with Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz

Get ready for a dive into South America’s birdiest country! Together we’ll explore Colombia’s unique ecology, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled avian diversity! Colombia holds the record with nearly 2,000 bird species and an impressive 80 endemics!

During our time together, we’ll discuss what has given rise to such incredible diversity. Topics include the country’s five regions, how the Andes Mountain Range formed into three distinct cordilleras, the importance of the mighty Rio Magdalena, and national conservation successes. From sloth-eating Harpy Eagles to shy antpittas, and menageries of colorful tanagers and hummingbirds, Colombia’s astonishing diversity will leave you wanting more!

Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates BIRDS by BIJS the bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called (pronounced Bee-jus).

With a background in biology, ecology, and outdoor education, he has worked for over 13 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide. Benny offers guided birding outings in Southern California and small-group birding tours to his favorite tropical locales including Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia.

We have the privilege of holding our meetings at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (also known as the Bird Museum), 439 Calle San Pablo in Camarillo. If you arrive when the doors open at 6:30, you’ll have the rare opportunity to look around the museum’s collections for a half hour before the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. (Also check out wfvz.org)

Anyone interested in joining us for dinner with our speaker at Wood Ranch Camarillo before the meeting, let Chrystal know you’re coming then arrive at the restaurant before 5:00 pm .