ECOC Lecture: Saving Birds to Save the Planet

The future of birds may seem grim, but surprisingly, from gnatcatchers and waterfowl to select groups of forest songbirds, some bird populations are soaring. Habitats and species that once neared extinction are now multiplying around the world because bird conservation is making things better.

In this talk based on his newest book The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet, best-selling author and researcher Scott Weidensaul highlights the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird population, but also helping some birds to thrive, sharing stories of hope and progress in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Weidensaul also recounts the initiatives at the heart of these recoveries. The result is a roadmap of environmental resilience in some of the most unlikely places: a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific, the vast boreal forest that spans Canada, a hereditary estate in England, and a watery wilderness at the edge of a Ukrainian war zone. Weidensaul tells the story of what’s working in bird conservation — and what can work for the rest of the planet.

Prior to and following the program, attendees can enjoy a special pop-up display of original artworks featured in the newly released Boreal Wilderlands: Art, Science, and Adventure in Earth’s Greatest Wilderness by wildlife artist and naturalist Rob Mullen. An installation of several works will be on view outside Morse Auditorium from 7-7:30 pm and following the program.

A book signing for The Return of the Oystercatcher (April 2026)and Boreal Wilderlands (August 2026) follows the lecture.