The public is invited to a special presentation: “Exploring New Guinea’s Lost Worlds and Elusive Birds of Paradise” ​ Join the Advanced Birding Club of Tahoma Audubon Society for a very special night featuring: Bruce Beehler, Naturalist and Explorer “Exploring New Guinea’s Lost Worlds and Elusive Birds of Paradise” Thursday, November 5, 6:45 to 8:45 pm Price: $10.00 cash *At University of Puget Sound, Thompson Hall. RSVP to Diane at Avosetta@hotmail.com <Avosetta@hotmail.com> for exact location and to reserve your spot.* In this popular lecture illustrated with still and video images, Smithsonian naturalist Bruce Beehler describes his nearly four decades of field study of the birds and rainforests of the great island of New Guinea. The presentation will feature a review of the remarkable diversity of the birdlife inhabiting New Guinea, as well as a focused look at the birds of paradise and the amazing plumages and behaviors of the various species in this unique bird family. In addition, the presentation will take the audience on a field expedition to the Foja Mountains of western New Guinea, perhaps the most isolated and untouched place on planet earth. The scientists on the expedition risked their lives and suffered various hardships but came away with more than a hundred species of plants and animals new to science. This includes some of the most bizarre creatures on earth, a ‘lost’ bird of paradise, a golden-maned bowerbird unique to this tiny mountain range, a wattled honeyeater-bird that blushes when upset, an egg-laying spiny mammal without teeth, and a scary five-pound giant rat. Bruce Beehler is an ornithologist, conservationist, and naturalist. He is currently a Research Associate in the Division of Birds at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, and is focused on research and writing about nature and natural history. Beehler has spent much of his scientific career studying and working to conserve birds and their forest habitats. After conducting doctoral fieldwork in Papua New Guinea, Beehler worked for ten years at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, followed by stints at the Wildlife Conservation Society, U.S. Department of State, Counterpart International, Conservation International, and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. Beehler is an elective Fellow of the American Ornithologists Union, and has served on the boards of the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), RARE, and the Livingston-Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. In addition, Beehler served for three years as Chair of ABC’s Policy Council (predecessor to the Bird Conservation Alliance). Beehler has published ten books and authored scores of technical and popular articles about birds and nature. In 2007, Beehler was featured in a 60-Minutes piece highlighting an expedition he led to the Foja Mountains in the interior of New Guinea in which scores of new species of plants and animals were discovered. Today, Beehler carries out natural history exploration and field research focused mainly on wildlife and natural places in the USA. Krystal Kyer, MES Executive Director *Adriana Hess Audubon Center* 2917 Morrison Road W. University Place, WA 98466 Center: (253) 565-9278 Membership: (253) 565-9129 www.tahomaaudubon.org *Partners in Education with the Tacoma Nature Center* *Become a member <http://tahomaaudubon.org/Membership> today for only $20.* *Donate Today <https://tahoma.z2systems.com/np/clients/tahoma/donation.jsp?campaign=2&> **to our Annual Fund drive going on now!*