Female birds are typically drabber and more inconspicuous than males, leading over time to an unconscious bias towards male birds in birdwatching, photography and even in general ornithological knowledge.

Whidbey Audubon Society is hosting researcher Joanna Wu for its monthly program meeting on Thursday, Jan. 14. Wu explores the history of male bird focus, female vocalizations, conservation implications of overlooking female birds and female bird identification tips.

Joanna Wu is a PhD student studying female birds in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California Los Angeles. She previously worked at National Audubon Society and is a member of the Galbatross Project, a group of birders, scientists, writers and conservationists who are passionate about spreading awareness about female birds.

Whidbey Audubon Society programs are free and open to all. The event is online and attenders must register on the Whidbey Audubon website at whidbeyaudubonsociety.org. On the day of the program a Zoom link will be sent to those who have registered. There is a brief meeting and socializing at 7 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.