How to Not Get Eaten-Program Jan 27th

The Coast to Cascades Bird Alliance will feature a presentation by Debbie Schlenoff about the diverse and fascinating adaptations that have evolved to protect animals from becoming somebody’s dinner. From hiding to fighting back, from being toxic to pretending, from intimidation to the unexpected, prey animals have many tricks up their sleeves. Birds will be featured for some physical and behavioral attributes that protect them, but Debbie may not be able to resist showing examples of anti-predator adaptations in other animals.

On the other hand, some birds, with their keen eyesight and ability to learn, are also excellent predators. They have often been experimental subjects when researchers investigate the evolution of visual defenses. Debbie will tell stories about past research with Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) that helped us to understand an effective strategy for defense, as well as the complexities of underwing moths. Although no birds were harmed in the course of her research, Debbie will share why she still gets a little worried when reports come in that Blue Jays have been spotted in the western states. (It’s really not that they’re coming to get her over that one thing, Debbie surmises.)

Debbie grew up in New York City where she became one of the few people to know the locations of the best climbing trees in Central Park. She received her doctorate at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Along with her husband, children, and their Welsh Corgi (who happened to be the children’s nanny), she moved to the Northwest in 1993 and has called Eugene home for more than 26 years. Debbie was faculty in the Department of Biology at the University of Oregon until her recent retirement. She taught several courses including conservation biology and animal behavior.

Join your friends at the Campbell Center (155 High Street) on Tuesday, January 27. Doors open at 6:30 to allow for some social time before the program begins at 7. A Zoom link to the program will be available on the CCBA website about one week before this event. The program will also be recorded and viewable on our website a few days later.