Program Night: A Birder's Mapquest

Robert Howson, a member of our local Chapter, is back by popular demand with another of his unique bird identification programs.   The challenge facing eighteenth and nineteenth century naturalists in North America was an intimidating one.  Not only did they have a new world to explore but the act of discovery also carried with it the daunting task of naming their new-found discoveries.  Today, the names they selected reflect their varied approach to the task.  Some, with an accurate eye for detail, gave us anatomical clues as to what future generations should look for.  A black colored bird with red on the wing might be concisely described as a Red-winged Blackbird.  Others, with a social outlook on life, might attach their own name or the name of a friend as part of the newly formed moniker - part of the right of discovery.  This wasn't especially helpful in forming a picture of the bird, but it did seek to honor those who contributed to our growing understand of our national avifauna.

The third approach is one which our October meeting will focus upon -- birds which for one reason or another were named on a geographical basis.  Our American Robin would fall into this category.  European colonists to the New World were reminded of their home-town favorite which also sported a red breast, so obligingly utilized a familiar name.   Robert will present a multimedia look at North American bird species whose naming followed the "I found it here first, so that's what we'll call it rule."  The result has led to more than some confusion, but many of these names have been revised to prevent further misunderstanding.  Join us as we look at birds named after mountains, valleys, rivers, and other regional terminology that will take us all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Robert Howson grew up in Northern California where he started birding early - even participating in the Point Reyes Christmas count when he was only 12 years old.  He graduated with a triple major in history, religion, and biology; earned a Masters degree in history, and completed his Doctoral work except for his dissertation.  Robert has taught elementary, high school, and college and is currently chairman of the history department at Cedar Park Christian School in Bothell. 

Please join us Thursday, October 26 for Robert’s challenging program on identifying birds named on a geographical basis.  Come at 6:30 for the social hour.  Enjoy a brief monthly meeting and refreshments from 7:00 to 7:45, followed by Robert’s presentation.

The social hour, meeting, and presentation are free and open to the public.  Invite a friend or anyone who is interested in learning more about “birds and geography.”