Birds: Keys to Flight

Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Steve Johnson
Birds have brought joy and wonder to humans for thousands of years. What makes them so special? They have the same general body structure and senses and internal organs as humans, yet they can fly and we can’t. This is because nearly everything about bird physiology and anatomy has been optimized through evolution to permit flight. Birds have fine-tuned their bones and muscles, breathing, digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and reproduction so that they can take to the air. This class will focus on all the fascinating differences between birds and humans that allow them to delight us. It will include short video clips and show-and-tell specimens. Come to this class to learn what goes on beneath the feathers—it’s surprising and amazing!
Please note: This class is a reprise of the VISTAS presentation Steve gave in November 2024.