What bird poop can reveal about microplastics

Feb. 18 | 7 p.m. | BSU Nature Lab & Zoom

Microplastics have become ubiquitous contaminants in our environments, with the potential to harm organisms, including birds. Although we know birds are being exposed to microplastics, how that exposure varies among species remains unclear.

For our February program, Victoria Moreira will describe her master’s-degree study on microplastics in bird fecal samples, the insights they provided on where birds may be encountering microplastics, and what the future of this issue and its research look like.

The photo seen here shows Victoria holding samples from her study at West Chester University (Pennsylvania), which examined fecal matter from five species: Common Yellowthroat, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Wood Thrush, and White-throated Sparrow. She was a 2024 recipient of our chapter’s Josie & Geoff Fox Graduate Student Grant.  

Victoria will be giving her presentation remotely, via Zoom, but we hope you’ll join us in person, at the Ball State’s Nature Lab, located at 2500 W. University Ave. in Muncie, to watch her presentation on a large screen. Parking is available on the south side of the building and is free after 5 p.m. The building is wheelchair-accessible.   Or, to watch her presentation by Zoom, please register in advance, below. After registering, you’ll receive confirmation and details about joining the meeting.