The Missouri Department of Conservation's Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and Southeast Missouri State University's College of Science, Technology and Agriculture will partner for a showing of the documentary, "The Messenger," April 14.

The showing of "The Messenger," which details humanity's connection with songbirds and how humans have affected their populations, will be followed by a panel discussion led by Dr. Rebecka Brasso, assistant professor of biology at Southeast, and other local experts on birds.

Brasso said the showing is intended to make a connection with the public to increase awareness about the issues affecting birds as a whole.

"I think the balance that the documentary tries to find is showing the science, the changes and why, but at the same time appreciating the beauty of the birds," Brasso said. "It can help people care and want to do what they can to help."

According to Brasso, southeast Missouri contains a small population of avid "birders," those who watch and study birds as a hobby and travel to specific locations containing large numbers of birds, such as the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Puxico, Missouri.

Brasso said that while she only considers herself a "moderate birder," the panel will contain others who are passionate about their hobby, which she hopes will add more to the panel discussion.

"The idea was to put four people on the panel from different angles," Brasso said. "My hope is that people will see something in the movie that sparks a question, where they can ask it to locals who may have the answer."

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty, an agreement between the United States and Canada to protect certain species of migratory birds, including those that are insectivorous.

The treaty later developed into federal legislation as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Jamie Koehler, assistant manager at the Cape Girardeau nature center, said the event is timely considering the treaty's anniversary.

"We're very interested in conversation and ensuring the continuation of any of our wildlife," Koehler said. "A lot of our programs this year are focused on songbirds and migratory birds. We're looking to educate the public about those species and how to protect them. The timing is perfect."

Brasso said although she only has been at Southeast for two semesters, she hopes the showing will be an opportunity to connect herself with the community as well.

"This is my way of introducing myself to the community," Brasso said. "If there are things like this that come up in terms of ornithology or birds, I'd like to bridge and make connections.

The showing of "The Messenger" is free to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cape Girardeau nature center.

For more information on the event, call the Cape Girardeau nature center at (573) 290-5218.