Corvid Intelligence, Culture, and Communication
with Kaeli Swift, PhD, Avian Behavioral Ecologist from the University of Washington
October 1 | 7-8:30 PM | Theater Doors Open @ 6:30 PM
About the Lecture
Corvids are everywhere: they are found on nearly every continent and many species thrive in human dominated environments. They have influenced art and literature throughout history, and whether they inspire love or hate, they have certainly impacted the hearts and minds of the humans who share their space. But being “common” isn’t enough to earn this level of connection.
So what is it about corvids that positions them to take such a prominent role in culture and story-telling traditions? And how does that relationship impact the birds themselves? Join Dr. Kaeli Swift as she explores the unique features of corvids that make them so appealing to watch and study, answers why they do (some of!) the things they do, and how human attention towards these birds has shaped their own ecology and culture.
TICKETS:
$30 includes lecture and a complimentary drink (non-alcoholic or alcoholic). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the OHSU Foundation.
Kaeli Swift, PhD, Avian Behavioral Ecologist, UW
Dr. Swift earned her PhD in avian behavioral ecology from the University of Washington. While there, she studied American crows, with a special emphasis on behaviors around death. She is currently a research scientist at the University of Washington, where her work has taken her to the remote Pacific island of Tinian. For the past five years, she has lived and worked on Tinian studying a small songbird endemic to this island, called the Tinian monarch. You can read her popular science articles on her blog, corvidresearch.blog. You can also find her on Instagram and TikTok at the @corvidresearch handle. Video, audio, and print reports of her research have been featured by: National Geographic, PBS, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Ologies podcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Email event@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503-797-4000 x0
Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Click here for OMSI’s overall accessibility information. Below are the specific details for the Empirical Theater.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events.