Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are the heart of North American forests in many ways. Their distinctive drumming sounds out a familiar rhythm, while their presence supports owls and a myriad other creatures. They have evolved in ways that make them ecologically critical to forest health, serving as keystone species in a variety of wooded habitats across the continent. In this new presentation, Paul explores the often secret lives of woodpeckers from Alaska's boreal forests to the oak woodlands of the West and Midwest and from the ribbon of Ponderosa Pine habitats that stretches from British Columbia through much of the Western states until they transition in southern Arizona to the Sierra Madre pine-oak that forms the spine of Mexico. Paul also explores the diversity in arid ecosystems straddling the US-Mexico border and the wet tropical habitats from Florida through the Caribbean Islands and southeastern Mexico.

Through first-hand experiences, more than 200 never-before published photographs, and the latest science, Paul examines woodpeckers in every season: their courtship and nest selection in spring; life in the nest during summer; fledging and gaining independence in autumn; and the challenges of surviving the winter. Paul also takes a closer look at the most important woodpecker habitats in North America and what we can do to protect them.

Bird, headshots, and book photos curtousey of Paul Bannick.

About the Author:

Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and photographer who makes images to inspire education and conservation.

Paul is both the author and photographer of five books (all published by Mountaineers Books/Braided River) including two best-selling bird books, Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls and The Owl and The Woodpecker, Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds as well as "Snowy Owl: A Visual Natural History" and "Great Gray Owl: A Visual Natural History"

Paul’s photography won awards from several prestigious contests, including those hosted by Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography Awards.

His work can be found in prominently in many bird guides, including those from Audubon,Peterson, and The Smithsonian and has been featured in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Audubon, Sunset , and Nature’s Best Photography Magazine. His many TV and Radio appearances include pieces on NBC Nightly News , PBS and NPR.

Paul serves as a Director for Conservation Northwest, a Seattle based conservation non-profit.

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:

Your ticket price includes appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, including our specialty mocktail, "The Mockingbird," and entry to our author talk, Q&A, and a book-signing. We'll have a no-host bar as well, where we'll be selling wine, beer, and specialty sodas and fruit juices. It will be a fun and spirited evening for those who love birds or who are bird-curious!

We're so grateful to be in partnership with Kitsap Audubon Society for this event. Kitsap Audubon's mission is "to protect birds, wildlife habitat and the environment through conservation, education, citizen science and advocacy."

We work to ensure that all reasonable accommodations are in place so that everyone can fully participate and learn during their time on our campus. All indoor spaces and many of our outdoor spaces and field structures were built and are continually maintained to meet ADA code, adhering to WAC 51-50. Learn more about the physical accessibility of our campus here.

Service animals only, please.

Your health and safety, as well as that of our staff, is our first priority. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and rest up! We care about you.

Info: Join us in our beautiful Welcome Center for a casual happy hour with small bites, book sale, great libations, and meet the birds we'll have on display, as well as Kitsap Audubon for educational resources and more.

Info: Our celebrated kitchen team is crafting delicious appetizers and small bites, as well as a specialty mocktail, "The Mockingbird." We look forward to a fun, casual atmosphere, and connecting with you. Kitsap Audubon will join us with educational materials, resources on birding in your neck of the woods, and more!

Info: Author and wildlife photographer, Paul Bannick, will share his incredible photography and educational content on woodpeckers, their habitat, and stories from the field.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher IslandWood Community Programs & Events