Woodpeckers represent one of the most specialized bird families in the world, and North America’s woodpeckers play critical roles in our continent’s forests and woodlands. In fact, nowhere else on Earth are woodpeckers such important contributors to woodland ecology. Join Oregon naturalist and North American woodpecker specialist, Steve Shunk, for an exciting journey into the lives and times of North America’s amazing woodpeckers. Steve will share the secrets of woodpecker anatomy, and he will translate anatomical adaptation into the fascinating behaviors we love to watch among our woodland carpenters.

Jan. 24, 6:15pm-7:30pm, $25 Learn More »

The Amur Falcon makes a spectacular flight during its migration each year from Siberia to Southern Africa and then back. Hundreds of thousands of these birds congregate in remote northeast India during the fall, providing a true spectacle of migration. It is believed to be the largest concentration of falcons anywhere on Earth. Through the photos and artwork of world-renowned artist, Catherine Hamilton, we’ll hear the story of these kestrel-sized birds, the threat that hunting poses to this species, and the recent conservation efforts to save them.

Jan. 22, 5:30pm-8:00pm, $55 Learn More »

A couple years ago the curtain was drawn back and now, a forever enticing country, long deemed off-limits to travelers is wide open. Colombia has more species of birds than any other country. The growing list is a staggering 1930+, which is nearly 1/5th of all those on the planet; of which, at least 89 are endemic, and it also includes more hummingbirds (near 170 species) than any other country. This massive diversity results from the equally diverse range of habitats. Behind the big numbers and dazzling birds, is a fascinating biogeography, which George will break down into digestible pieces so we can began to tease apart why and how Colombia came to be the Earth’s birdiest country.

Jan. 23, 6:15pm-7:30pm, $20 Learn More »

In 1998 Greg zigzagged across the continent – traveling 130,000 miles while trying to hold down a full- time job at a nuclear power plant — to try to see as many species of birds in one calendar year as possible. It was an incredible experience passing the 700-species mark — an achievement many birders aspire to in a lifetime. But there was competition. Two other birders, Sandy Komito and Al Levantin also did “Big Years” the same year as Greg and they also broke the 700 mark. Their competitive quests are documented in the 2004 non-fiction book, The Big Year, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Mark Obmascik. And unbelievably, Twentieth Century Fox made a full feature motion picture inspired by the book!

Jan. 25, 6:30pm-9:00pm, $20 Learn More »