Join The Sussex Bird Club in-person in the library or online to hear Jeffrey Gordon talk about his love for Oaxaca. Oaxaca, in Mexico’s southwest corner, serves up a feast for the senses. The birds, of course, are special, spectacular and occasionally bizarre but they are only the beginning. There’s unparalleled cuisine, gorgeous textiles, eye-popping carvings, and an aesthetic that is distinctly, well, psychedelic. Small wonder that Oaxaca is a primary door through which the medicinal and spiritual use of “magic mushrooms” found its way into global consciousness. All this set amid vivid landscapes ranging from bracing montane forest to arid scrub to Pacific Ocean beaches. Journey to one of Mexico's most biodiverse and culturally rich regions with Jeffrey Gordon, and share the experience of seeing spectacular Red Warblers, tasting incandescent Red Mole and watching cactus-eating insects called cochineal being transformed into a rich red dye for yarn, to take just one color of Oaxaca’s rainbow. We’ll also visit a traditional coffee plantation teeming with flavor and with birds and take a boat just offshore for some fun with seabirds, sea turtles, and yes, seafood. Through stunning photography and engaging narrative, Jeff weaves together the story of this remarkable place where nature and culture have evolved in fascinating interplay. Whether you're planning your own visit or simply curious about one of North America's most intriguing destinations, this presentation offers a delicious, enticing introduction to Oaxaca's natural and cultural treasures.

Jeffrey A. Gordon brings a wealth of experience, infectious enthusiasm, and wide-ranging curiosity to all aspects of birding and travel. As the longest-serving president of the American Birding Association, he shepherded North America's premier organization for recreational birders through a transformative decade, expanding its reach through digital media while maintaining the organization's traditional excellence in print publications. An accomplished tour leader, Jeff has guided nature enthusiasts all over the globe sharing his expertise from the rainforests of Central America to the savannas of East Africa. His engaging writing style has enlightened readers of BWD/Birdwatcher's Digest for over two decades. Currently, Jeff continues to inspire nature lovers as a Teacher/Naturalist with the Delaware Nature Society, leading educational outdoor programs that combine his deep knowledge with his gift for making birding accessible and enjoyable for all. Whether in the field, on the podium, or in print, Jeff's dedication to helping others discover and appreciate birds has made him one of birding's most respected and approachable ambassadors. Jeff has been visiting the Delaware beaches since his early childhood and continues to keep the region close to his heart, getting back here as often as he can. He and his wife Liz lived on Angola Neck from 2004 to 2010 and were married at Camp Arrowhead.

The Sussex Bird Club's primary objective is to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of wild birds through guided field trips and monthly meetings about various aspects of birding. Meetings are open to all and beginning birders are always welcome.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.

If you need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.