Speaking engagement - AOS

In planning my journey to NZ, I googled people who may be associated with birding groups, the ornithological society, or colleges with bird studies.  I received several replies, including one from Mel Galbraith who is the leader of the Auckland Ornithological Society.  He invited me to be their guest speaker at the monthly meeting.  Barbara, a high school biology teacher, met me and took me to the meeting.  This is a very dedicated group of volunteers who do many service projects, including bird counts, restoration of birding areas, as well as education projects.            The topics that I covered in my 45 minute presentation focused on the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcons along with my cooperative study with VCU, the National Audubon Society, Panama schools, and my students on the Prothonotary Warbler.  They were intrigued with video of a release of a rehabilitated Bald Eagle and were amused by workers in downtown Richmond, VA having to swat away adult Peregrine Falcons with a broom on the top of a building so they could build a pen for the chicks.  We discussed how so many of the environmental problems we experience in the US, and in particular the Chesapeake Bay, are universal.          Another of their very active members will be meeting me at the Miranda Shorebird Center later in the trip to tour and work, along with visiting some additional conservation areas and to see Sirrocco, the worlds rarest parrot.