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, 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 got to Member Resources.

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

Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley

Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming.  What key field [...]

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

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 [...]

Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley

Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming.  What key field [...]

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

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 [...]

Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley

Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming.  What key field [...]

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

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 [...]

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Upcoming Field Trips

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Arnold Arboretum Peter’s Hill, Boston

Arnold Arboretum - Peter's Hill Gate 99 Bussey St, Boston, MA, United States

Spring birding in a beautiful location with lots of flowering trees that attract Baltimore Orioles, Orchard Orioles, Tree Swallows and other spring migrants.

Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United States

A two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip (text ok). Cosponsored by DCR. For more Information see: https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park

Millennium Park

Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United States

Join us to observe resident birds and 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. We may do an optional 30 minute trip extension to an adjacent [...]

Bird Hike in Middlesex Fells with The Great Malden Outdoors

Co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and The Great Malden Outdoors, birding Middlesex Fells Enjoy observing birds in the Middlesex Fells, a hidden gem of Malden. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Limited loaner binoculars will be available on a first come, first served basis. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the [...]

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