With their ability to fly, they evoke feelings of whimsy and wonder. Modern day birding has its roots in the work of citizen scientists dating back centuries and backyard bird counts continue to expand our knowledge.
The study of birds has both aided science and been assisted by technology. In aviation, birds have informed the design of commercial and military aircraft. The availability of apps that aid in identifying bird calls and songs has advanced the way we listen to and understand the birds in our own backyards.
The Libraries Special Collections opened an exhibit on the first floor of Linderman Library showing works featuring birds that have been the subject of worship, observation, scientific study, and narratives throughout time. The Feathers and Folios exhibit brings together examples of works by John Gould, John James Audubon, Hans Christian Andersen, and others featuring imagery and stories of birds. Over time, bird artists supplemented the historical scientific record with their artistry and writings, acquiring knowledge gained from the surveys and observations of everyday citizen scientists is proof that anyone can make a contribution to the field of ornithology.
Reshaping Bird Conservation with AI: A Talk with Dr. Miyoko Chu
Save the date! Please join the Friends of the Lehigh University Libraries on November 6th for “Hope is the Thing with Feathers: How Bird Watchers and AI are Reshaping How We See and Conserve Birds,” a talk by Dr. Miyoko Chu, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Dr. Chu will look at the future of bird conservation and share how digital information platforms, AI technology, and bird enthusiasts are generating unprecedented data and insight into bird species around the world—with the hope of saving them while there is still time.
Watch your inbox for an invitation later this semester.