Papua New Guinea and New Britain

Papua New Guinea and New Britain:  Chris Leahy Lectures at Joppa Flats 12-14-11

Author and tour leader Christopher Leahy of the Massachusetts Audubon Society will present a narrated slide show, “Papua New Guinea and New Britain,” at the Joppa Flats Education Center on Wednesday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. This program is open to the public, appropriate for all ages, and free to Mass Audubon’s members; the nonmembers’ fee is $4.  No preregistration is required.

To say that Papua New Guinea is exotic is like saying that the South Pole can be chilly. Exploring the tropical lowlands and complex mountain ranges of this vast remote island may be likened to visiting another planet. Long isolated by the whims of continental drift, it has evolved a fauna unlike that of any other place on the planet. Even the most jaded birder must go a bit weak in the knees at the prospect of seeing New Guinea’s incomparably beautiful species of doves, parrots, kingfishers, and of course, birds of paradise. Of the last-named it can be said that their elaborate and exquisite feathers are matched by their astonishing courtship displays, both of which have inspired the ritual costumes and dances of Papuan tribes such as the Huli “wigmen” of the Tari Valley. Chris Leahy shares his impressions of the unique island based on his three visits, most recently this past August.

Christopher Leahy holds the Bertrand Chair of Natural History and Field Ornithology at the Massachusetts Audubon Society.  He has been a professional conservationist for more than thirty years.  His published works include The Birdwatcher’s Companion, The First Guide to Insects, Introduction to New England Birds, and The Nature of Massachusetts.  Chris has designed and led natural history explorations to over 60 countries on all of the continents.  He is especially fascinated with the world’s great remaining wilderness areas and biodiversity hot spots such as Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, and Bhutan.

The Massachusetts Audubon Society is the largest conservation organization in New England, concentrating its efforts on protecting the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, located at One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, is a natural history education and visitor center that is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 to 4.  Call 978-462-9998 for additional information about programs and events, or visit the website at www.massaudubon.org.

WHAT Chris Leahy lectures on Papua New Guinea and New Britain
WHEN Wednesday, December 14, 7:30-8:30 pm
WHERE Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA
COST $4 nonmembers; free to members
INFO 978-462-9998; www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats