The Naples Public Library will host an exciting two-part “Return of the Natives: Spring Birds” program on May 10 and 11. Chris Lewey, a well-known local ornithologist and Executive Director and founder of RAVEN Interpretive Wildlife Programs, will present an informative slide program on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. and will then lead a spring walk at the Brownfield Bog on Wednesday, May 11 at 9 a.m.

Mr. Lewey’s slide presentation will focus on the return of native spring birds. As Chris points out, “Spring is a time for change and no creatures know this better than our migratory birds. Triggered by the changing lengths of day this array of avian natives begins their journey back to the northern latitudes. Timing is crucial and the competition for nesting habitat demanding. We’ll take an ecological look at many of our returning birds at a time when they are just arriving home. Spring is one of the best times to view these birds in their bright breeding plumage and unobstructed by dense foliage. Migration, nesting, feeding and identification will be some of the topics we will discuss.”

The slide presentation will be followed by a field trip to Brownfield Bog on May 11. The group will meet at the bog at 9 a.m. For those unsure how to get to the bog, a group will meet at the Naples Public Library at 8 a.m. and carpool to the site. Chris Lewey will meet the group at the bog to lead this field trip and help identify spring warblers and native wildflowers we should be looking for this time of year.

Chris has led several programs in the Lakes Region in the past, including many for the Naples Public Library. His programs are always very popular so advance registration is recommended. Please call the library at 693-6841 to reserve your seat or stop by the library during regular hours, Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.