Flocks of Feathers

From the earliest written accounts, the Everglades and its wet habitat has long been known as the place to be for birds. More than 360 different species have already been sighted, and the list continues to grow each year. On July 19, at 7 PM, Master Naturalist Bob McConville will focus his attention on the 16 different types of wading birds that can be found in this area; his lecture, which will be held at Rose History Auditorium, is open to bird-lovers everywhere.

Learn what distinguishes a

wading bird from a bird of prey or a land bird, their unique physical characteristics and behavioral traits. And learn about the comeback they have made after their numbers were decimated by both the plume trade, early in the 20th century, and the more recent alterations of the south Florida landscape.

McConville is frequent lecturer at the Marco Island Historical Society. He is a certified Florida Master Naturalist and loves educating the public about South Florida wildlife. He conducts walking tours of the Big Cypress National Preserve,

often called “the Amazon of the North,” and is a member of a dolphin research team on Marco Island. An avid photographer, many of his encounters with nature are documented in his recently published book, “Beyond the Mangrove Trees.” McConville is a regular columnist for Coastal Breeze News.

This lecture is free to members of the Marco Island Historical Society and $10 for nonmembers. Rose History Auditorium is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive, across from the Marco Island Public Library. For more information call 239-389-6447 or visit www.theMIHS.com.