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.
Already logged in? Go right to Member Resources.
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.

News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
-
-
Plum Island
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be looking for Shorebirds and Fall migrants. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restrooms available.
-
Great Meadows NWR, Concord
Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United StatesWe will walk easy trails looking for birds. This is a good time for raptors. Beginners welcome. Note that entrance fee or pass is required.
-
Charles River Esplanade
Boston - Charles River Esplanade MA, United StatesWe will walk along the Charles River Esplanade from the Longfellow Bridge upriver looking for birds on both land and water. We hope to see a range of fall migrants as well as year round residents. Cosponsored with the Charles River Esplanade Association. Loaner binoculars available (request in advance). Preregister on the Esplanade Association’s website:
-
Delaney WMA, Stow NEW DATE and TIME
Stow - Delaney WMA Boat Launch 353 Harvard Road, Stow, MA, United StatesWe will spend the morning walking 3-4 miles through fields, forests and wetlands looking for post-nesting birds and early migrants. No restrooms are available. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Be prepared for poison ivy. Rain cancels.
-
Family Bird Walk, Condon Shell, Medford
Medford - Condon Shell Parking 2501 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA, United StatesSponsored by the Medford Public Library. Join local birder Leslie Kramer of Brookline Bird Club for a family-friendly bird watching walk along the river! Our group will meet at the Condon Shell parking lot and follow the path along the river, which is ADA-accessible and stroller friendly. Note: Attendance is free but registration is required






