Many birdwatchers have noticed that there are fewer migratory songbirds in our woods or around our yards. The issue is the subject of The Messenger, a film featured in the Dietrich Theater Fall Film Festival with several showings.
At the showing on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 2 pm, Rick Koval, local WNEP Pennsylvania Outdoor Life naturalist, will introduce the film and, afterwards, discuss its implications for our community and beyond.
The Messenger has been described as a love letter to the life and majesty of a species on the brink of extinction. It is beautifully filmed, examining the various hazards that songbirds face around the world. The good news is that there are things we can to stem the tide. As well as a love letter, this film is a call to global action.
During the Fall Film Festival, which runs from Sept. 16 to Oct. 6, The Messenger is scheduled also on Sept. 17 at 4:15 pm, Sept. 19, Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and Oct. 6 at noon. Tickets cost $8.50 and are available at www.dietrichtheater.com or at the ticket booth. For additional information call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500.
During the Fall Film Festival, the Dietrich’s Sherwood Gallery will also feature 13 photographs taken by Rick Koval, each one capturing one of the now vulnerable songbirds in danger of extinction. Rick maintains that, while photos and words cannot describe the beauty and grace of our colorful song birds, they might soon be the only remainders of what were once common sights and sounds each and every spring and summer throughout the region.
Population declines of our neo-tropical songbirds, including vibrant woodland warblers such as the American redstart, chestnut-sided, yellow and cerulean warblers, has raised concern and awareness from scientists, ornithologists, ecologists and birders throughout North America.
“Outreach and education throughout the world might be the saving grace for these amazing songbirds,” Rick maintains.
Those concerned about our environment and the future of songbirds are encouraged to come to the Dietrich Theater to see the beautiful film The Messenger, to meet Rick Koval on Sept. 22, and to view his photo exhibit.