Bird Migration talk at the Victor Valley Museum
San Bernardino County Museum Director Robert L. McKernan will present a talk, “Peering into Darkness,” at the Victor Valley Museum on Saturday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m. The presentation is free with paid museum admission.

“I have been fortunate to be a part of important bird migration studies in the southwest United States during the 1980s and 1990s where we developed methods for studying nocturnal migration,” said McKernan. “These methods included mobile radars, night-vision devices, and high-tech light arrays. My “Peering into Darkness: presentation will highlight bird migration throughout southeastern California.”

Bird migration, which occurs throughout the world, is generally thought of as a north-and-south movement following the coasts, mountain ranges and principal river valleys. In North America the coasts, mountain chains, and some of the larger rivers follow this north-and-south alignment.

“In our region many bird species can be observed traveling between seasonally productive habitats, and some of these migration routes are extremely complex,” said McKernan. “Distance traveled, starting time, flight speed, geographical position, the latitude of the breeding and wintering grounds, and other factors all contribute to great diversity. No two species follow precisely the same path from beginning to end.”

The Victor Valley Museum is at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student). Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.