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Join biologists and photographers Nova Mackentley and Chris Neri at Chippewa Nature Center for a 90-minute, image-driven talk about owl banding and nocturnal migration. Expect vivid photography, field-tested methods, and clear tips for birders and conservation-minded visitors.
Join biologists and photographers Nova Mackentley and Chris Neri at Chippewa Nature Center for a 90-minute, image-driven talk about owl banding and nocturnal migration. Expect vivid photography, field-tested methods, and clear tips for birders and conservation-minded visitors.
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Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On a November evening at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan, the lights dim and two of the Great Lakes region’s foremost raptor researchers step to the front of the room. 'A Journey through the Biologist's Lens' pairs field science with image-making: Nova Mackentley and Chris Neri—owl banders and co-founders of Friends of Whitefish Point—present photographs and stories drawn from long-term nocturnal migration studies and banding operations at the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The event, held at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI, unfolds like a field notebook projected on the wall. Photos render the pale face of a northern saw-whet or the ghostly silhouette of a long-eared owl against starlight; captions map the pulse of a migration season, tagging weather windows, moon phases, and stopover habitat. Beyond the striking imagery, the talk explains methods: how banding informs population trends, how nocturnal radar and mist-netting combine with patient observation to reveal movement patterns that are otherwise invisible.
This presentation is part of the Living with Animals series, sponsored by Andy and Donna Rapp, and offers a rare bridge between public education and active conservation. Attendees learn both the careful ethics of handling raptors and the logistics of running a banding station—skills that matter for researchers and backyard naturalists alike. Nova and Chris also highlight cultural dimensions: the decades-long monitoring at Whitefish Point, the role of citizen science, and how photography helps translate technical data into stories that galvanize habitat protection.
Practical details are straightforward: the program runs about 90 minutes, is suited to general audiences, and is a dependable indoor option in shoulder seasons. It’s a chance to absorb field-tested expertise without a long hike—yet it inspires field trips: visitors often follow up with visits to nearby preserves or plan voyages to the Upper Peninsula to witness migration funnels in place.
For photographers, the presentation is a clinic on framing nocturnal subjects and balancing exposure against faint starlight. For conservationists, it’s a status report on northern owl species and their habitat needs. For the curious public, it’s a clear, image-rich reminder that migration is a large-scale phenomenon anchored by local people and places. Whether you’re a birder plotting fall travel or a family looking for an informative evening in Midland, this program at Chippewa Nature Center offers a focused, accessible look at owls, migration, and the ways thoughtful fieldwork protects the birds we hope to keep seeing.
Expect questions from the audience and practical suggestions for local habitat stewardship, including how to participate in banding support or contribute observations to regional databases. Whether you’ll come for the imagery or the science, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of timing, terrain, and community efforts that sustain nocturnal migrants.
The program runs approximately 90 minutes, typically with time for audience questions.
Yes; content is accessible for families, though younger children may prefer shorter attention spans.
The presentation focuses on photos and methods; any live demonstrations would follow strict handling ethics and be led by qualified staff.
Speakers commonly take questions and chat with attendees after the session; plan to stay a few minutes for informal conversations.
Check the Chippewa Nature Center website or the provided referral link for registration and ticket details.
Yes; the talk highlights volunteer roles and local banding programs—ask presenters for the best next steps.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
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