Bird expert in Libertyville:

The Lake County Audubon Society will host Shannon Hackett, an associate curator in the department of zoology and head of the Field Museum’s bird division, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at the Libertyville village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. Hackett will discuss her latest research, which is part of a five-year study on the history of birds’ linages as they change over time. She uses DNA sequences, morphology and behavior to reconstruct how populations and species are related to one another in the tree of life. Her research for the Early Bird Project has produced results showing that early forms of birds were more closely related than realized. The program is free. Call Chris Geiselhart (847) 362-5134.