Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier

Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to disappear? Birds need sleep as much as we do, and they have evolved unique sleep habits to match their intensely energetic lifestyle. Instead of long stretches of obliviousness, they sleep in short bouts of several seconds or a few minutes, waking up to look around for danger, and then going back to sleep. To increase their vigilance, birds can sleep while shutting off only half their brain and one eye at a time, leaving them able to respond instantly to any alarm. The social habits of sleeping birds are also distinctive. Most are solitary, some sleep in pairs or families, while others gain advantages of warmth, safety, and even social needs like finding a mate, by joining in flocks, not to mention guidance on where to get breakfast the next day.     

Join Roger Pasquier on September 16 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for a member webinar about birds and sleep.

To register for the webinar log into your member account and go to Member Resources.

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Presenter Bio:

Roger Pasquier is an associate in the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History.  His career has been in ornithology and in conservation, at BirdLife International, World Wildlife Fund-US, Environmental Defense Fund, and National Audubon Society. He is the author of several books on birds. Roger is a native New Yorker. His favorite birding places are Central Park and the Peruvian rainforest, and he enjoys his occasional visits to Mount Auburn.

Book cover: Birds at Rest by Roger Pasquier

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Upcoming Field Trips

  • Vernal Equinox Walk. Leader’s Choice

    Leader's Choice

    The trip leader will monitor recent sightings prior to meeting and select the birdiest spots. Contact leader for details. Call or e-mail no later than 7 PM on March 20.

  • CANCELLED “Timberdoodles” Kids Walk in Belmont

    Cancelled due to schedule conflict. Please check our other woodcock walks and one led by Menotomy Bird club listed on our calendar too. Two that are in the same area are listed below. https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/woodcocks-at-mary-cummings-park-2/ https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/woodcocks-of-rock-meadow/  

  • Woodcock Watch, Oxbow NWR, Harvard

    Harvard - Still River Depot Road

    We will stay until it gets dark to watch for American Woodcock. Come early to enjoy other birds. Rain date Sunday, March 22, same time.

  • Arlington Reservoir

    Lexington - Arlington Reservoir 210 Lowell Street, Arlington, MA, United States

    Visit Arlington Reservoir and the adjacent Lexington Community Farm to search for late winter lingerers and early migrants. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird club.

  • Mass. Audubon Boston Nature Center

    Mattapan - MAS Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA, United States

    Join us to observe resident birds and early spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are flat and easy to walk. Be sure to wear a hat, waterproof footwear, and bring water.

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