John Rockwood Public Program(s):
As the 2017 Curious George Cottage Artist Resident, I would plan on giving 2(or 3 if time allows)of my popular multi-media lectures on NH Common Loons and/or New England Wildlife.
The first multi-media lecture follows different loon familiesfrom their arrival on my local lake, nesting, raising their young and migration back to the ocean. It documents the rapid physical changes that young loons go though before their parents leave them on their own.
The star of the show is Grapenut,a young loon chick I found alone on the lake when he was 3-4 days old. He is the main character in my non-fiction book "Adventures With Grapenut". Video extras include adult and juvenile loons swimming underwater,loons reacting to a low flying plane, a loon coming in for a landing next to my kayak and much more.
My second multi-media lecture follows a pair of loon chick twins Wiggles and Waggles and their parents (one is Grapenut's mom)from hatching through leaving the lake in January as the lake is freezing. Again we follow the young loons progress in detail with close up photos and videos made possible by my having been accepted as part of the family by Grapenut's mom and dad. Videos include my baby sitting the 3 and 4 day old twins next to my kayak, left there by mom as she and dad head off to drive intruding loons out of their territory. There will be extra videos again with adult and juvenile loons swimming underwater, loons reacting to a low flying plane, a loon coming in for a landing next to my kayak and much more.
The third multi-media lecture selection would be: Puffins and Auks and Muirs.....Oh, My....…
A potpourri of very fascinating creatures from aroundNew England, which include,all the above, as well as, Seals,Osprey, Owls,Moose andFox.
My lectures run around 45 minutes, followed by a question and answer period. My lectures are suitable for all ages. I have presented these 3multi-media wildlife shows,updated yearly, to audiences ranging from school age through senior citizens.
For the last 11 years, I have presented my multi-media wildlife lectures to many different venues including, the Loon Center, colleges, libraries, camera clubs, Audubon Centers, the Peabody Essex Museum, 3 lake associations, retirement communities, a private schoolK-8and assisted living facilities throughout New England. Audience sizes have ranged from a dozen to over 150, of all ages.
I have a laptop, projector and screen so would only need a venue for these Public Programs.
Here is a short sample of my video work: