BHAS Monthly Speaker Series – Birds of New Zealand: Past and Present /Kim Adelson

The Birds of New Zealand: Past and Present

Until about 700 years ago, the island nation of New Zealand was mammal-free. Because there were no mammalian competitors or predators – and because of New Zealand’s extreme physical isolation – its birds evolved to fill ecological niches often not available in other locations. It has the biggest…, the smallest…, the only…, and several in each category. Nowhere else can you find alpine, carnivorous parrots or birds whose beaks take a sharp turn to the right or penguins who nest in a rain forest or the iconic kiwi. Come hear Kim Adelson, an avid birder who lived in New Zealand for three years, describe some of New Zealand’s most interesting birds, both living and extinct, discuss the role they play in the island’s ecology, and describe current conservation efforts.

Kim Adelson has a master’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She also has a Ph.D. in psychology, and was a college professor for more than 30 years. She is serving as Treasurer of Black Hills Audubon, and is heavily involved in the chapter’s climate change initiative.

BHAS speaker series is held on the second Thursday of each month (except March, June, July, and August) at the Temple Beth Hatfiloh (corner of 8th and Washington in downtown Olympia, a block west of Timberland Library). Arrive at 7 p.m. to socialize; programs begin promptly at 7:30 pm.