Emptying the Skies: Documentary examines slaughter of millions of migratory songbirds in Europe

The screening and panel discussion of the film “Emptying the Skies” – which chronicles how European trappers slaughter millions of migratory songbirds every year for large sums on the black market – will be held 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Idaho State University.

The free event will be held in the Pond Student Union Wood River Room.

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Even though these birds are protected under European law, rampant poaching is leading to their imminent extinction, according to the filmmaker. In 2010 American novelist and essayist Jonathan Franzen published his essay “Emptying the Skies” on the plight of these birds and has now co-produced this powerful film on the actions some have taken to save them.

Following the hour-long screening of “Emptying the Skies,” the following panelists will discuss the challenges of environmental regulation in Europe and the United States:

• David Delehanty, professor of biology at ISU and curator of birds, Idaho Museum of Natural History;

• Steven Hall, lecturer in English at ISU;

• David Kampwerth, field supervisor of the Eastern Idaho Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and

• Chuck Trost, professor emeritus of biological sciences at ISU and founder of Portneuf Valley Audubon Society.

The discussion will be moderated by Curt Whitaker, associate professor of English at ISU and Portneuf Valley Audubon Society board member.

This event is co-sponsored by ISU’s Department of English and Philosophy, the ISU English Graduate Student Association, and Portneuf Valley Audubon Society.