“Woodpeckers are one of the most remarkable bird species found in the avian world…they are, in many ways, the heartbeat of the forest.” - Paul Bannick

Town Hall Seattle | The Great Hall

Doors 6:30 | Event 7:30

1119 Eighth Avenue (enter on Eighth Avenue)
Seattle, WA 98101 United States

Woodpeckers are found across the world, adapting to climates from tropical rainforest to coniferous woodlands and even to arid deserts. Here in our own North American backyard, the woodpecker has evolved in ways that make them ecologically critical to forest health; their activities support a variety of other creatures, making them catalysts of diversity in the places they inhabit. In his upcoming book Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers, acclaimed author and wildlife photographer Paul Bannick shines a spotlight on the ecological importance of this avian keystone species.

Bringing together comprehensive research and first-hand field experience, Bannick champions the 41 species of woodpeckers included in this work as pillars of connection to their varied environments. Woodpecker explores the natural and cultural history of these birds from the boreal forest of northern Canada to oak woodlands and conifer forests in the United States to the wet tropical forests of Mexico and the Caribbean. Bannick’s lush imagery puts their charismatic behavior — as well as their colorful displays and sensitive habitats — front and center, taking readers through the seasons of the woodpecker’s life from courtship and nesting to fledging and winter survival.

Bannick’s extensive knowledge and focused enthusiasm complement his photography to present an accessible field guide laden with robust insights to the lives of North American woodpeckers and their conservation outlook for the future.

Paul Bannick is the award-winning photographer and author of four books,Snowy Owl: A Visual History, Great Gray Owl: A Visual History, The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds(finalist for the Washington State Book Award), andOwl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls(gold medal recipient of an Independent Publishers Book Award). Based in Seattle, Paul travels all over the world to capture wildlife images that encourage conservation. Learn more at www.paulbannick.com.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Braided River.