Keynote: Paul N. Gray, Audubon Florida, Science Coordinator in Everglades Restoration Program

Brief History of Ornithology in the Americas, Florida and the Birth of the Audubon Societies

Paul will talk about the discovery and history of avian life in the new world – the Americas and Florida. At one time, birds were heavily hunted in Florida for table meat, market meat, decorations for hats from their plumes and recreational hunting. Many populations of avian life were on the verge of extinction. The exploitation inspired the establishment of Audubon Societies to protect them. Shooting and hunting is now controlled, but habitat loss and degradation continue to threaten them. Paul will tell this story and how Audubon’s Everglades Restoration program continues this work today in South Florida.