PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME FOR THIS PROGRAM – 7:00pm

MAY MONTHLY PROGRAM

BIRDING THE SPINE OF SOUTH AMERICA:

TRAVELS THROUGHOUT THE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE ANDES MOUNTAINS

By David Pereksta

The Andes Mountains form the backbone of South America; extending along the entire length of the western side of the continent through seven countries from Venezuela to Chile. The longest mountain range in the world, it is 5,530 miles long and 124 to 435 miles wide with an average height of 13,123 feet! The latitudinal and altitudinal changes lead to an incredible diversity of ecosystems, which is reflected in the mind-blowing biodiversity of the region including staggering numbers of birds. From the tropical Andes of the north, dry Andes in the central part of the range, and wet Andes in the south, thousands of bird species occur there, including some of the world’s most iconic birds. David Pereksta has spent several months birding in the Andes from Colombia to Chile where he has encountered over 1,000 bird species. David will take us on a photo journey to the Andes that highlights the diversity of habitats including rain forests, volcanos, deserts, salt plains, cloud forests, and glaciers. He will share some of the unique birds that are found in these habitats including a variety of endemic species and some of the most wanted birds in the world. From birds you have never heard of, to ridiculous numbers of hummingbirds and tanagers, this presentation will illustrate why the Andes is one of the world’s premier birding destinations.

David Pereksta is an Avian Biologist with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, where he studies and analyzes the effects of offshore oil and gas, and renewable energy development on birds off the Pacific coast and Hawaii. Prior to his position at BOEM, Dave worked on endangered species issues with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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, Spotted Owls, and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers.

An avid birder for over 45 years, Dave has traveled throughout North America, South America, the American tropics, the South Pacific, and East Asia including leading trips to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Peru, and Chile. He has seen over 2,200 species of birds in his travels; photographing 1,700 species along the way.

In Person

Masks will be required, and the in person group will be limited to a maximum of thirty to allow for social distancing purposes, so please RSVP to the Programs Coordinator to reserve a seat.

Via Zoom

To attend this meeting, use this link (https://zoom.us/j/6155249106) at the meeting time.