Name: Rob Rich Presents Bird-shaped Forests: Interpreting Woodpecker Sign in Montana
Start: 2026-01-12T19:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-01-12T22:00:00-07:00
Location: University of Montana

Rob Rich Presents Bird-shaped Forests: Interpreting Woodpecker Sign in Montana

Please join us as we kick off 2026 with our annual joint meeting with the Clark Fork Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Our speaker will be Rob Rich, who will present his talk: Bird-shaped Forests: Interpreting Woodpecker Sign in Montana.
There are birds in Montana forests who knock their beaks on trees to find food and create shelter for offspring. This mere fact quickly conjures the group of birds known for such improbable feats: woodpeckers. And yet, while it is easy to take this basic identification for granted, it is worthwhile to ask about the mind-blowing miracle of woodpecker existence. What are the physical adaptations that allow their daily percussion? Why go to all that effort? How does their work affect other species?
Rob’s talk will explore the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of Montana woodpeckers, with a focus on ways to observe and interpret the evidence they leave behind. Even when we don’t see woodpeckers directly, their holes, tracks, scats, and feathers yield valuable insights about the presence of particular woodpecker species, how those species use habitat, and the ways their work benefits dozens of other species throughout forest communities. These insights not only show why woodpeckers have vital roles in conserving forest health, but also how these unique birds can add awe to every walk we take in the woods.
Rob Rich is a field ecologist and wildlife tracker who provides inventory, research, and monitoring services to document and protect biodiversity. He focuses on the use of noninvasive methods to support the needs of sensitive and keystone species, most often through projects with birds, beavers, and carnivores. Rob also provides custom training for individuals or groups who are keen to learn wildlife tracking skills.
The meeting will be held in Room 110 in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building (ISB) on the University of Montana campus. The building lies on the south end of campus on Beckwith Avenue between Maurice and Mansfield avenues.