Woodpeckers are the heart of North American forests in many ways. Their distinctive drumming sounds out a familiar rhythm, while their presence supports owls and a myriad other creatures. They have evolved in ways that make them ecologically critical to forest health, serving as keystone species in a variety of wooded habitats across the continent.
In this new presentation, Paul Bannick explores the often secret lives of woodpeckers from Alaska's boreal forests to the oak woodlands of the West and Midwest and from the ribbon of Ponderosa Pine habitats that stretches from British Columbia through much of the Western states until they transition in southern Arizona to the Sierra Madre pine-oak that forms the spine of Mexico. Paul also explores the diversity in arid ecosystems straddling the US-Mexico border and the wet tropical habitats from Florida through the Caribbean Islands and southeastern Mexico.
Through first-hand experiences, more than 200 never-before published photographs and the latest science, Paul examines woodpeckers in every season: their courtship and nest selection in spring; life in the nest during summer; fledging and gaining independence in autumn; and the challenges of surviving the winter.
Paul also takes a closer look at the most important woodpecker habitats in North America and what we can do to protect them.
As seating is limited, this event will be ticketed. Check back in October for ticketing information.
Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and photographer who makes images to inspire education and conservation. Paul is both the author and photographer of five books (all published by Mountaineers Books/Braided River) including two best-selling bird books, Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls and The Owl and The Woodpecker, Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds.
"Owl "received the Gold Medal in the 2017 Independent Publisher BookAwards “Animals” category. Paul’s photography won awards from several prestigious contests, including those hosted by Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography Awards. His work can be found prominently in many bird guides, including those from Audubon, Peterson, and The Smithsonian and has been featured in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Audubon, Sunset , and Nature’s Best Photography Magazine. His many TV and Radio appearances include pieces on NBC Nightly News, PBS and NPR.
Paul is an active public speaker with dozens of multimedia Owl programs at bird festivals, fundraisers and conferences across the continent every year. Paul serves as a Director for Conservation Northwest, a Seattle based conservation non-profit.
In-Person Gathering - BCAS welcomes everyone back to in-person programs at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder. Doors open at 6:45 PM for socializing and the program begins at 7:15. Masks are not required but we encourage you to wear your favorite high-quality mask if you prefer. We will provide free surgical masks for anyone who needs one.
No animals other than certified service animals are permitted in the building. No food or drinks are allowed in the sanctuary room.
Be aware that UUCB has three different parking entrances indicated by the arrows in the image below.
Online Gathering - There will be NO virtual program nor recording of this special program.