I drove over to the Audubon Society of Portland this evening to attend a lecture delivered by Jim Johnson on the topic of Odonates in Oregon. These lectures on various natural history topics hosted by Audubon Portland are excellent ways both to discover new things as well as refine one's understanding of subjects already being studied.
Jim gave a superb presentation to a packed room of a broad population spanning the range of experience from absolute beginners to experienced entomologists. He was learned on his topic but, as do all truly good lecturers, mixed into his presentation both humor and the honesty to admit that there were things either he, or science in general, simply didn't know.
The only problem with attending these evening lectures is that my family and I live over thirty miles outside the city of Portland. Thus, as the lectures end around nine and then a little time is taken to visit and ask a few last questions, the homeward journey is one undertaken well after nightfall. This particular evening I did not eat supper before setting out to the lecture. Thus here I sit in the only pub on the highway between Portland and Scappoose with a kitchen still open, no health department warnings posted on the door, and a smoking prohibition in effect hoping to grab a quick bite before finishing the journey home to my sleeping family.
Well, my fish and chips are here.
Peace and good bird watching.
