Date

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Speaker

Location

Parking:
On site and free.

Time

Cost

Title

Between Science and Magic. . . The Continuing Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Topics

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker has been shrouded in mystery and disbelief for over a century. Some call it the "Grail Bird", while others call it the "Lord God Bird", but whatever you call it, it is one of the most prized birds sought by birdwatchers. David Pereksta will take us on a journey through the tragic and misunderstood history of this magnificent bird. David will chronicle the history of its decline through the 1800s, the rediscoveries and apparent extinction in the first half of the 20th century, the litany of unconfirmed sightings and evidence through the latter half of the 20th century, the most recent rediscovery in 2004, and his own participation in Cornell University's search for the "Lord God Bird" in 2006 and 2007. If you do not believe the Ivory-billed Woodpecker still exists, you may need to reevaluate!

About the Speaker

David is an Assistant Field Supervisor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he works to conserve habitat for threatened and endangered species and migratory birds. Throughout his career with various Federal and State agencies, he has studied several imperiled bird species including snowy plovers, piping plovers, least terns, ospreys, northern goshawks, brown pelicans, and spotted owls. An avid birder for nearly 30 years, he takes every opportunity to get into the field to observe, study, and photograph birds. He has seen over 1,500 species in his travels in the Americas; photographing over 800 species along the way.

Date

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Speaker

Location

Parking:
On site and free.

Time

Cost

Title

Kenya: Birds & Wildlife in the Gem of East Africa

Topics

Come along on a photographic safari to Kenya with Roy Poucher and Bird Odysseys, getting up close and personal with its flashy birds, charismatic large mammals, and breathtaking landscapes. Your visual tour will transport you via stunning photography to the vast grasslands of the Serengeti and other wild locales. View life's dramas lived out by colorful and comical-looking birds and by the big game of hippos, rhinos, zebras, elephants, giraffes and lions. Grasp the mind-boggling millions of Lesser Flamingoes blanketing Lake Nakuru in pink.

Enjoy the antics of the gangly Secretary Bird and of the largest flying bird in the world, the Kori Bustard, as it displays for females. Fish Eagles capture their dinner before your eyes and weavers construct their nests. Warthogs, cape buffalos, elephants and hippos gently tend to their young close to your safari van. Visit beautiful and bird-rich Lakes Baringo and Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Journey to the verdant and biologically diverse Kakamega Forest, and witness the famous Treetops Lodge, built above big game watering holes in Aberdare National Park. The current political & social upheavals will be briefly addressed also.

About the Speaker

Roy Poucher is an international tour leader and, with his company Bird Odysseys, has led trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Kenya. He just returned from touring Cambodia and Thailand. He also leads trips for Sea & Sage Audubon and has led their trips to North Dakota, the Great Lakes, Southeast Arizona, and Texas. Trips to India and Australia are in the works.