Smithsonian Lecture: Social Systems in Manakins

May 31st, 2008 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Saturday, May 31st, 2008      

1:00 – 2:30

Dr. Mercedes Foster

“Social Systems in Manakins – Jewels of the Tropical Forest”

Dr. Foster will talk about the ins and outs of mounting a research expedition to the rain forests in Southeastern Peru where she carries out her studies of bird behavior.  She will also introduce you to the manakins, or jewel birds, and their lek social systems which have been likened to the discos of the 70s.

Directions to the Naturalist Center:

From points north of Leesburg: Take US-15 South (James Monroe Highway) towards Leesburg. Approaching Leesburg, bear slightly left onto US-15 South Bypass. Travel on 15-South Bypass for three miles, under the bridge for Route 7, to the traffic signal for Sycolin Road. Turn left onto Sycolin Road. Travel 1.3 miles to Miller Drive. Turn right onto Miller Drive (Leesburg Airpark Business Center). The Naturalist Center is in the first building on the left, 741. The Naturalist Center has a separate entrance just to the right of the main entrance in the center of the building.

From points south of Leesburg: Take US Route 15 North (James Monroe Highway) towards Leesburg. Merge onto US-15 Bypass North / Route 7 Bypass East toward Alexandria / Frederick, MD. Travel 1.2 miles to Sycolin Road. Turn right onto Sycolin Road. Travel 1.3 miles to Miller Drive. Turn right onto Miller Drive (Leesburg Airpark Business Center). The Naturalist Center is in the first building on the left, 741. The Naturalist Center has a separate entrance just to the right of the main entrance in the center of the building.

From points west of Leesburg: Take Route 7 East (Harry Byrd Highway / Leesburg Pike) towards Leesburg. At Leesburg, Route 7 becomes Route 7 Bypass. Follow Route 7 Bypass, past the exit for the Dulles Greenway Toll Road (Route 267) to Sycolin Road. Turn right onto Sycolin Road. Travel 1.3 miles to Miller Drive. Turn right onto Miller Drive (Leesburg Airpark Business Center). The Naturalist Center is in the first building on the left, 741. The Naturalist Center has a separate entrance just to the right of the main entrance in the center of the building.

From points east of Leesburg: Take Route 7 West (Harry Byrd Highway / Leesburg Pike) towards Leesburg. Merge onto US-15 Bypass South / Route 7 Bypass West, toward Warrenton / Winchester. Travel .5 miles merging into the leftmost lane and be prepared to turn left at Sycolin Road. Turn left onto Sycolin Road. Travel 1.3 miles to Miller Drive. Turn right onto Miller Drive (Leesburg Airpark Business Center). The Naturalist Center is in the first building on the left, 741. The Naturalist Center has a separate entrance just to the right of the main entrance in the center of the building.

From Washington via Dulles Toll Road / Greenway Route 267: Take Dulles Greenway (Route 267-Toll), past Dulles Airport, towards Leesburg. Merge onto US-15 Bypass North / Route 7 Bypass East at exit 1B towards Frederick, MD. Travel one half mile on US-15 Bypass North to Sycolin Road. Turn right onto Sycolin Road. Travel 1.3 miles to Miller Drive. Turn right onto Miller Drive (Leesburg Airpark Business Center). The Naturalist Center is in the first building on the left, 741. The Naturalist Center has a separate entrance just to the right of the main entrance in the center of the building.


Location

Smithsonian Naturalist Center, Suite G-2
741 Miller Drive SE, Leesburg
See map: Google Maps