Nature Salon: The Wonder of Eggs

Join Professor Tim Birkhead and Mary Colwell for a captivating conversation all about eggs, “nature’s most perfect thing”. From the extraordinary diversity of shapes, colours and sizes to the cultural meanings eggs have carried for centuries, Tim and Mary explore science, story and the sheer wonder contained in a fragile shell. A warm, insightful dialogue between two celebrated voices in ornithology and nature writing — perfect for the spring season.

Tim Birkhead is emeritus professor of behaviour and evolution at the University of Sheffield. His research on promiscuity in birds re-shaped our understanding of bird mating systems. He has also maintained a population study of guillemots on Skomer Island since 1972. As well as a passion for research, Tim is committed to undergraduate teaching and to the public understanding of science. He has won awards for his science, his books, his undergraduate teaching and history of science research.

Mary Colwell is an author, producer and campaigner for nature. She is the author of 4 books, including most recently The Gathering Place (Bloomsbury). In 2022 she was awarded the prestigious RSP Medal for her contribution to nature and conservation and she successfully spearheaded the campaign to introduce a GCSE in Natural History into the school curriculum.