Each fall, billions of songbirds leave Canada on an epic journey to their far-away wintering grounds in Central and South America where many live in tropical forests shared by toucans, howler monkeys, and jaguars. Dozens of species have experienced serious, long-term population declines that are driven in part by the threats that these birds face on migration and while in the tropics. But only recently has it been possible to track the entire migration of individual songbirds to find out how they accomplish their amazing 10,000 km (or more!) round trip and to map out critical habitats used during migration and for surviving until they return in spring. Bridget Stutchbury will reveal her surprising migration tracking results for Purple Martins, Red-eyed Vireos and Wood Thrushes and discuss how this research can help us save songbirds.

Bridget Stutchbury Professor at York University, serves on scientific advisory committees for World Wildlife Fund Canada, Wildlife Preservation Canada, and Earth Rangers. She is also
author of Silence of the Songbirds (2007 finalist for the Governor General’s Award) and The Bird Detective (2010).

Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church,Wallace Hall
10,066 Yonge St., Richmond Hill

The public is cordially invited to this event. There is no admission charge, however a $5 donation would be appreciated. Parking is free and refreshments will be served. Richmond Hill Naturalists is an organization of town residents concentrating on discovering, appreciating and enhancing the natural world. For more information about our organization, consult the web site www.rhnaturalists.ca or contact Marianne Yake, 905-883-3047

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