Destination East Africa: A Birder’s Delight

Presented by the Santa Barbara Audubon Society and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Eager visitors to East Africa primarily go on a quest to see the classic wildlife of the region. But many return as newly anointed birders, captivated by the abundant and spectacular birds that provide an exclamation mark to their visit. The diversity of habitats and birds in East Africa is striking. With roughly 1,450 species of birds, there is much to see. Over the years, Ed Harper has amassed countless photos of birds inhabiting the many locations he has visited in East Africa. In this illustrated presentation, Harper will share some of his favorite photos of birds and discuss the natural history of the region.

Ed Harper is a retired mathematics professor from American River College in Sacramento. His interest in birds began during his childhood in Montana. An excellent birder, Harper has traveled to every continent and photographed over 800 species of birds in the United States. He is a former board member of the Western Field Ornithologists and is currently on the Montana Bird Records Committee. Harper has led birding tours professionally for 40 years and has traveled extensively in Africa since 1989 leading safaris to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.

General admission $5, register online.

Many thanks to our hotel sponsor, the Simpson House Inn.

Gray Crowned-Crane photo by Ed Harper