Presented by Dr. Mike Ward, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Overview:

The vocalizations of Eastern Whip-poor-wills were once a common occurrence just after dusk throughout Illinois, however the species is being lost from many areas. Dr. Ward and his colleagues are investigating why this species is disappearing via studies of the food they eat (moths), their survival and reproduction, and the habitats they use both on the breeding and wintering grounds.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Mike Ward is originally from Jacksonville, IL and received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2004. He is currently a professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois and an Ornithologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. He and his students are working on a variety of projects throughout the Midwest but also in Texas, Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba. In summary, Dr. Ward studies the ecology and behavior of birds in natural and modified ecosystems in order to inform conservation and management.

About Our Monthly Programs:

Guest speakers present on a variety of topics throughout the year. Programs are held in the Urbana Free Library auditorium (no programs in January, June, July, or August).