by MRBO

The Missouri River Bird Observatory (https://mrbo.org) (MRBO) Winter Learning Series Webinars continue with topics of conservation concern in Missouri. Join MRBO for the webinars every Monday in February at 6:30 p.m. CST.

February 5 – Rare Insects of Missouri and Their Conservation with Steve Buback, Missouri Department of Conservation

Insects are the most diverse and abundant group of animals in Missouri, but also among the least understood. We will look into several species that have declined, and discuss what is known, what is yet to know, and how we can all work to conserve the organisms that run the world.

February 12 – Light Pollution and Birds with Travis Longcore, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Artificial light at night effects species in a range of ways, all of which are evident in birds. This talk will describe the effects of light pollution on bird orientation and navigation, daily, monthly, and annual rhythms, and interspecific interactions. Options for mitigating these effects will be discussed relative to the variability of bird visual systems and color sensitivity and current lighting technology such as LEDs.

February 19 – What Does Coffee Have to Do with Birds?! with Sarah Kendrick, US Fish & Wildlife Service

What does coffee have to do with birds? A lot in Central and South America, where 1/3 of Missouri’s breeding birds spend eight months each year! You’ll learn a brief history of coffee production and how native shade-grown coffee can make a direct, positive impact on our migratory birds. In a world of overwhelming conservation challenges, drinking this coffee contributes significantly to conservation in the tropics (and it tastes better too!)

February 26 – Your Food: Prairie, Birds, and Beef Production with Steve Clubine, Rancher/Grassland Biologist

No biological community has suffered greater devastation than North American prairies. All wildlife species have suffered from this loss, none greater than native prairie birds, which require grasslands for nesting and brood rearing which cannot be obtained from cropland or introduced grasses. The one area that provides these is the restoration of native grasses and forbs for livestock forage. Nearly every livestock producer can use native grasses and forbs in their livestock operation and appropriate management can provide good bird habitat while providing optimum livestock benefits.

Please register in advance for the webinars (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AOdKYj3SRGSS5egaSwsGbg#/registration)