Bird Walk and Talk at PVCC
Bryn Dotson, assistant editor
It was a dreary and cold afternoon when Professor of Biology Joanna Vondrasek pulled up a colorful slideshow on native birds in the Albemarle County area. The birding event was one of many for this year’s One Book selection, “The Sixth Extinction.” The event stressed the importance of keeping birds on campus and around us safe and protected.
A small group of students wandered into the auditorium and were encouraged to sign up for a raffle that could grant them a free 3-credit course. Once most students had filled out their forms, the presentation started. Vondrasek opened with asking the audience how many birds they have identified on campus. The crowd took turns calling out names of birds, ranging from Canada geese to orchard orioles.
After a brief introduction about common bird species found in Virginia, Vondrasek asked, “What is the biggest threat to birds in Central Virginia?” The room grew heavy with silence, save the occasional uncomfortable seat shift. She proceeded to tell us pollutants, window strikes, and change in climate played large roles in the destruction of birds.
After a brief pause, she also explained feral and outdoor cats heavily influence bird populations. “We won’t go into that too much,” she said with an amused look on her face, “That topic has honestly made people fight.”
After her presentation, she invited the crowd to join her outside to look for birds. Due to the uninviting weather, few birds were seen. The group intently listened for various calls they had learned the presentation and a few students eyed the sky with binoculars.
Despite the glum weather, the students, staff and Professor Vondrasek seemed to make the most out of it.
If you missed this One Book event, worry not! Check out https://www.pvcc.edu/student-services/library/one-book-program for upcoming events.
