Although birds display a remarkable diversity of colors, shapes, sizes and behaviors, they share a set of defining characteristics that distinguish them from other animals. This presentation will explore several key adaptations, such as feathers, beaks, lightweight skeletal structures, and, in most species, the ability to fly, that enable birds to inhabit almost every environment on the earth’s surface. From Antarctica to your own backyard, you are likely to encounter several of the more than 11,000 species of birds found worldwide. This presentation will also provide a few simple and practical tips on how to identify the birds you see.
Bryon has been a nature enthusiast since growing up on the family farm in southern Iowa. He has a B.A. in Biology from Central College (Iowa), an M.S. in Biology from Western Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Biology from Kansas State University. From 1990 until his retirement in 2020, Dr. Clark served as a Professor of Biological Sciences and later as an administrator at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Although trained as a mammalian ecologist, Bryon has developed a keen interest in the natural history and ecology of birds. Since retiring, he enjoys photographing birds and other wildlife, traveling, and volunteering with the Friends of Hagerman, Texas Master Naturalists, and Texoma Audubon Society.
Bryon and his spouse, Margaret Avard, live southeast of Sherman, Texas. Their son, Gerald, is a master’s student at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California Santa Barbara. A shared enthusiasm for nature runs in the family, and their vacations are always adventures.
Photo by Bryon Clark
Registration is not necessary—all are welcome! But if any of these programs spark your curiosity, signing up will get you a friendly reminder three days beforehand. You’ll also receive our once-a-month Featherless Flyer newsletter—no email overload, and it’s easy to unsubscribe anytime.
