Upcoming Programs

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• What DNA Tells Us About the Evolutionary History of Birds

  • When
    14 Sep 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Five Rivers EEC & Zoom

  Speaker: Dr. Jeremy J. Kirchman

  Join Dr. Jeremy J. Kirchman, Curator of Birds and Mammals at the New York State Museum, for an evening of fascinating science and discussion. Dr. Kirchman reveals how modern DNA sequencing is transforming what we know about the evolution of birds—from their ancient origins to the surprising relationships hidden in their genomes. Through stories of discovery made by museum-based scientists, you’ll learn how DNA research has uncovered the remarkable evolutionary journey that shaped the birds we see today. Whether you’re a lifelong birder, an evolution enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural world, this is a warm, welcoming event where big ideas take flight.

  
  

  
  

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• Finches

  • When
    5 Oct 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Five Rivers EEC & Zoom

  Matthew Young, program about finches

  details to follow

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• Trouble in Paradise: Invasive Parasites and Their Interactions in Darwin’s Finches of the Galápagos Islands

  • When
    2 Nov 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Fiver Rivers EEC & Zoom

  Speaker: Alex Soldo of the Albany Pine Bush

  Title: Trouble in Paradise: Invasive Parasites and Their Interactions in Darwin’s Finches of the Galápagos Islands

  Description: The Galápagos Islands are home to a unique assemblage of endemic birds, including Darwin’s finches, whose evolution in isolation has made them an iconic example of adaptive radiation. However, isolation can leave island species particularly vulnerable to introduced parasites and pathogens. Today, Galápagos birds face several introduced threats, including the blood-feeding avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi) and avian pox virus. In nature, hosts often contend with multiple types of parasite at once, with the potential for complex interactions that influence infection and disease. In this talk, we’ll take a closer look at this system through the small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and consider what these interactions might mean for the conservation of Galápagos birds.

  Bio: Alexandria (Alex) Soldo is the Field Ecologist & Entomologist at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Alex earned her B.S. in Conservation Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 2019, and her M.S. Degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut in 2024. Her graduate thesis examined the effects of invasive parasites on Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands. Her interests broadly include avian ectoparasites, disease ecology, host–parasite interactions, and the ecology and conservation of birds and insects.

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• Holiday Party & TBA

  • When
    7 Dec 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Five Rivers EEC & Zoom

  Holiday celebration and program by Pete Fererra

  details to follow

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• Real Birds Eat Squid

  • When
    4 Jan 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Remote by Zoom only

  Speaker: George Armistead
  

  "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." -  Karen Blixen

  Perhaps the most romantic and least familiar group of birds in the world, the seabirds are truly awe-inspiring. Storm-Petrels, Petrels, Shearwaters & Albatrosses live miraculous lives that are impossible to fathom. Many feed at night on squid, hence the title here, which has evolved as a tribute among seabirders to their favorite group of birds. For birders, these birds are often hard to access, and difficult to achieve a familiarity with, but only the coldest and least curious would fail to marvel at their dynamism. We'll examine their lives and habits, the nature of pelagic birding, and explore the myths and legends that relate to sea-faring folks, birders or otherwise.

  
  

  George Armistead, a birder since the age of nine years old, has a long history in connecting people with nature through guided trips and expedition travel. Leading field trips since his teenage years, he began guiding tours professionally in 2002. After 20 years of developing and guiding tours to countries across all seven continents, he formed Hillstar Nature with the goal of bringing together a team who can provide fulfilling and authentic wildlife experiences. George has authored two books on birds including Better Birding: Tips, Tools, and Concepts for the Field (2015, Princeton University Press) and The ABA Field Guide to the Birds of Pennsylvania (2016, Scott & Nix, Inc.). He received a masters degree in environmental studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and is an associate at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, where he spent seven years helping to curate the photographic and specimen collections. Today he lectures on birds, co-hosts Lifelist: A Birding Podcast, is a board member of the American Birding Association, and guides tours across the globe. When not traveling George enjoys birding at home, is an avid fan of Philadelphia sports, and loves spending time with his wife Kristin and their golden retriever.

  
  

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