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