October Program Announced

Join Dan Ellison for a virtual birding tour of the Oaxaca, Mexico area. In December 2019 Dan and his spouse Jane Fournier traveled to Mexico for ten days of birding around Oaxaca City, Huatulco on the southwest coast, and Tehuantapec near the Isthmus. Traveling in Oaxaca also provided chances to speak Spanish with local people and learn about the Zapotec culture
centered in that region. With their guide Eric Antonio Martinez, one of Mexico’s foremost birders, Dan was able to observe more than 60 new life birds, as well as species that nest locally in the Rocky Mountains but winter in Mexico. Highlights of the trip included close contact with small owls and hummingbirds. Several of those species will be featured in Dan’s presentation along with his stunning photographs of many colorful tropical birds.

Dan Ellison grew up in the Bitterroot Valley, graduated from the Naval Academy, and served
on active duty for 26 years as a Navy pilot. He returned to Montana in 1999 and settled in Helena
where he worked for several years in state government including as Chief Financial Officer for
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. In 2009 he was elected to the Helena City Commission and
re-elected in 2013. He divides his personal time between managing the family ranch near
Stevensville, bird watching, fly fishing, wildlife photography, and other outdoor pursuits.