024 Nature Night Speakers Series is committed to presenting entertaining and expert talks on natural history, wildlife, and conservation issues.
Nature Night is a chance for the community to engage with naturalists, authors, artists, enthusiasts, and activists about issues that affect the world around us. With topics ranging from hidden places of the Pacific Northwest to diversity in the conservation movement to bats, there is a talk for everyone. Our series takes place on the second Tuesday of the month, September through May (unless otherwise noted).
Questions? Contact the Curator of Nature Night, Sarah Swanson at sswanson@birdallianceoregon.org.
Become a Sponsor
Bird Alliance of Oregon is currently seeking sponsors, both businesses and individuals, for the 2023/2024 Nature Night season. Learn more.
2023/2024 Season
April 9, 2024
Conserving Coastal Birds
Virtual
Coastal birds live on the edge- at the interface between land and sea, the place where these birds call home is wild, unpredictable, and unforgiving, but for some birds, it’s just another day at the beach. In this talk, Allison Anholt will share fascinating information about our coastal birds, from the rare coastal residents like Tufted Puffin and Snowy Plover, to the seabirds that nest in giant groups all along our coast.
March 12, 2024
For the Love of Hummingbirds
Virtual
Hummingbirds amaze and intrigue us. They are like tiny ambassadors with the power to usher people into a deeper interest in and appreciation for the natural world. Author John Shewey taps into the intrigue with this program based on his new book, The Hummingbird Handbook. Join John and learn more about hummingbirds, including how to attract them to your yard, and how to be a great hummingbird host.
February 13, 2024
Environmental Justice Through Music Making and Bird Watching
Virtual
Historically redlined neighborhoods are the most undersampled urban areas for bird biodiversity today, which can impact conservation priorities and further urban environmental inequities. Join us to hear from Diego Ellis Soto, who will share his research into the role of humans in shaping the past, present, and future of our natural world.
January 16, 2024
Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet
Virtual
Some 40 million miles of roadways encircle the earth, yet we tend to regard them only as infrastructure for human convenience. In his talk, Ben Goldfarb will discuss the ecological harms wrought by transportation and the movement to redress them — and how we can create a better, safer world for all living beings.
December 12, 2023
KEEP LOOKING UP: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birding
Virtual
Join Tammah Watts as she weaves together personal story and avian life to reveal the marvelous phenomenon shared among us. This interactive presentation invites the audience to become acquainted, or perhaps re-acquainted, with the many benefits one experiences connecting with our feathered friends at home, in the community, and beyond.
October 10, 2023
The Beauty and Behavior Of Terns
Virtual
Explore the stunning beauty and elegance of terns and touch of some of the incredible aspects of tern behavior as well. Expert birder Cameron Cox will tell stories about what went into finding the photos that properly highlight this beauty for his book, Terns of North America: A Photographic Guide.
September 13, 2023
Wild Stories from the History of Bird Migration Research
Virtual
Have you ever wondered about the science behind the study of bird migration? Rebecca Heisman became fascinated with the techniques that scientists have used to study bird migration, and this eventually became the basis for her book Flight Paths. Join us to hear her discuss why understanding migration is so crucial for bird conservation.
April 11, 2023
The Secret Life of Bushtits
In-Person & Online
Join Dr. Sarah Sloane as she reveals some of the intriguing complexities of bushtit social structure she has uncovered during her long-term research in Arizona and, for the last six years, here in Portland.
February 16, 2023
The Wonder of Urban Nature
Virtual
With wonder and a sense of humor, Nature Obscura author Kelly Brenner aims to help us rediscover our connection to the natural world that is just outside our front door.
January 10, 2023
Oregon’s Marine Reserves – What Have We Learned in 10 Years?
Virtual
It’s been 10 years since Oregon’s Marine Reserves were established. How has this program performed? What are the next steps? Please join this panel discussion where we will hear from marine reserves experts to understand the successes and challenges of Oregon’s marine reserve program.
October 11, 2022
Rosemary Mosco: Pigeons – Getting to Know the Most Misunderstood Bird
Virtual
Until recently, people adored pigeons, and they were a symbol of power and class. How did they fall from grace, and should we give them a second chance? Join author and cartoonist Rosemary Mosco for a presentation based on her book A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching. She’ll explain the latest research on pigeon genetics and behavior, talk about the wild history of pigeons and people, and tell you why you should add pigeon-watching to your nature explorations.
September 13, 2022
Cats Safe at Home
Virtual
Join Bird Alliance of Oregon and the Feral Cat Coalition to learn more about our unique and innovative 25-year partnership to reduce the number of free-roaming cats on the landscape.
Cat predation of birds has long been a concern for conservation groups but progress on this issue has been mired down in conflicts between avian conservation and feline welfare groups. Bird Alliance of Oregon and the Feral Cat Coalition have found common ground seeking solutions that are good for cats and birds. Learn more about this unique, nationally recognized collaboration and about our joint Cats Safe at Home Campaign.
Stay tuned for the full season announcement!