Join us this month, along with Ivan Phillipsen for a fascinating presentation on the remarkable adaptations of desert birds—some of the toughest and most resilient avian species on the planet.
While deserts host fewer bird species than almost any other habitat, the ones that thrive
in these environments are a fascinating bunch. They must endure extremes of
temperature—both hot and cold—as well as— relentless winds, scarce food, and very
little water. From physiological tricks to behavioral strategies, desert birds have found
ingenious ways to carve out a living in the world’s harshest landscapes.

Ivan is the host and the creator of The Science of Birds podcast. He is also a
professional birding guide with a background in scientific research.
Ivan has loved animals and nature his whole life. His first obsession was with
amphibians and reptiles. This interest led him to graduate school, where he studied
amphibians. After earning a Masters degree in Biology and a PhD in Zoology, he did
postdoctoral research on aquatic insects.
Along the way, his love of nature expanded to include plants, fungi, and all animals,
including birds. Birds have become Ivan’s greatest passion. He’s an avid birder and co-
owns a birding ecotour company called Wild Latitudes. Some places where Ivan leads
natural history tours are Vietnam, Patagonia, Iceland, Alaska, Australia, and Spain.
He and his houseplants live in the wonderful city of Portland, Oregon.

This is an in-person meeting held at the BEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER; 245 Bear Creek Road 80906.
Please enter through the main doors. The meeting room is immediately to your left. Aiken Audubon members will greet you as you arrive and point you in the right direction.

Win bags of bird seed in our chance drawing! Please bring cash if you would like to participate.
Bird seed donated Songbird Orchids & Wild Birds Unlimited. Proceeds benefit Aiken Audubon.

Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Check back for Zoom meeting details.

photo credit: Ivan Phillipsen