Monthly Presentations

2024-2025

HOPE CHURCH

77 West 11th Street, Holland

7:00 PM
-- Commons Hall 
Social Time: 6:30 PM
All programs are free

Click here for a program brochure and membership application

Sep
10
The Birds, Mammals and Fish of the Muskegon River
Kevin Feenstra, Bird lover and photographer

One of the nicest Michigan paddling rivers is the 216 mile long Muskegon River, originating at Houghton Lake northeast of Muskegon, and Kevin Feenstra has made it his life’s journey to document and share his love for this fabulous and diverse waterway. His program will feature tantalizing images throughout a full year taken above and below the surface of the river, providing information about the amazing diversity in this Midwest watershed, as well as the changes that occur throughout the seasons, and share some of the challenges that the river system faces. In addition to glimpses of beguiling wildlife, we’ll be treated to enchanting scenery including swamp, river, and hardwood forest, revealing its many habitats throughout. Kevin’s travels and images include the many tributaries to the Muskegon River, including the Little Muskegon River, the Hersey River, and many smaller tributaries. Come join us as we learn more about this amazing river system in our backyard.

Kevin Feenstra is a fly-fishing guide, author, and photographer who has spent much of his life on the Muskegon River system. Through 27 years as a professional guide, he continues to learn about our waterways. His photography focuses on the life above and below the surface of this majestic river system.

Oct
8
Some Amazing Bird Behavior
Michael Lombardo, PhD,
Emeritus Prof of Biology, GVSU; President Owashtnong Islands Audubon Society

One of the reasons we find birds so fascinating to watch is their complex behaviors. Join us for this educational program as Michael presents some amazing behaviors that birds can perform and explore some scientific explanations for these behaviors. First, he will review how scientists ask questions about behavior and use examples to examine the differences between instincts and learned behaviors. Using that information as a foundation, he will discuss the roles played by instinct and learning in nest building, parental behavior, anti-predator behavior, “lying”, and some special sensory adaptations that aid some behaviors. Finally, he will explore the ability of birds to use tools, plan for the future, count, and see that some birds have mental abilities that rival those of primates. Come and learn what amazing creatures we live with and gain some insight via college level excellence.

Michael P. Lombardo is a Professor Emeritus of Biology at GVSU, earning his B.S. In Zoology at the Ohio State University, an M.S in Zoology and Ph.D. In Ecology at Rutgers University and was a Junior Fellow in the Michigan Society of Fellows at the U of M. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society and served on the council and as Secretary of the Association of Field Ornithologists. Among his over 60 publications in peer-reviewed science journals are papers on various aspects of the biology of Tree Swallows, Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds, European Starlings and House Sparrows. Michael enjoys the various birding opportunities West Michigan has to offer, and is currently the President of Owashtanong Islands Audubon Society in Grand Haven.

Nov 12 The Natural History of Oaxaca, Mexico
Mike Kielb,
Retired Biologist

Lying in the southern hip of Mexico, Oaxaca (Wah,Hah,Ka) is a vastly diverse state, both in culture and environment. Ranging from coastal Pacific regions to mountainous heights over 12,000 feet, the wide variety of flora and fauna is impressive. Join us as Michael shares his experiences visiting this delightful area, named after the local trees. His program will include an impressive variety of the birds found here, as well as breathtaking scenery and his experiences traveling in the many cities and historical towns throughout the region. Another fine program you won’t want to miss.

Michael Kielb is a retired Biology Faculty at Eastern Michigan University, where he taught neuroanatomy and human anatomy & physiology; and ornithology and entomology, for fun. He has lead natural history tours throughout North America, including Costa Rica. He may have even written a book or two and hales from the Ann Arbor area.


Dec
10
Birding & More, West of Denver
Ken Cook,
Photographer and World Traveler

At over a mile high in elevation, Denver offers some outstanding opportunities to view and photograph birds and wildlife that you don’t see most places. West of Denver is even more impressive with its majestic mountain ranges and valleys where you encounter an amazing variety of bird species that may be passing through. Join the Holland Audubon Club as Ken Cook shares some fantastic images of his time spent in Evergreen, Red Rocks Canyon, Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR and Blue Sky Country, all in Colorado, in the summertime. Ken’s eye for the perfect image is always a delight to behold and his entertaining anecdotes make for a very enjoyable program. You won’t want to miss this one and learning a thing or two is always a bonus.

A Holland native and graduate of Hope College, Cook has honed his 30-plus year photography passion to specialize in landscapes, nature and wildlife. He has traveled to many countries to pursue his passion, but currently is focused on our winged friends within North America. a charter member of the North America Nature Photography Association, as well as a member of the Holland Friends of Art, Holland Area Arts Council and the Tulip City Camera Club. You can view his work and/or contact him at www.kencookphotography.com


Jan
14
Birding in the Caribbean
Steve Hamberg
, HAC President, World Traveler

The Caribbean islands, off the south and east of Florida’s keys, offer a close destination for birders who want to expand a little beyond the USA. The islands are diverse, each with their own personality, culture, and set of birds that can be found there. The islands can be divided into two main groups, the Greater Antilles, comprised of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, these being the largest islands in the Caribbean, as well as the smaller Cayman Islands which are usually included in this group due to their location. The Lesser Antilles are all the smaller islands that stretch from the east side of Puerto Rico all the way south toward the shores of Venezuela in South America. Looking at a map, it’s an amazing array of islands dotting the whole vast western Atlantic.

Join the Holland Audubon Club as we enjoy a look at the Greater Antilles in this program, except for the island of Cuba. Steve will share his fascinating journeys throughout these large islands, with glimpses of the almost 80 endemic birds on these islands alone; Steve was fortunate to see 79 of the 80. Along with brilliant images of some of these, he will also treat us to the entertaining and marvelous sights and sounds around these magnificent islands over his 3 week journey.

Steve Hamberg is a retired local physician who enjoys birding all over the world, as well as sharing his passion with others through his many programs. Historically accompanied by his wife and photographer Angie, he has been to 93 countries in about 40 years, and has a staggering life list of 7982 species of birds. Encouraged by Angie, he hopes to continue pursuing this avian passion, with the threshold of 8000 birds within his sights.


Feb
11
Birding Slovakia & Hungary
Curtis Dykstra,
Ottawa County Parks Naturalist

Mar 11 Photography in Rocky Mountain National Park
John Fleming,
Wildlife & Landscape Photographer


Apr
8
Finland: Forest, Fowl and Fur
Eric Gustafson,
Physician and Birding Enthusiast

Mar 13 Capturing Action Shots of Birds by Camera
Glenn Rutgers,
Bird Photographer