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01/18/2012: "2012 Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series"

The 2012 Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series offered by San Juan Nature Institute in collaboration with UW Friday Harbor Labs will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday January 26 with a presentation by local conservation biologist Thor Hanson on Feathers-an evolutionary miracle.

The lectures are free and open to the public and are held in The Commons at the UWFriday Harbor Labs.

Thor Hanson recently published a book on the subject which revealed his scientific curiosity and an exceptional writing style. His interest in feathers may have been kindled during a midwinter field biology course in Maine. His own project examined the feeding habits of birds but it was questions of the survival of the tiny Golden â€"crowned Kinglet in mid winter that left a lasting curiosity about feathers.

His book chronicles a quest for more understanding about these amazing plumes. He traveled far and wide, talked to ornithologists, paleontologists and engineers. After years of research he distilled the information into a book which has been described as ‘science written in clear and entertaining prose: a great read’. We are so pleased to give the local community an opportunity to spend the evening with Thor and to share his passion for the fascinating subject of feathers. Copies of his book will be available at the lecture.

San Juan Nature Institute offers these annual lecture series as one of its core programs to encourage a greater understanding of the natural world. The current series will be four lectures, at two week intervals, and will include talks on how cells divide, forage fish and global climate change.
For further information please visit our website www.sjnature.org.