Monthly Presentations
2025-2026
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
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Sep 9 |
Natural History of Northwestern Canada Michael Kielb Beyond our northern US boundary, and even farther north of Alberta and British Columbia lie the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, which is next to Alaska. Michael will treat us to a rare look at these faraway lands, from the barren tundra to the frosty mountains, with fantastic vistas and where the flora and fauna will take your breath away. The scenery will be the backdrop for some amazing images of mammals, plants, and of course, birds! Come and enjoy a trip through the eyes of a seasoned biologist as he shares a bit of his knowledge and adventures to a place where folks are few and nature abounds. 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 led natural history tours throughout North America, including Costa Rica. He may have even written a book or two and hails from the Ann Arbor area. |
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Oct 14 |
Neotropical
Migrants; Birding in the Americas Nahuel Medina, Biologist, OCP Naturalist We are fortunate to live in the Americas, home to some of the world’s most remarkable biodiversity, and Nahuel has been fortunate to explore it firsthand in countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, and Argentina. In this presentation, he will share his experiences with Neotropical migrants during their stopovers in Miami, along with stories of the vibrant birdlife thriving in the tropical regions of Costa Rica and Ecuador. Join us as he highlights his colorful travels, birdwatching adventures, and beautiful wildlife photography throughout the Americas. A program that may entice you to spend time a little farther from home. Originally from Miami, Florida, Nahuel earned his BS in Biology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, then began his career as an environmental educator with Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation, he now serves as Program Supervisor for Ottawa County’s Outdoor Education programs. ‘Growing up in Miami gave me easy access to Central and South America and countless opportunities to experience their natural beauty. Now based in Michigan, my passion for the tropics continues to grow, fueling my drive to keep exploring and sharing the wonders of these extraordinary regions. |
| Nov 11 |
Bird Behaviors Kelly Ronald, Biology Professor, Hope College Birds experience the world in ways that are often very different from our own: for birds--colors are more vibrant, and simple trills are filled with information. In this presentation, Dr. Kelly Ronald will explore the behavioral displays of both common backyard birds and more extravagant species and how their vision and hearing shape the ways they communicate, choose mates, and navigate daily survival. We will learn about how scientists study avian sensory systems and measure behavioral responses while watching unique videos of interesting behaviors. Dr. Ronald will also share how her lab students are investigating how these behaviors are changing and adapting to a world filled with human noise and change. Come and immerse yourself in biological wonder. Dr. Kelly Ronald is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Hope College since 2019. Her research background includes working with grey catbirds during her undergraduate degree at Transylvania University (Lexington, KY), brown-headed cowbirds during her PhD at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN), and now with common urban-adapted species like house sparrows and house finches at Hope College. She leads a research group at Hope focused on the sensory ecology and behavior of birds; and works closely with undergraduate students, local conservation partners, and the community to support nestbox outreach and environmental education. She is passionate about helping students connect more deeply with the natural world, and she especially enjoys introducing others to the remarkable sensory lives of the birds right outside our windows. |
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Dec 9 |
Identiflight and
Real Birds Caleb Putnam, Ornithologist, former MI IBA Coordinator Caleb Putnam, owner of Real Birds LLC, will present his exciting work with Identiflight, the world's top AI camera system protecting birds at windfarms worldwide. Hear his fascinating stories of how these new technologies are helping birds navigate our crazy skies. Caleb will also speak to his work at Real Birds, especially backyard habiscaping and bird water features. See what might work for your yard and specific changes you can adapt to make your yard more enjoyable, for you and the birds. Caleb Putnam is a Michigan native, and professional ornithologist and owner of Real Birds LLC. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Alma College and M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. A lifelong birder, Caleb has exceptional enthusiasm and passion for birds and birding. He has served on the Michigan Bird Records Committee and is a statewide expositor of eBird as well as a local eBird reviewer for an 11-County area in west lower Michigan. Caleb spent 12 years working for the National Audubon Society as the Important Bird Areas program coordinator and 2 years with Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as the MI Birds program coordinator. He also has spent many years in environmental consulting, especially focused on wind power and green energy development and was a participant in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s adventurous search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Arkansas in 2005. |
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Jan 13 |
Birding in Chile Steve Hamberg, HAC President, World Traveler Chile is a country of wide variety, both in climate as well as birds. Situated in South America between the Pacific Ocean and the western slopes of the Andes mountains, it is a long, narrow country, 2700 miles from north to south but only at most 220 miles wide. Habitats of almost all types exist within this stretch: barren desert, lush grasslands, thick forests, soaring mountains, picturesque coastlines, and windswept southern steppes, all of which accommodate over 500 species of birds, all though only 12 are endemic. In addition, it is one of South America's most stable and prosperous countries, clean and safe, has good roads, good accommodations, and, of course, good food. Join us as Steve takes us from one end of the country to the other, showing some of its spectacular scenery while seeking out its varied and interesting birdlife. The images are amazing, the stories are delightful, and this glimpse into life in Chile is not to be missed. 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 over 8000 species of birds. Encouraged by Angie, he hopes to continue pursuing this avian passion as long as he can. |
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Feb 10 |
Central
California Adventures Ken Cook, Photographer and World Traveler Located halfway between LA and San Francisco, the cozy town of Santa Ynez is nestled in California’s fertile Central Valley, home to many unique species of not only birds, but many other creatures that enjoy this hospitable environment. Ken Cook will lead a program of travel and birding as he takes the Holland Audubon Club to this peacefully beautiful, picturesque town, as well as the surrounding terrain of rolling hills and farmland, sparsely populated and arid. As a result, a number of birds and wildlife find comfort in settling in this habitat. Join us as Ken shares some of his great opportunities resulting in amazing images of various aspects of this intriguing area and wildlife. 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 |
| Mar 10 | Misadventures of
a Wannabe Wildlife Photographer Marty Keirnan, Birding Enthusiast |
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Apr 14 |
Family Ties:
Ferrying in Waterfowl & Pair Duets in Rails and Owls
Daniel Goldberg,
Ornithologist, Asst Prof
Biology, GVSU |
| Mar 12 | Wildlife
and & Birding Photography
Hannah Cramer,
Birding Enthusiast |