Written by Celeste Wheeler —
OAKHURST — While most of us would respond to a proposed industrial development next door with the slogan “NIMBY” or “NOT in My Back Yard,” the reaction should most definitely be quite the opposite with respect to birds.
A presentation by John K. Cross at the Oakhurst Library Community Room from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 13, will provide a range of visual clues and behavioral anecdotes about our feathered friends from an amateur’s perspective. According to Cross, these should lead to a “better identification, appreciation and, consequently, enjoyment of our more common avian tenants and transients.” Cross has a PhD in biology.
When he was younger, Cross said he left the study of birds to others during various field outings because it required getting up early.
“I was mainly a city kid back then and there’s only so much excitement one can get from studying pigeons and English sparrows,” he added. After retirement, Cross said he had more time to study birds which have since become his friends.
“My relationship and appreciation for the avian world above was greatly fostered by the forbearance shown to me by members of the Yosemite Area Audubon Society as I scaled that learning curve.”
The free presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library. The library’s Community Room is located at 49044 Civic Circle Drive. For more information, call (559) 683-4838 or visit www.oakhurstfobl.com.
