Research, novel inspiration for "The Messenger;" researcher to present work Friday

Dr. Bridget Stutchbury with a purple martin.
Dr. Bridget Stutchbury with a purple martin.

Until 10 years ago, the research capability wasn't there.

Geolocators couldn't be made small enough for songbirds to wear, but when that changed, Dr. Bridget Stutchbury, biologist at York University in Toronto, started outfitting purple martins and wood thrushes with the tiny trackers, and she started collecting their migration pattern data.

“If we're lucky,” she said, “the bird comes back carrying its little backpack.”

It's the black box of birding.

On Friday, Stutchbury will give a presentation about her bird migration tracking at 2 p.m. at the Hardin Hall Auditorium, 3310 Holdrege St. She will discuss how her research on purple martins' and wood thrushes' migration could help save songbirds.

Her work inspired and also is featured in the documentary film “The Messenger,” which is premiering at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N. 13th St.

The film chronicles the struggle of songbirds worldwide to survive in turbulent environmental conditions brought about by humans. The film, by award-winning director Su Rynard, argues that songbirds' demise could signify the crash of ecosystems globally, akin to the disappearance of honeybees and the melting of glaciers.

Producer JoAnne Jackson will co-present with Stutchbury starting at 3:15 p.m. Friday and will give insight into the research behind the film and what went into making the documentary on migration, which largely happens at night.

Seating for the presentation is limited. To ensure a seat, those interested are urged to RSVP at wildbird1@neb.rr.com or 402-420-2553. A reception will follow the presentation.

“I've seen a 50 percent decline in bird population in my lifetime,” Stutchbury said. “Birders can tell you the same. They witness it and feel bad about it and that's why this resonates.”

Stutchbury said the film does a good job of presenting the scope of the problem, but it also offers solutions.

“The message of hope is still there,” Stutchbury said.

The women will be part of a question-and-answer session following the film premiere at the Ross. To purchase tickets, visit theross.org. The premiere is sponsored by the UNL School of Natural Resources, The Wild Bird Habitat Store and Nebraska International Migratory Bird Month.

Stutchbury is affiliated with more than a dozen organizations that seek to preserve bird habitats. Her book, "Silence of the Songbirds," is a best-seller.

Jackson is an award-winning documentary and television producer. She has supervised many series and specials at YTV, WTN, Animal Planet Canada and Discovery HD.

-Shawna Richter-Ryerson

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/d0x3