People's University, Biology, Class 1: Eastern Screech Owls

September 15, 2015
7:00pm - 7:00pm

For 28 years Bill Beatty studied this common yet elusive bird for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the West Virginia Non-game Wildlife Program. The studies were done in three phases: 1) surveys, 2) trapping and 3) nesting/roosting box banding. The highlights of these studies will be presented through photos of Bill's up-close-and-personal research.

Instructor Bill Beatty has a B.S. degree in biology from West Liberty University. He is a consulting Naturalist and Outdoor Education Specialist. Bill founded Wild & Natural in 1990, specializing in nature/environmental programs, nature writing, and nature photography with over 2,000 published photos. From 1993-2008 he was an instructor for The West Virginia Center for Professional Development where he taught teachers how to become better teachers with unique and innovative teaching techniques. He was an Interpretive Naturalist for Oglebay Institute from 1972-1990. He is an instructor for various nature-related events in the WV State Park System. Bill teaches Recreational Camping, Outdoor Leisure Pursuits, and Outdoor Activities classes for the P.E. Dept. at West Liberty University. He holds a Federal Master Personal Bird Banding permit and for 28 years studied the breeding biology of the Eastern Screech-owl. Bill and Jan Runyan, who is also a bander, band approx. 1000 birds at their home near Wellsburg, WV each year.