The southern tip of Africa is one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world and attracts birders, botanists and mammal enthusiasts from around the globe. With a diverse array of endemic birds, classic African mammals, and a rich, unique botanical heritage, the multi-ethnic nation of South Africa stands out as a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Cape Peninsula, often called the "Jewel of South Africa," offers stunning, wild, rugged scenery that is home to penguins, ostriches, several types of antelope, and the unique "fynbos" vegetation. Further inland, the world-renowned Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest game reserves and hosts lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and more than 500 bird species.

This program chronicles a journey from the Cape Peninsula to Kruger National Park, featuring vivid photos of birds, animals, and stunning landscapes. It describes what it's like to travel through this diverse and sometimes distinctly un-African country.

Gina Nichol has been a naturalist and birder for over thirty years. She first developed an interest in the natural world while growing up outdoors in rural upstate New York. In 2005, Gina founded Sunrise Birding, LLC to provide personalized, authentic, and affordable private and small group birdwatching and wildlife tours worldwide.

Scott Harris spent 17 months in pursuit of the 53 raptors that call the Lower 48 states home. Across 34 states, from -36 degree days to ones over 100 degrees, to just getting on the bird just in time, to the frustrations of missing one by minutes, Scott found all 53, along with a Bat Falcon, a Steller’s Sea Eagle, and an Eurasian Eagle Owl. 

RaptorQuest, Chasing America’s Raptors, is about his adventures, misadventures, successes, and failures. It’s about the birds, of course, but it’s also about the people he met, the things he learned, and why he’s already working on his next adventure. 

Scott and his wife, Randi, retired to South Carolina in March of 2020, a decision Scott will tell you was one of the best they had made in their 45 years of marriage. It was also when he first started birding – a hobby he never imagined himself participating in, but now can’t imagine living without.

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Last November, John Hannan traveled over 2,500 miles through Argentina’s grasslands and Atlantic Forest, visiting five key conservation projects managed by Aves Argentinas. These projects protect thousands of acres of grasslands and forest habitat for hundreds of species, including the endangered Pampas Meadowlark, Saffron-cowled Blackbird, Yellow Cardinal, Blue-winged Macaw, and many others. Along the way, he observed more than 300 bird and other wildlife species.

Through images of stunning birds and landscapes, John will share an inspiring story of conservation efforts that bring together scientists, ranchers, and conservationists. Together, they work to protect some of the world’s most unique habitats while supporting local communities with sustainable livelihoods.

John Hannan is a 40-year veteran of the non-profit world, most of it in the conservation sphere. He has been a part of the Audubon family at all levels. On staff at National John Hannan has 40 years of experience in the non-profit sector, mainly in conservation. He has been involved with the Audubon organization at all levels. While on staff at National Audubon, he helped launch the Americas Flyways’ Strategy fundraising efforts and was part of the team that planned the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Conservation Business Plan. In New York, he is a former Chair of the Audubon NY State Chapters’ Council and has served as President of the Bedford Audubon Board of Directors, both in the past and currently.

At Audubon, he helped launch the Americas Flyways’ Strategy fundraising efforts and was part of the planning team for the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Conservation Business Plan. In NY, he is a past Chair of the Audubon NY State Chapters’ Council and a past and current President of the Bedford Audubon Board of Directors.

From 2017 to 2024, he worked with BirdLife International, raising awareness and support for the Partnership’s coordinated global conservation efforts. Now retired, he is helping build local awareness of how migratory birds truly connect us worldwide and how vital it is for all of us to protect these fragile natural resources we rely on.

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