MONTHLY SPEAKERS

OCTOBER 2025 - "COLOMBIA: SOUTH AMERICA’S BIRDING MECCA"

Speaker: Benny Issac Jacob-Schwartz

Date: October 14, 2025 at 7:00pm

Get ready for a dive into South America’s birdiest country! The lecture will explore Colombia’s unique ecology, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled avian diversity! Colombia holds the record with nearly 2,000 bird species and an impressive 83 endemics!

The discussion will uncover what has given rise to such incredible diversity. Topics include the country’s five regions, the significance of the Andes Mountains and its three distinct cordilleras, the importance of the mighty Rio Magdalena, and national conservation successes. From sloth-eating Harpy Eagles to shy antpittas, and menageries of colorful tanagers and hummingbirds, Colombia’s astonishing diversity will leave you wanting more!

Speaker Bio: Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). With a background in biology, ecology, and outdoor education, Benny has worked for over 15 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide. Benny offers guided birding outings in Southern California and premier birding tours to top favorite tropical locales like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny is active on social media, where he creates fun, educational videos and posts to inspire others about the natural world with the goal of getting folks to put down their phone and pick up their Binos.