CAMDEN — The Mid-Coast Audubon‘s series of nature talks in partnership with the Camden Public Library continues Thursday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m., with "An Introduction to Gull ID" from Amar Ayyash, author of The Gull Guide.

Often approached with apprehension, gulls have gained a love-hate relationship with many birders. Among these "larids" are some of the most coveted bird species in the world.

In his program, Amar Ayyash will highlight key identification field marks for separating our most common gull species. He will also touch on some of the often-ignored topics in gull-study such as the aging process and plumage. Tune in to learn why an increasing number of people are being drawn to this family of birds and are eagerly calling themselves “larophiles."

This is a virtual program and will take place on Zoom only. Please register ahead of time at librarycamden.org (Or, for digital publication: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-5feCK9iTYOH43jgVsMDAA)

Amar Ayyash is both an expert on the gulls of North America and an evangelist for “gull recreation”. He coordinates the IOS Annual Gull Frolic on Lake Michigan, hosts the website anythinglarus.com, and is often found speaking at birding events throughout the continent. Much of his free time is dedicated to traveling the world to photograph and study gulls. Ayyash has published a number of articles on gull identification, distribution, and molt. He is the author of the book, The Gull Guide. Ayyash lives in northern Illinois where he teaches mathematics.

This program is put on in partnership with Camden Public Library and Mid-Coast Audubon.

Mid-Coast Audubon is a chapter of Audubon and affiliated with Maine Audubon. They cover the midcoast inland from Boothbay Harbor, west to Windsor and China, and east along the coast to Bucksport. Their mission is to promote long-term, responsible use of natural resources through informed membership, education and community awareness.