2022 WORLD BIRDING TRAVEL TALKS
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Panama: A Birding and Nature Paradise

Presented by Carlos Bethancourt of The Canopy Family, Panama
Date: Monday, May 9, 2022
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Panama, though scarcely the size of South Carolina, but perfectly positioned as a narrow land bridge between North and South America, is blessed with an incredible natural beauty and biodiversity second to none. Over 1010 bird species, hundreds of mammals, reptiles & amphibians, and a staggering 10,000 plant species have been recorded here. Join knowledgeable and entertaining Canopy Family senior guide Carlos Bethancourt on a photographic journey of the tropical birds, bizarre mammals, unusual reptiles & amphibians and spectacular habitats from the former Canal Zone of Panama, to the foothills of western Panama and into the wilds of the Darién lowlands in eastern Panama. From toucans to hummingbirds, Panamanian Night monkeys, Kinkajou, Carlos will keep you spellbound with his stories of discovery and vivid images. Come experience why Panama is indeed a birding and nature paradise!
Date: Monday, May 9, 2022
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Panama, though scarcely the size of South Carolina, but perfectly positioned as a narrow land bridge between North and South America, is blessed with an incredible natural beauty and biodiversity second to none. Over 1010 bird species, hundreds of mammals, reptiles & amphibians, and a staggering 10,000 plant species have been recorded here. Join knowledgeable and entertaining Canopy Family senior guide Carlos Bethancourt on a photographic journey of the tropical birds, bizarre mammals, unusual reptiles & amphibians and spectacular habitats from the former Canal Zone of Panama, to the foothills of western Panama and into the wilds of the Darién lowlands in eastern Panama. From toucans to hummingbirds, Panamanian Night monkeys, Kinkajou, Carlos will keep you spellbound with his stories of discovery and vivid images. Come experience why Panama is indeed a birding and nature paradise!
Birding in Costa Rica

Presented by Diego Quesada of Sabrewing Nature Tours
Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2022
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 10, 2022
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.
Birding in Senegal:
From Golden Nightjars to Capuchin Babblers

Presented by Ethan Kistler of WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide
Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Sandwiched between the Sahara Desert to the north and the lush forests of Upper Guinea to the south, Africa’s Sahel region consists mostly of dry savannah, semi-desert, and dry woodland, but it also supports some of West Africa’s most important wetlands and a wealth of special birds not easily found elsewhere. Senegal offers the most accessible route into this remarkable region.
Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Sandwiched between the Sahara Desert to the north and the lush forests of Upper Guinea to the south, Africa’s Sahel region consists mostly of dry savannah, semi-desert, and dry woodland, but it also supports some of West Africa’s most important wetlands and a wealth of special birds not easily found elsewhere. Senegal offers the most accessible route into this remarkable region.
The Galapagos Islands: What to know before you go!

Presented by Kevin Loughlin of Wildside Nature Tours
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Kevin Loughlin, owner of Wildside Nature Tours, has led 41 tours to the Galapagos Islands as of 2021. This destination is truly one of his favorite places in the world and going back time and again only reinforces that love and desire to return. As Kevin share's some of his many images made during his many trips to the Galapagos, he will share tips for planning YOUR Galapagos adventure. He will discuss weather, when to go and why, clothing & footwear, camera gear, field guides, suggested reading and more!
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: Free with registration
Registration Required: Yes
Class Capacity: 40
Kevin Loughlin, owner of Wildside Nature Tours, has led 41 tours to the Galapagos Islands as of 2021. This destination is truly one of his favorite places in the world and going back time and again only reinforces that love and desire to return. As Kevin share's some of his many images made during his many trips to the Galapagos, he will share tips for planning YOUR Galapagos adventure. He will discuss weather, when to go and why, clothing & footwear, camera gear, field guides, suggested reading and more!