Margerat Atwood honours late partner's love of birds
Summary
Margaret Atwood donated $1 million to Western University to establish an avian biology chair honoring her late partner, Graham Gibson. The episode features Professor Chris Guglielmo, who discusses how the gift will expand research into migratory bird behavior and ecology. They explore why southwestern Ontario is a critical migration corridor and how birds serve as vital indicators of environmental health. Guglielmo also shares his passion for studying the extreme endurance of long-distance flyers like bar-tailed godwits.
Topics discussed
Sponsor and show introduction
Background on bird migration in Ontario
Margaret Atwood's $1M donation and Graham Gibson's story
Professor Guglielmo's reaction to the news
Western University's avian research facilities
Why southwestern Ontario is key for migration
Witnessing peak migration at Long Point
Birds as environmental indicators and recovery
The whiteboard of unanswered research questions
The mystery of ultra-endurance bird flight
Guglielmo's 'spark bird' and career origin
Closing remarks and credits
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