AUBURN – The Stanton Bird Club is celebrating the 86th anniversary of the founding of the club with a presentation on eagles, refreshments and a silent auction at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at the High Street Congregational Church.

Research biologist Chris DeSorbo, BioDiversity Research Institute in Gorham, will speak on “Bald Eagles in Maine: Exploring Relationships Between Mercury Exposure and Reproductive Success.”

Several studies have indicated that fish-eating wildlife such as eagles and loons are exposed to high levels of mercury linked to reproductive and behavioral problems.

Exposure to mercury through contaminated aquatic food webs is a possible limitation on the recovery of the northeastern eagle populations.

Birders in the Lewiston/Auburn area can often see eagles along the Androscoggin River. This is an opportunity to learn about the health and recovery of the national bird.

The program on March 7 will be Don Robitaille talking about his cycling adventures from coast to coast, Maine to Washington.

In support of the nature center project at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, there will be a silent auction held before, during and after the meeting. Items include Maineiacs tickets, wildlife art and books, bird-nesting boxes, ski passes and gift certificates to local restaurants.

The Stanton Bird Club is a conservation organization offering free monthly natural history programs and field trips throughout the state. New members are welcome. The dues help to provide land stewardship at three sanctuaries owned and managed by the club in Lewiston and Monmouth. For more information, call 782-5238 or visit the Web at www.avcnet.org/stanton.

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