Nature Night

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s 2024-25 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 2024/25 Nature Night season. Learn more.

2024/2025 Season

October 8, 2024

Klamath Basin Wetlands – Long-term Issues and Possible Solutions

Virtual

The Klamath Basin is a vast wetland landscape. However, long term drought, water management policies with the subsequent decline in fish and wildlife populations, and increased ground water extraction have placed the Klamath Basin at the greatest risk of being lost forever unless stakeholders come together with a collective vision for its restoration.

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September 10, 2024

25 Million and Counting: Monitoring Vaux’s Swift Migration

Virtual

Pilchuck Audubon’s “Vaux’s Happening” Project began in 2007 and has now documented over 200 roosts from the Yukon to Guatemala used by over 25 million swifts during the last 33 migrations. Project Coordinator Larry Schwitters will share images and information captured by the project’s chimney surveillance cameras, precision temperature recorders, and radio tracking transmitters.

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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.

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Common Murres, photo by LDELD/flickr

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.

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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.

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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.

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Stay tuned for the full season announcement!