Thursday, March 30, 2023, 07:00pm - 08:30pm
Travel: Southern Colombia - Avery Bartels, Avocet Tours; Panama - Jenn Sinasac, Whitehawk Birding
Southern Colombia is as rich a region for birding as anywhere in this, the most avian diverse nation on earth. The journey starts in the verdant, moss-laden forests of the Choco Bioregion on the western Andean slopes where Black Solitaires and Toucan Barbets reside. Within a mere few hours, one reaches the highland plateau. Surrounded by elfin forest and paramo laden peaks the highlands are home to spectacular hummingbirds and the once mythical Chestnut-bellied Cotinga. Descending the eastern Andes birdlife gains more and more of an Amazonian flavour, though not before passing through the territory of Mountain-toucans and lekking Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks. Lastly, in the upper Magdalena Valley one enters the land of ancient civilizations that created what represents the largest known archeological site in South America, where several species of birds found nowhere else in the world still call home.
Panama is a land where two continents meet. This narrow isthmus connects North and South America. Its name means "abundance of fish, trees, and butterflies", reflecting this country’s amazing biodiversity. Panama boasts over 1000 bird species, in a country smaller than the state of South Carolina! Panama is home to lowland rainforest, high-elevation cloud forest, coastal mangroves, open grasslands and savanna, and much more for the intrepid traveler to explore. Its small size makes it possible to visit several different life zones in a relatively short period of time. Some of the iconic birds we can find here include Panama’s majestic national bird, the Harpy Eagle, the aptly named Resplendent Quetzal, and the elusive Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo, the holy grail of Neotropical birds! Join us on this virtual adventure to discover Panama’s amazing birdlife!
About the speakers:
Avery Bartels was born and raised in Nelson, BC where he developed a love of nature and birds. After many months spent birding and backpacking in Central America, he first visited Colombia in 2009. Since then, he has spent close to two full years in this splendid country over the course of ~10 separate trips. During this time, he has volunteered for local conservation groups, explored, and guided dozens of birding tours. Avery remains connected to the extensive Colombian birding community as an eBird reviewer.
Jenn Sinasac has had a passion for birds and wildlife from a very young age. She began working directly with raptors during her school years, leading environmental education programs. Following her dream to live in Latin America, Jenn began working on field projects, specializing in raptors and biological conservation in the Neotropics. She has a keen interest in eco-tourism and sees great value in the connection between nature and tourism. Jenn has a BA in Wildlife Biology and a post-grad certificate in Ecotourism Management. For the past several years, Jenn has been a key member of the team at Whitehawk Birding and Conservation in Panama. She guides tours in Panama, including birding, butterfly and ornitherapy tours. She also co-leads Whitehawk's environmental education program, sharing her passion for birds and nature with students and teachers in Panama.
Meeting will be held online via zoom.