The HMBC holiday party, which was snowed out in December, will be held January 6. All are welcome to come at 6:00, and bring a dessert to share if you would like. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the library. The program will begin at 6:30.

Speaker: Joe Corra

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Aerial insectivorous birds – a guild comprising swallows, nightjars, swifts, and flycatchers – have experienced alarming population declines in North America in recent decades.  Declines across diverse species in the guild suggest that changes in flying insect prey are likely a common factor. Aerial insectivores breeding in urban areas face multiple environmental changes, as urbanization is associated with shifts in local climate, habitat structure, water quality, and both terrestrial and aquatic insect prey.  Joe Corra will present his MS thesis research which investigated links between aerial insectivore population declines and insects, water quality, and urbanization. 

BIO

Joe Corra is a 2019 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned his Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources.  His thesis research constitutes part of a broader project exploring linkages between terrestrial insectivores and aquatic ecosystems in Dr. Mažeika Sullivan’s Stream and River Ecology Lab (https://u.osu.edu/strive/).  He is an active volunteer with the Audubon Society of the Capital Region and currently works as an environmental analyst for New York State.