George is a naturalist, photographer, and experienced destination lecturer who has informed and entertained thousands with his passion for science, nature and culture... presented with a twist of wry humor.
Costa Rica is renowned for its birds and wildlife. In March, we undertook a research trip to explore some of the exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. We were not disappointed!! For example, we had an amazing time in the tropical rainforest managed as a wildlife refuge and eco-resort by Jack Ewing at Hacienda Baru, near Dominical. (BTW, I can highly recommend Jack's book Monkeys are Made of Chocolate!!) This wildlife refuge is an important link in the Mesoamerican biological corridor. The aim is to provide sufficient interconnected natural habitat for wildlife such as the native Baird's tapir and, ultimately, the "top of the foodchain" in these rainforests - the jaguar. This fascinating creature (check out that snout!!) can reach up to 400 kg or over 800 lbs.
Here's a short video clip of our explorations in search of a mystery caller!!
I will incorporate many of these photos and stories in my upcoming lecture series on the Maasdam Panama Canal cruise May 3 - 25, from Ft Lauderdale to Seattle.
American Coots seem almost ubiquitous in our travels throughout North & Central America... but I didn't expect to see them in Death Valley! Sure enough, they've discovered the golf course pond by Furnace Creek. And the coyotes have discovered the coots!! Here's what we witnessed on two consecutive days while watching birds at the Audubon viewing platform (location 36°27'43.4"N 116°52'28.1"W)
Things are getting tricky out there!! As a I write this deadly tornadoes are battering Texas and a wide swath through central and southern USA. December tornadoes are rare for this area and can be largely attributed to the very strong El
Niño in the Pacific.
We rely on science to make decisions - but how does science really work...??
"Mapping the Blue" is an excellent film. It provides an overview of the benefits -- and challenges -- of protecting large sections of our oceans. I highly recommend watching this short film for the beautiful scenes from the Cook Islands as well as insights into how Marine Protected Areas can shift the conversation towards healthier ocean ecosystems.
By
protecting ocean ecosystems rather than focusing on individual species, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
are powerful tools for conserving and restoring ocean biodiversity. These
special ocean areas also provide benefits to cultural and geological resources
and can help sustain local economies. In addition, MPAs contribute to
healthier, more resilient ocean ecosystems that can better withstand a wide
range of impacts. No-take marine
reserves have been proposed as one of the most successful tools for
conservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems.
In 2012 the Cook Islands announced the largest Marine Park on Earth at the time. Since then, in 2015 the USA enlarged the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument to form the largest MPA on earth at 490,000 sq. miles or 3x size of California.
The magnificent Cook Islands are among the most awesome places on
the planet and local people, traditional leaders and the fishermen are determined that it should remain so.
"Mapping the Blue" tells the story of how
Rugby League star, Kevin Iro, turned conservationist and founded the
world's largest sanctuary where he used to play as a boy. By using high
tech mapping, Iro and his team are able to show the best uses for areas
within this pristine ocean park which is good for conservation and the
needs of local people.
This film is a must-see for all those
interested in the health of our oceans from marine biologists to
recreational scuba divers. It points to a model of how such precious
areas can be preserved all over the world and provides hope for the
future.
