January Meeting

The Peruvian Amazonia is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and thousands of species are distributed in this region. Unfortunately, many bird species and their habitats in the region have been affected by deforestation, agriculture expansion, and illegal mining. Dr. Valdez and her colleagues assess the bird populations, their distribution among available habitats, and the related impacts of human activities. Dr. Valdez will share some of her research findings, and she will explain how these studies are also helping to engage people from Peru and other regions in science, conservation, education, and sustainability. 

Dr. Valdez is a Peruvian-American Avian tropical ecologist and conservationist. She focuses on studies of birds of prey, bird community ecology and habitat use, and also works in conservation programs in the SE Peruvian Amazon. She collaborates with other scientists and professionals and local communities of Madre de Dios where she does research and trains students in field ecology and conservation programs. At UW Bothell, she teaches ecology, natural history and field methods. She also offers opportunities for bird research to undergraduate students. Through her courses, and field study abroad to Peru, she offers opportunities to connect her students with real-life cases and with a body of local and international researchers, conservation organizations and students working on multiples disciplines.

Come learn with us at the first program meeting of 2025, presented on January 16th at 7pm at Hal Holmes Community Center in Ellensburg.

The program will be via zoom, but announcements, bird sightings and the latest reports from the Christmas Bird Count on December 21st will be in person, as well as refreshments! All are welcome!