Join us to kick off the 2020-21 BCAS speaker series and programs!

Rock Wrens (Salpinctes obsoletus) – pale, gray, robin-sized wrens found in rocky areas throughout arid western North America – can be identified by their distinctive behavior of bouncing up and down on rocks while singing exuberant songs of repeated phrases. After extensive research, biologist Nathanial Warning has determined that their unique use of stones in shaping the entrances to their nest cavities and building “patios” or walkways in front of these cavities reflect high behavioral flexibility and could be considered a form of tool-use. In this presentation, Nat will survey research on tool-use related to birds, using Rock Wren nests as an example of nest construction as an adaptive tool.

Nat Warning received his M.S. in Biology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2014 with a project focused on Canyon and Rock Wren interactions. Before moving to Colorado, Nat worked on Whooping Crane reintroduction projects at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin. Besides studying wrens, Nat’s current interests include native plant restoration and alternative energy. Nat currently resides in For Collins and works for both the City of Greeley and Weld County.

When: Tuesday September 22, 2020.   The presentation starting at 7:15 PM. Everyone is encouraged to join early to work through any connection issues (the meeting room will be open at ~7:00 PM).

Where: This meeting will be held online. All participants will be muted upon entry to the meeting room. The chat feature will be on so you can write questions for the speaker.