Birding in Colombia with Christopher Calonje

Colombia boasts the world's longest list of birds, now over 1,870 species (more than North America and Europe combined). Much of this diversity is due to the country's complex topography, which includes three Andean ranges and the valleys between these ranges, Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and a diverse array of species in each. Christopher Calonje is from Colombia and has been living in Klamath Falls for six years working as an environmental consultant with wetlands, botanical surveys, and environmental education. He just recently created Colombia Birdwatch, a birding tour company that specializes in tours to Colombia.

According to Calonje, birding tourism to Colombia is on the rise due to its incredible bird diversity, increasingly improved security, the great food, and the hospitality of the Colombian people. The government, at all levels, has made great strides in bringing peace and prosperity to this beautiful country. Inevitably, the question prospective visitors now ask about Colombia is, "Is it safe again?" For Colombia Birdwatch, the answer is yes!

Birding in Colombia promotes responsible environmental and social ecotourism and provides an opportunity of a lifetime for birdwatchers. Christopher works with non-profits in Colombia that work toward conservation and support local communities. Colombia is more than a vacation destination, offering an experience to learn about conservation efforts as well as how locals live. Christopher has given several talks at Audubon meetings in Oregon, and the September Program Meeting will feature a photographic tour of Colombian birds as well as information on Colombian geography, food, culture, and people.

Upcoming Program Meetings - save the date!

Details will be posted when available.

• October 26: Bluebird trail with Mary Nyquist Koons
• TBD: Ornithologist Dan Gleason
• TBD: Jeff Kruger will discuss the Willamette River Open Space Vision