What Can A Single Feather Tell Us?
DNA has helped unravel many mysteries about the organisms on our planet, including our birds. It gives us a front-row seat to understanding their connections to other species and a glimpse into their amazing evolutionary journey to specialized behaviors and physiological adaptations.
Evolutionary biologist Yasmeen Erritouni has set out to identify the genes that make birds’ iridescent feathers so shiny. Yasmeen will join us in Seward Park to capture and release several of our hummers in order to collect one feather from each in pursuit of answers held within their DNA.
Join us this weekend to learn more about Yasmeen's work and to witness the activity that may lead to breakthroughs in our knowledge of birds.
Yasmeen Erritouni is trained in the collection of birds and has been approved for this activity by USFW, WDFW, and granted permission from the City of Seattle.
Learn more about Yasmeen’s research
