From shearwaters, petrels, and boobies, to guillemots, gannets and gulls, the ocean is home to a vast array of birds that thrive above the waves. Allison Black sees them all, spending weeks at a time each year at sea documenting marine life as a contracted Seabird/Marine Mammal Observer for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During her presentation she’ll talk about life aboard a research vessel, the research she contributes to, and what we can learn from studying seabird occupancy and distribution. She’ll also share some of her most unique sightings at sea, and cover tips and tricks for seawatching from a boat.
Allison Black is a Connecticut native and began birding after taking an ornithology course while completing her undergraduate degree. She has turned her love of birds into a career, working in various roles for nonprofit and state organizations alike. Allison is the founder and compiler of the Norwich, CT Christmas Bird Count and is on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA), currently serving as COA’s Secretary and the chair for their Workshops and Mini-Grants Committees. When not on a ship somewhere in the ocean, Allison resides in southeastern CT with her husband, Ryan.
All are welcome – members and non-members – to our program meetings.
Join us in person at the Haverford Community Center, 9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford PA 19041. We’ll be in the main community room. Or click on this Zoom weblink to join online: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpdeCpqTwsHNJFRFm_cxpyqefL4ugulvRS
Photo of Northern Fulmar by Allison Black