By DAVID DENNING & KATHLEEN MASER
Islanders can expect to be richly entertained by David Hancock, one of Canada’s best-known wildlife biologists and science communicators, at Fulford Hall on the evening of Saturday, April 23.
Fascinated by the magnificent bald eagle at a young age, Hancock has dedicated his life to their study piloting his own float plane the length of the B.C. and Alaskan coastlines many times over. He developed systems of nest monitoring, web cams, and live-tracking satellite and cell tags, which has revolutionized our understanding of bald eagle biology. His research has opened the door to people all around the world to participate in bald eagle citizen science by connecting to his Hancock Foundation website where you can check out the eagle nest cams. The author of several books about eagles and other wildlife, he has published a large collection of nature-oriented books at Hancock House Publishing.
On April 23 Hancock will regale us with his research and no doubt pepper his talk with personal anecdotes and humorous adventures.
The event is sponsored by Nature Salt Spring (NSS), the island’s new natural history organization, and is both a fundraiser and membership drive. Memberships will be available at the door.
The talk at Fulford Hall starts at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30. People who arrive early at 6 p.m. can be part of a talk and gawk session viewing an actual eagle’s nest. Near to the hall scopes will be in place to enhance views of a nest, inactive at this time, yet very cool to see.
In the interest of health safety for all, wearing a mask in the hall is required.