Smithsonian Scientist to Discuss Bird Migration

CHESTERTOWN, MD—Peter Marra, a research scientist with the Migratory Bird Center at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, will visit campus on Tuesday, November 13, to share his expertise on bird migration. His slide lecture, “Studying Birds in the Context of the Annual Cycle: Carry-over Effects and Seasonal Interactions,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Litrenta Lecture Hall of the John S. Toll Science Center. The event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.  

Marra is an ornithologist who specializes in the study of urban ecology. His “Neighborhood Nestwatch” program enabled citizens of the Washington, D.C. area to become backyard biologists, collecting data on the activities of local bird populations. His research on the American redstart included the world’s longest running winter territory study. In addition to his study of urban ecology and migratory biology, Marra researches emerging infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus.

He holds a Ph.D. from Dartmouth and has published numerous articles on the behaviors and survival of migratory birds.

The lecture is sponsored by the Joseph H. McLain Program in Environmental Studies and the Center for Environment and Society.