Audubon to present first lecture in series
The Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society will kick off its mini lecture series for the season.
“Alli Smith with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology” will take place on Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, with the doors opening at 5 p.m.
Project coordinator with the lab, Smith will present on Cornell’s apps eBird and Merlin Bird ID. She will elaborate on how to contribute to the apps, how the apps work behind the scenes and how data from the apps are used by scientists for bird conservation.
Smith learned that there are careers that focus on bird conservation when she attended the Young Birders Event at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Science in wildlife science from the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Since graduating, Smith has worked in Southwest Florida with shorebirds, burrowing owls and community science. She believes strongly in the power of birds to connect people to each other and conservation. Smith has found the most impactful experiences to be working with participatory scientists, volunteers and birders, which is what has led her to her current role with Merlin and eBird.
She connects people to Cornell’s apps through talks, webinars and other outreach activities, while assisting eBird and Merlin users by managing the help desk.
Tickets are $10; if there are any remaining tickets, they will be available at the door.
For tickets or more information, visit https://san-capaudubon.org/.