Program: Winged Wonders of the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is one of the world’s most important stops for birds traveling the Pacific Flyway – and visiting the Salton Sea at any time of year is a birdwatcher’s delight. Tens of thousands of birds begin arriving in late September, sometimes forming living clouds across crystal clear skies. Birds that overwinter at the sea will depart by May, traveling as far north as Alaska. Some will remain to brave the hot summer and nest at the sea – so there are always exciting birds to be found at any time of the year.

Kurt Leuschner is a Professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert where he teaches courses on Conservation, Entomology, Field Ornithology, Native Plants, and GPS Navigation. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Master’s in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida. Kurt has extensive experience abroad including a year at the University of Nairobi, a semester studying Tropical Biology in Costa Rica, 2 years in the Peace Corps working in Tanzania’s Wildlife Division, Master’s research in the Kibale Forest of Uganda, and 2 years running a hotel and horse-riding school in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. Kurt continues to take groups on photographic safaris to Africa, New Zealand, the Galapagos, and various locations in the southwestern United States. Kurt is very active locally – volunteering for the Mt. San Jacinto State Park, the Living Desert, the BLM, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, and the National Audubon Society. He is the founder of the Desert Cities Bird Club, on the Board of Directors of Western Field Ornithologists, and is past President of the Natural Science Collaborative. His most recent publications are the Palms to Pines Birding and Nature Trail map and brochure and a Field Guide to Desert Golf Course Wildlife. Kurt also teaches weekend courses and workshops on birdwatching, insects, GPS, and backyard habitats for UCR Extension, the Desert Institute, the Desert Studies Center, and the Living Desert. His latest research project involves the sound recording of the various subspecies of Western Scrub-Jay.