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Holland Audubon program: "Bird Behaviors" by Kelly Ronald Ph.D.
Birds experience the world in ways that are often very different from our own: for birds--colors are more vibrant, and simple trills are filled with information. In this presentation, Dr. Kelly Ronald will explore the behavioral displays of both common backyard birds and more extravagant species and how their vision and hearing shape the ways they communicate, choose mates, and navigate daily survival. We will learn about how scientists study avian sensory systems and measure behavioral responses while watching unique videos of interesting behaviors. Dr. Ronald will also share how her lab students are investigating how these behaviors are changing and adapting to a world filled with human noise and change. Come and immerse yourself in biological wonder.
Dr. Kelly Ronald is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Hope College since 2019. Her research background includes working with grey catbirds during her undergraduate degree at Transylvania University (Lexington, KY), brown-headed cowbirds during her PhD at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN), and now with common urban-adapted species like house sparrows and house finches at Hope College. She leads a research group at Hope focused on the sensory ecology and behavior of birds; and works closely with undergraduate students, local conservation partners, and the community to support nestbox outreach and environmental education. She is passionate about helping students connect more deeply with the natural world, and she especially enjoys introducing others to the remarkable sensory lives of the birds right outside our windows.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3335773-0
