2023 WORLD BIRDING TRAVEL TALKS
Thank you for a great 2023 festival! The dates on this page reflect those of the 2023 festival. Subscribe to the Biggest Week eNews for all the latest updates on 2024!
Coastal South Carolina
Presented by Craig Watson of Ventures Birding
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Coastal South Carolina supports some of the most intact coastal and maritime ecosystems on the east coast with large conservation efforts in the ACE Basin, “one of the last great places on earth”, just south of Charleston, while over 50 miles of coastline encompassing several state Wildlife Management Areas and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge north of Charleston comprise a Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network site. Coastal South Carolina supports hundreds of species of breeding, migratory, and wintering bird species which make it one of the most sought-after areas in the southeast for access to spectacular birding. Nearly 2 million coastal acres are protected through federal and state ownership and through conservation easements on private properties, all directed toward conservation of wildlife in the state. Up to 350 species occur coastally and all seasons provide special opportunities for observing the great diversity of birds in South Carolina.
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Coastal South Carolina supports some of the most intact coastal and maritime ecosystems on the east coast with large conservation efforts in the ACE Basin, “one of the last great places on earth”, just south of Charleston, while over 50 miles of coastline encompassing several state Wildlife Management Areas and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge north of Charleston comprise a Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network site. Coastal South Carolina supports hundreds of species of breeding, migratory, and wintering bird species which make it one of the most sought-after areas in the southeast for access to spectacular birding. Nearly 2 million coastal acres are protected through federal and state ownership and through conservation easements on private properties, all directed toward conservation of wildlife in the state. Up to 350 species occur coastally and all seasons provide special opportunities for observing the great diversity of birds in South Carolina.
Darién: A Panama Birding Adventure
Presented by Carlos Bethancourt of The Canopy Family, Panama
Date: Monday, May 8, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Darién, in far eastern Panama, has long been known to avid birders as an impenetrable haven for rare species. In recent years, this wild and biodiverse region has blossomed into a must-see destination of Central American birding, famous for its localized specialties, South American rarities, and reliable sightings of Harpy and Crested Eagles! Join Carlos Bethancourt, lead guide at the Canopy Family, in-depth study of the region’s most sought-after birds, pristine lowland ecosystems, and rich indigenous culture of this remarkable region.
Date: Monday, May 8, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Darién, in far eastern Panama, has long been known to avid birders as an impenetrable haven for rare species. In recent years, this wild and biodiverse region has blossomed into a must-see destination of Central American birding, famous for its localized specialties, South American rarities, and reliable sightings of Harpy and Crested Eagles! Join Carlos Bethancourt, lead guide at the Canopy Family, in-depth study of the region’s most sought-after birds, pristine lowland ecosystems, and rich indigenous culture of this remarkable region.
Birding in Costa Rica
Presented by Diego Quesada of Sabrewing Nature Tours
Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Join Diego Quesada as he discusses all of the aspects that make Costa Rica such an incredible location for traveling birders. He'll discuss lodges, logistics, and of course the incredible birds that you can see on a trip to Costa Rica. From Caño Negro in the north to San Vito in the south, Diego will show you many of the can’t miss birding spots in this amazing birding destination. Don't miss this chance to learn all about traveling in Costa Rica.
Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Join Diego Quesada as he discusses all of the aspects that make Costa Rica such an incredible location for traveling birders. He'll discuss lodges, logistics, and of course the incredible birds that you can see on a trip to Costa Rica. From Caño Negro in the north to San Vito in the south, Diego will show you many of the can’t miss birding spots in this amazing birding destination. Don't miss this chance to learn all about traveling in Costa Rica.
Brazil's Pantanal: Realm of the Jaguar
Presented by Kevin Loughlin of Wildside Nature Tours
Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
In the center of South America lies Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest inland wetland. This immense, seasonally flooded region hosts a breathtaking array of wildlife. It is home to numerous species of wetland birds and endangered species such as Hyacinth Macaw, Giant Anteater, Giant River Otter, and, of course, Jaguar.
Join Kevin as we travel along the Transpantaneira through diverse habitats, from dry grasslands and open scrub to extensive swamps, gallery forests and tranquil rivers, to discover the prolific wildlife of the northern Pantanal.
Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
In the center of South America lies Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest inland wetland. This immense, seasonally flooded region hosts a breathtaking array of wildlife. It is home to numerous species of wetland birds and endangered species such as Hyacinth Macaw, Giant Anteater, Giant River Otter, and, of course, Jaguar.
Join Kevin as we travel along the Transpantaneira through diverse habitats, from dry grasslands and open scrub to extensive swamps, gallery forests and tranquil rivers, to discover the prolific wildlife of the northern Pantanal.