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For Immediate Release: January 5, 2007
GARI MELCHERS HOME AND STUDIO TO OFFER WINTER BIRD TALK, JAN. 21
Fredericksburg, Va. – Gari Melchers Home and Studio will host “Left out in the Cold: How do Birds Survive Winter?” an illustrated talk by Andrew Dolby, associate professor of biology, in the Studio Pavilion on Sunday, January 21 from 2 to 4 pm.
In his presentation, Dr. Dolby will explore how birds use both their bodies and their smarts to beat winter. Because they “live fast” and need a lot of fuel, birds can be thought of as the “hotrods” of the animal kingdom. Yet in the cold weather of winter, the nights are long, and food is in short supply.
Dr. Dolby earned his doctorate from The Ohio State University where he studied winter ecology of birds. He also holds a master’s degree in zoology from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Appalachian State University. He teaches ecology and ornithology at the University of Mary Washington and serves on the Virginia Society of Ornithology Board of Directors.
Program fee for “Left Out in the Cold” is $5 for adults, $3 members of Friends of Belmont and $1 for children 5 and older. The program is suitable for all ages and will offer hands-on activities for children. Pre-registration is not required.
Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a 27-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. The property, which is part of the University of Mary Washington, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. The site also is part of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ statewide Virginia Birding andWildlife Trail. Located at 224 Washington St. in Falmouth, Va., a quarter mile west of the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17, it is open daily, except for major holidays, with an admission charge.
For additional information, contact Education Coordinator Michelle Dolby at (540) 654-1851 or mdolby@umw.edu or visit the museum web site at www.GariMelchers.org.
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