January Program at Montana Wild

Ethiopia:  A Birding Adventure
Presenter: Bob Martinka
Tuesday January 10, 2023 7:00PM
Free and open to all

Ethiopia is hands-down one of Africa’s most productive and rewarding birding destinations! More than 50 endemic species are to be found there, including Ethiopia’s most sought-after bird species, the Ruspoli’s Turaco. The rich array of forest and savannah bird species, the spectacular landscapes and scenery, plus fascinating history, convinced Bob Martinka to add Ethiopia to his repertoire of birding adventures. Bob departed for Ethiopia on Thanksgiving Day for a nearly 9,000-mile flight to Addis Ababa and returned to Helena in mid-December. Immediately upon return, he promised to assemble a Power Point program and to share his amazing adventure, hopefully with a photo of a Ruspoli’s Turaco!

Bob Martinka worked for nearly 30 years with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. In his career
with FWP Bob held a number of positions, closing his career as Deputy Director. In retirement,
Bob has become an avid photographer, traveling to numerous worldwide locations to pursue his
interest in wild things – including birds, dragonflies, and flowers. He has served as a member of
the Montana Audubon Board and the Montana Bird Records Committee. In 2022 he received the
Montana Audubon Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob obtained degrees in Wildlife Biology and
Ecology from Colorado State University and Perdue University and a PhD from Montana State
University in 1970.