Program: Bhutan: The Birds of the Last Himalayan Kingdom

With over 730 bird species in a country only 50% larger than New Hampshire, Bhutan boasts an incredible diversity of life in habitats that vary from subtropical forests to Himalayan peaks. This talk will follow James Smith’s journey through Bhutan with a dumbstruck look on his face and usually only a vague sense of the birds he was seeing. From show-stopping species such as Hornbills, Monals and Tragopans, to 20 warblers that all look identical, we’ll explore the highs and lows of this magical country and the birds that call it home.

Bio: James Smith is an enthusiastic amateur birder whose newfound claims to fame include being the easternmost tourist in Bhutan (at the time) and the first Westerner to ever beat a bird guide in the game of Carrom. Back home, he is a staunchly NH-first birder, who is happiest in beautiful places with birds he can almost identify.