Bird Migration and Southeastern California Deserts

Museum Director Robert McKernan will present a lecture, “Bird Migration and Southeastern California Deserts” on Saturday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. at San Bernardino County Museum. This talk is free with museum admission.

The deserts of Southeastern California are ecologically important for Neotropical bird migrants, linking their wintering grounds with their northern breeding grounds. Birds are adapted in their body structure and physiology to life in the air. “These adaptations make it possible for birds to see out environments most favorable to their needs at different times of the year,” said McKernan. “This results in the marvelous phenomenon we know as migration—the regular, recurrent, seasonal movement of population from one geographic location to another and back again.”

McKernan will present details regarding spring bird migration in Southern California and the life histories for various groups of birds, their general routes of travel between winter range and nesting areas, and some previous misconceptions regarding migratory routes.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The 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 (TDD) 909-792-1462.