David was introduced as a renowned wildlife photographer with 18 published books. His talk to us today was from his natures marvels talk lecture.
David started by saying that he hoped we would all be “re-enthused” by todays talk, and I reckon he was right!
The presentation started with a photo of trees in a wood in California, that was completely covered with the most amazing colourful range of butterflies. He went on to explain that these creatures would fly pretty much the whole length of the US, and over time, they would produce eggs, chrysalis, with new butterflies emerging, who would then do the whole trip in reverse, landing back in the exact same wood. Birds would have the same capacity for travel, leaving the southern shores of Africa, heading up to Europe before returning back to where they started.
Similar tales were also told for other various birds, the way three different types of birds would gain nutrients from a specific plant, based on hovering capacity, hooked bills, and finally the manner in which the plants were finally torn up, all done through instinct.
David carried on to say that brightly coloured plants were designed to encourage the birds, who in turn would eat the berries, later they would excrete the seeds, and new growth would form.
David explained that so much of what is done with birds and animals is due to instinct: from the ground nesting birds that won’t leave their nests until after dark, woodpeckers, who know the width of the tree hole they need for a nest that will accommodate mum, and a few eggs/chicks. Weaver birds who hang their nests from the trees which makes it more difficult for snakes to sneak up on them, oxpeckers who know the animals to land on in order to clean the bugs away, and many more examples.
It was very much food for thought, as it’s not just the animal kingdom that relies on instinct, don’t we all to a large extent….