Everyone knows birds live within an ecosystem.  Also that birds directly affect and are affected by the myriad living and nonliving things in the ecosystem, including us.  However, all the functions and stories of interacting flora, fauna and environment make up a fascinating tale of millions of years of evolutionary history.  This talk will lead from fundamental building blocks of world ecosystems to more complex and little-known eco-stories, with emphasis on our southern California plants and animals.

Mickey Long retired in late 2010 after 39 years working in the County's Nature Centers and Natural Area Parks, ending this time as Administrator over the 19 Natural Areas.  These included sites from Antelope Valley to San Pedro, and local sites like Whittier Narrows and Eaton Canyon.  His academic studies and publishing have been in the realms of Botany, Ornithology and Herpetology, but ecology and biogeography of local flora and fauna is an overriding interest.

He continues to teach natural history classes for Docents at Whittier Narrows and Eaton Canyon and for Pasadena Audubon, and finds presentations among his most enjoyable pursuits (along with monthly folk music with Letty Brooks).