Lectures & FiELD TRIPS

Peter Alden is an exceptionally knowledgeable, sought-after and entertaining speaker. He is available for large and small, public and private events. Peter is a regular speaker for conservation organizations at their monthly and annual meetings, including land trusts, watershed organizations, and state and regional agencies. He gives numbers talks at public and private schools, garden and bird clubs and retirement communities. 

Peter has presented on hundreds of topics, and can create a program for your group. His most popular presentations include:

My Wild Life: Rare Birds, Close Calls, and the  Adventures of an Eco-Explorer 

Based on his recent memoir, Peter takes us expeditions around the globe, from the jungles of New Guinea to the plains of Tanzania. It’s a story of one man’s lifelong quest to see the world’s rarest birds became a journey through the heart of our planet’s wild places. As a pioneer of ecotourism, he led travelers across continents long before GPS and guidebooks, facing snakes in the Amazon, lions in camp, and more than a few brushes with danger—all in pursuit of wonder. Author signing included. Suggested Speaker Fee: $350

The Birds of Thoreau and the Birds of Today — Writings from the Journal of Henry David Thoreau

Peter Alden shares excerpts from a new book A Year of Birds that chronicles journal entries from renowned naturalist Henry David Thoreau. From his beloved Concord home, Thoreau wrote detailed journal entries depicting the various species of birds and their behaviors. This talk will present excerpts and illustrate how bird populations have changed from Thoreau’s time to today. Co-author signing included. Suggested Speaker Fee: $350

Perspectives on Changing Wildlife Populations in New England

The mammal and birdlife in New England have changed dramatically in recent years. From pre-colonial times, through the age of Henry David Thoreau, to the present day, learn about species that have disappeared and new ones that have arrived. Join noted author Peter Alden as he recounts the story of climate change’s impact using New England’s data on recorded species. Suggested Speaker Fee: $300

Birds and the Spread of Invasive Plant Species

As winter approaches, berries and the seeds of invasive plants are an essential food source for birds. Author and naturalist Peter Alden will present the mixed feelings environmentalists have to this phenomenon. We want to support declining bird populations but how to keep the new plants from taking over other native species? Co-founder of the Bio Blitz event with E.O. Wilson, Peter will share stories and photos and welcomes questions. Suggested Speaker Fee: $300

Bird Name Changes — Creating New Names for North American Birds

The decision by the American Ornithological Society (AOS) to eliminate modifiers named after people of over 100 North American bird species (i.e. Wilson’s Warbler) will have enormous repercussions in the publishing world.  The illustrated talk will present the need for this change and focus on several dozen affected New England species. It will include a few other common bird names that may need to be improved (i.e. Red-bellied Woodpecker). The pros and cons for each new name candidate will be discussed and voted on by the audience. Suggest Speaker Fee: $300

Note: Speaker Fees are flexible and may vary depending on the event and length of travel required. Along with the presentation, Peter Alden offers a Q&A session and signed books for sale.