On Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., nature writer Todd McLeish will present a slideshow and lecture at the Warwick Public Library about endangered marine wildlife in New England, the subject of his new book, Basking with Humpbacks: Tracking Threatened Marine Life in New England Waters.

In 11 chapters, each featuring a different animal or plant, McLeish takes readers on an entertaining journey with scientists who study these species. The author follows basking sharks—the second largest fish in the sea—in their hunt for food, helps harbor porpoises escape from fishing nets, snorkels in search of wild bay scallops and learns how the blood of horseshoe crabs is used in medical research. Along the way he visits the islands where rare seabirds nest, tracks humpback whales on their long migration to the Gulf of Maine and watches as stranded leatherback turtles are returned to the ocean.

These first-person experiences are coupled with interviews with biologists and other experts who explain in their own words the important role these creatures play in the marine ecosystem and what steps must be taken to protect them. In examining the natural history of selected plants and animals, McLeish also discusses the physics of waves and currents, the geology of the seabed, the chemistry of seawater and other natural factors that influence the survival of New England marine life.

A Rhode Island-based writer, McLeish has been writing about wildlife and environmental issues for 20 years. While earning degrees in communications at Ithaca College and Emerson College, he developed a passion for the natural world. Rather than pursue a biology degree, he chose to immerse himself in the natural world by volunteering to help biologists with their wildlife research and write about these experiences.

In more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles, McLeish has examined the “greening” of the aquaculture industry, the return of wild fishers to southern New England, the impact of gulls on offshore islands and an effort to census dragonflies in Rhode Island. He has written dozens of essays about backyard wildlife, profiled biologists and wildlife artists, traced the resurgence of solar and wind power in New England and highlighted numerous threatened species, from piping plovers and ruffed grouse to northern blazing star and American burying beetle. He also works as a science writer and publicist for the University of Rhode Island. “Basking with Humpbacks” is his second book. This event is free but reservations are needed. Call the Adult Programs Librarian at 739-5440, ext. 126 to register. The Library is located at 600 Sandy Lane.