Birding continues to rise in popularity as a way to connect with nature and wildlife. At the same time, environmental stressors like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change put pressure on bird populations. Grassland birds especially have suffered the biggest declines of any biome since 1970. The eastern Great Plains are a hotspot of population loss due to habitat conversion, tree and shrub encroachment, and pesticide application. And still, 96 million people in the U.S. (3 in 10 people) engage in bird watching.
This panel of scientists and artists explores why humans are so connected to our feathered friends and what the future may hold for them. As part of the Center for Great Plains Studies’ 50th anniversary, we’re taking our Paul A. Olson lecture on the road to the University of Nebraska at Kearney where we have a large group of Great Plains Fellows. Reception begins at 5 p.m.
Join us at UNK’s Regional Engagement Center at 2204 University Dr, Kearney, NE 68845. Sandhill crane capital of the world, Kearney is the perfect location to have a conversation about birds during one of the world’s greatest migrations.
Panelists:
Daizaburo Shizuka, Associate Professor in Biology specializing in ornithology and behavioral ecology at UNL
Jacob Cooper, Assistant Professor of Biology specializing in ornithology at UNK
Allison Johnson, Avian Biologist, Research Assistant Professor and artist, UNL
Jude Martindale, artist focused on Sandhill cranes
Moderated by Mary Harner, Professor of Communication and Biology specializing in ecosystem ecology and science communication, UNK
Special event for Great Plains Fellows:
Great Plains Fellows can sign up for a Sandhill crane tour the following morning at Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary’s bird blinds guided by UNK Fellow Will Stoutamire and UNK biologist Jacob Cooper. The Fellows bird blind trip is March 5, 5-8 a.m.
https://events.unl.edu/plains/2026/03/04/197345/
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