Speaker, Chris Lotz, owner of Birding Ecotours

The huge tropical island of New Guinea, just north of Australia, is where the world's most spectacular birds lurk. And, that is meant literally - this island really is inhabited by the most ridiculously extravagant-looking birds on the planet. I'll take you on a photographic journey around the western (Indonesian) side of New Guinea. The journey will include the birds of the remote Arfak Mountains and of the idyllic Raja Ampat Islands where the exquisite Wilson's Bird of Paradise is fairly easy to find (if you know the right spot!). Wilson's Bird of Paradise is the most beautiful bird I have ever seen and was the highest point of my birding career (and I really mean that, but I still enjoy "normal" birding despite having experienced this (so don't worry). But it's not only the birds that make New Guinea amazing - many people visit the smaller outlying islands such as the Raja Ampat Archipelago for the fabulous scenery, snorkeling and sun.

Please note new location: Charles M. Neviaser Educational Institute of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. #100, Jacksonville, Fl. 32257

Refreshments at 6:30 pm, program starts at 7 pm.