Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Travelers – Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere

Photographs and fascinating stories about shorebirds from North America, Europe, and Asia. By Joakim Ed – Self employed Avian Photographer.

A little about me:I normally live on the southwest coast of Sweden, where the East Atlantic Flyway — and thousands of migrating shorebirds — pass almost through my backyard. This year, I have the pleasure of spending time in New Jersey. I have been a birder since childhood, and over the years I have given several photo exhibitions and presentations for birding and photography clubs.

Wednesday, November 11: The First Time: Birding New South Wales in Spring by Rick Wright

The First Time: Birding New South Wales in Spring by Rick Wright.

In person at the Union Congregation Church in Upper Montclair.

Birding can take us to the ends of the earth, or at least to Montclair’s near-antipode on the vast continent of Australia. From kangaroos to currawongs, even the briefest of visits to the tiniest bit of the east coast is full of natural wonders. Join Rick Wright for an introduction to birding “down under,” illustrated with photos by his companions on this inaugural trip, Ric Cohn and Sandy Sorkin.

A member of the Montclair Bird Club executive board and a widely published writer, Rick Wright leads Birds and Art tours for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, ventbird.com.

Wednesday, May 13: Fierce and Fastest

Peregrine falcon. Photo: Michael Sheldon.

Jim Wright, author of the acclaimed new book The Peregrine Falcon, tells all about these incredible raptors in this lavishly illustrated talk: how they can travel at 200 mph, why they nearly went extinct, how they were saved (in the unlikeliest way), and how they became an internet superstar. Even if you think you know a lot about peregrines, prepare to be surprised.

About the speaker

In addition to this go-to book on peregrine falcons, Jim wrote The Screech Owl Companion and The Real James Bond. He monitors nesting peregrines for the state of New Jersey in the spring, coordinates the State Line Hawk Watch this fall, and writes a birding column for The Record in Northern New Jersey every two weeks.

The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature