VINELAND — Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River & its Tribu­taries is inviting the public to attend a free presentation on the results of the 2009 Shore­bird Pro­ject—a study on an area phenomenon of global significance.

The presenter will be an individual well acquainted with the project, Larry Niles, PhD.

The presentation is 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Jan. 13 in the George P. Luciano Center at Cumberland County College, Col­lege Drive between W. Sher­man Avenue and Route 47.

The Delaware Bay's shores are considered by ex­perts as a critical stopover area for six species of migrating birds including the red knot.

The late May arrival of these birds coincides with the spawning of horseshoe crabs, producing one of the most dramatic natural phenomena anywhere in the world. Feeding on horseshoe crab eggs, the birds refuel and continue their long-distance journey to Arctic breeding grounds. Indeed, these migrating shorebirds have more miles behind them than many frequent-flier humans.

Each year, scientists, researchers, birders, and local volunteers gather from all corners of the globe to assist with the Delaware Bay Shorebird Project, to study the shorebird phenomenon here in Down Jersey.

They monitor the health and status of shorebird populations. The goals of the Shorebird Project are to identify and protect the resources critical to the successful migration of shorebirds and to reduce the threats to those resources.

Dr. Niles is a wildlife biologist who has served as chief of the N.J. En­dangered & Nongame Species program, led the state’s bald eagle recovery project for 20 years, as well as the Delaware Bay Shorebird Project for 15 years.

He is a consultant for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of N.J., a nonprofit or­ganization dedicated to the Garden State’s rare wildlife. The Trenton-based foundation carries out research projects, develops management plans, encourages conservation practices and educates residents about the wildlife living in their own backyards and beyond.

For more information on the Jan. 13 presentation, call CU associate director Renee Brecht at 305-3238.