Birds of paradox. Birds that are protected by law in one realm of their life cycle, the North American nesting areas, while being trapped, killed and eaten by humans in the South American wintering grounds. All documented and shared by Peter Trull. Birds that nest in colonies made up of hundreds or thousands of mating pairs in close proximity, whose success in peacefully raising offspring depends on extreme aggression. Birds of paradox. Not always what they seem. In this colorful, insightful and educational program, you will learn about the annual life cycle of four species of terns that depend on the sea for every aspect of their life. Peter Trull spent countless days and nights over a period of ten years recording the habits and family life of terns in nesting colonies on Cape Cod. Here you’ll gain new insight through a lively and colorful presentation. Birds of Paradox – The Life of Terns

This program will show, through discussion and vivid photographs, the relationship between commercial fishing, expanding Gray Seal populations, and the occurrence of Great White Sharks along the beaches of Cape Cod and the northeast coast. This “Gray Curtain” has come about after geologic and environmental changes, range expansion of marine mammals, animal migrations and population growth. Each has had an effect on the lives and attitudes of commercial fishermen and cape residents, and through daily and seasonal changes, some are now accepted as normal. While fishermen and scientists don’t always agree, both have played a role in these dynamic coastal changes. In the minds of many commercial fishermen, the Gray Seal has played a major part. Now, a new charismatic, apex predator has entered the picture and has made its presence known: The Great White Shark. This enlightening, colorful and lively program brings together the main factors that have created the phenomenon of The Gray Curtain.

Eastern Coyotes, now often referred to as “Coywolves,” are found throughout Massachusetts and eastern North America. I have been studying the daily habits and life history of Eastern Coyote Canis latrans var. since 1989. Here on Cape Cod with its fragmented habitats, open space, “island ecosystem,” and growing human population, coyotes thrive and are evident to us in our yards and neighborhoods year round. Unfortunately, they are not well understood by most people and their presence may cause alarm and disdain among a large part of the population. Much of what children, parents and teachers learn, or are told by others is misguided or exaggerated and clearly brings about fear and anxiety. I have experienced these feelings in people at my public lectures for many years. My aim as researcher and educator is to offer an objective view of this wild canid and inform my audiences, young and old, of this predator’s place in our world, and our place in the coyote’s world.