Roseburg, OR. — The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and Roseburg Public Library will host a free public program, “Bird-Brained: Bird Intelligence and Behaviors,” featuring ornithologist Dan Gleason at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Gleason will present virtually via Zoom. Community members may attend in person at the library, 1409 N.E. Diamond Lake Boulevard, or watch the livestream on the library’s Facebook page. A Facebook account is not required to view the event.
The presentation will examine how bird behavior and cognition challenge common assumptions about “bird-brained” intelligence. While some larger species show limited problem-solving ability, many birds, including crows, ravens, and jays, demonstrate learning, adaptation, and surprising creativity. The program will explore distinctions between instinct and intelligence and highlight examples of birds interacting with humans in unexpected ways.
Gleason taught at the University of Oregon for more than 30 years, continued teaching Field Ornithology after retirement, authored two books on birds, and wrote the long-running “Backyard Habitats” column for The Register-Guard. Since 2013, he and his wife have operated two Wild Birds Unlimited stores in Eugene.
The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, contact Roseburg Public Library at 541-492-7050 or library@roseburgor.gov. To learn more about the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, visit www.umpquaaudubon.org.
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