Tony Angell blends art and science to explore birds' 'niches of time'

In the Seattle suburb of Lake Forest Park, where Tony Angell lives, crows gather in great numbers before flying off to Bothell to roost by the thousands.

One reason they do this is for the social benefits. When Angell spoke at the La Conner Birding Festival Saturday, Feb. 3, more than 100 curious bird lovers gathered to share an evening to remember that brought many benefits, too.

Angell, a renowned author and artist, shared his lifelong experiences and expertise with a crowd that filled the main level at Maple Hall and spilled into the balcony. Discussing "For Ravens, Crows and Other Birds, Timing Is Crucial," he emphasized the small "niche of time" during the day when specific birds accomplish tasks. Timing is everything and critical to birds' abilities to adapt.

While sharing images of his artwork, which included carvings in slate, bronze sculptures and pen-and-ink drawings, Angell explained the curious habits and adaptations of birds. Bat hawks, for instance, have only 45 minutes to eat all the bats they can. Cook's petrels fly in the dark to their nests that they cannot see, but only smell, to be safe from predators. European robins have learned to exploit lamplights in cities, because cities are quieter at night so mating calls can be heard. His fusion of art, science and nature was seamless.

Angell's interest in birds is lifelong. As a boy, he observed a screech owl emerge from its roost and survey territory. He recalled this shared moment with life all around as something enriching: "It gives an allegiance, an alliance, a camaraderie that otherwise would be missing."

Angell's art captures these precise behaviors and moments of the day. It is informed by his long and many collaborations with scientists. These partnerships meant he wove astounding facts into his talk. Arctic terns, for example, fly the equivalent of four roundtrip visits to the moon during their lives.

Through these stories, Angell helped the audience recognize the individuality of birds and qualities we might reserve for humans, such as being playful, clever or conspiring.

Angell has also learned several bird calls, which echoed periodically throughout the room and generated audience delight.

Observing the natural world closely, he said, always creates more questions. "It's an adventure I've had since I was a kid," said Angell. The attentive and appreciative audience left with questions to investigate on their own.

This delightful lecture was the highlight of the La Conner Birding Festival.