Birding Under the Influence: Cycling Across America in Search of Birds and Recovery

On January 1st, 2014, Dorian Anderson boarded his bicycle for the adventure of a lifetime. His two-wheeled journey was an eco-friendly twist on the Big Year, a project during which a birdwatcher tries to observe as many species as possible during a calendar year. While his predecessors utilized cars, planes, and boats, Anderson’s goal was to replicate their transcontinental travels without the use of petroleum, a herculean challenge no one before him had accepted. He ultimately survived subzero temperatures, drifting snow, gusting winds, lightning storms, mountainous ascents, dog attacks, crumbling roads, and several accidents. By December 31, he’d amassed 618 bird species across 18,000 miles of riding, totals no one imagined possible when he set off with zero cycling experience.

Anderson will speak about the genesis of his bike-birding project, provide a thrilling recount of his travels, highlight the birds he saw, and reveal how his adventure changed his life. His personality and enthusiasm are infectious, and his tales of birding, cycling, and self-discovery will inspire others to venture into the outdoors, take note of the birds around them, and make positive changes in their own lives.

Cost: $10 Members $12 Nonmembers. Pre-registration is recommended. Event begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Presentation is 1 hour in length followed by time for questions.

Speaking event and birding walks sponsored by Paul Morf and Amy Friedl.

Register separately for the next morning’s two hour bird walk beginning at either 8AM or 10:30AM. Space is limited.