Avian Sensory Perception

Presented by Peggy O’Connell, Professor Emerita, Eastern Washington University

Birds’ sensory perception help them navigate, find food, avoid predation, identify mates, and raise their young. Peggy O’Connell, a retired biology professor from Eastern Washington University (EWU), will discuss these fascinating adaptations.

For examples, unlike humans, birds can see into the ultraviolet range, which has implications both for mate choice and finding food. The structure of the avian brain and early experiments by James Audubon led people to think that birds’ olfactory capabilities were limited compared to those of mammals, but recent research indicates that birds’ sense of smell is well developed.

A mammalogist by training, Peggy had opportunities to study the ecology of mammals in a range of habitats including southwestern deserts, tropical forests and savannahs, and eastern deciduous forests. Since moving to eastern Washington her research focused primarily on wildlife habitat relationships and how human activities, such as forest management and habitat restoration, impact these relationships.

While at EWU Peggy enjoyed teaching courses about vertebrates, conservation, and wildlife management as well as mentoring undergraduate and graduate student research. In retirement, she has continued activities with local conservation groups including Spokane Audubon Society.

How a peacock feather looks to humans (left side) and peacocks (right side)

This meeting will be a “hybrid” – you can attend in-person at the Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave, Spokane, WA 99205, or online via Zoom. Our speaker, Peggy O’Connell, will be giving her presentation in-person. Doors will be open at 5:30pm for a little social time before the program begins.