Fri 8th March, 2019, 7:45pm to 8:45pm
This talk looks at British birds and their amazing lives, the sort of information that most 'bird books' leave out!. We look at their adaptation and aspects of reproduction; from the secretive time of acquiring a territory and building a nest to their highly developed social behaviour and the roles of the different sexes.
On the way we will consider the purpose of bird song, by listening to common examples, and we will explore the mystery of mechanical sound used by a few familiar species. Finally, we will consider, if left to their own devises, how long can these birds survive in the wild.
Peter was on the RSPB staff for more than 40 years. Initially he ran the RSPB's junior membership, during which time he devised the Big Garden Birdwatch. Later he headed The RSPB's volunteer programme and then People Engagement which was responsible for developing activities such as 'Aren't Bird Brilliant' and 'Date with Nature' which connected large numbers of people with local wildlife.
For many years he advised Blue Peter and often appeared in their garden! In 1994-5 he joined Bill Oddie in a BBC 1 series called Bird in the Nest and he has contributed to Springwatch.
Peter has co-authored more than a dozen books, including the RSPB Handbook of British Birds and, most recently, Birds: A Hidden World. In total Peter's books have sold well over a million copies.
Peter was awarded an MBE for services to Nature Conservation in the 2009 New Year's Honours List.
We get the best speakers and also have one of the best lecture theatres on the Loughborough University campus - tiered padded seats. wheelchair access and a sound system with a hearing loop - it is of more than adequate size for our audience, which gives everybody that bit of extra space.
Lecture Theatre U020, Brockington Building, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough.
