Fuel Economy is for the Birds

When it comes to fuel economy, you may think of gas, electric, hybrid, methane, even biodiesel. But birds have the most remarkably economic fuel of all: metabolism. Robert McKernan, director of the San Bernardino County Museum, will present a special lecture on Sunday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. His topic is “Birds, Economy, and the Gas Pump” and the lecture is free.

            “If a blackpoll warbler burned gasoline instead of reserves of body fat,” said McKernan, “it could boast of getting 720,000 miles per gallon. Birds use energy incredibly efficiently. During the Sunday talk, I’ll give examples of how bird body structure and metabolism allow amazing feats of migration.”

            Robert McKernan has been director of the San Bernardino County Museum since 2001. Prior to that time, he served as interim director and as Curator of Biological Sciences. McKernan, before employment at the museum, worked as an ornithologist at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

            The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Admission to the museum will be free on Sunday, April 2. Other activities planned for the day include “Fantastic Fossils” family fun day activities and special displays of historical photographs from the county’s Fifth District. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669.

The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 or TTD (909) 792-1462.