HOLLAND AUDUBON CLUB

03/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 PM
Location: Hope Church Commons room; 77 West 11th Street, Holland MI

Holland Audubon Presents:
“Misadventures of a Wannabe Wildlife Photographer” by Marty Keirnan
Over the past year, Marty has been quietly clicking away on his camera, all over Michigan, capturing some wonderful images of birds and wildlife near and far…some in our own backyard. Come and enjoy some fantastic glimpses of these amazing creatures, and the vistas we’ve appreciated over the years in our beautiful state of Michigan. Marty thoroughly enjoys returning year after year to some special places that afford the best shots and most of the time he’s rewarded with wonderful pictures he’s shared with us; some images you’ve seen in our newsletter over the years have been from him. Join us as he cracks open his vault to show us many of his greatest bird pictures from 2025 and beyond.

A Holland native, Marty earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Grand Valley then did some graduate work in Zoology at Eastern Michigan University, where he briefly taught Zoology as an assistant. He ultimately found his calling in the field of Quality as a Quality Engineer and Quality Manager in Automotive and Aerospace manufacturing for about 35 years. Marty’s first love of Biology was never far, however, and, drawn to nature photography, got his first SLR in college, and, honing his skills over the years, broadened his experience, especially since 2020 when forced into early retirement due to Covid. The main subjects of his "focus" are birds and wildlife, wildflowers and macro work. Marty has been a member of the Holland Audubon Club for many years, gracing us with his Hospitality skills and treats, but this is his first presentation with the club.

Free to the public. Coffee, tea and light snacks served.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
www.hollandaudubon.org or contact
[email protected]

02/04/2026

Holland Audubon Club Presents:

Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 PM

Location: Hope Church Commons room; 77 West 11th Street, Holland MI



“Central California Adventures” Presented by Ken Cook

Located halfway between LA and San Francisco, the cozy town of Santa Ynez is nestled in California’s fertile Central Valley, home to many unique species of not only birds, but many other creatures that enjoy this hospitable environment. Ken Cook will lead a program of travel and birding as he takes the Holland Audubon Club to this peacefully beautiful, picturesque town, as well as the surrounding terrain of rolling hills and farmland, sparsely populated and arid. As a result, a number of birds and wildlife find comfort in settling in this habitat. Join us as Ken shares some of his great opportunities resulting in amazing images of various aspects of this intriguing area and wildlife.

A Holland native and graduate of Hope College, Cook has honed his 30-plus year photography passion to specialize in landscapes, nature and wildlife. He has traveled to many countries to pursue his passion but currently is focused on our winged friends within North America. a charter member of the North America Nature Photography Association, as well as a member of the Holland Friends of Art, Holland Area Arts Council and the Tulip City Camera Club. You can view his work and/or contact him at www.kencookphotography.com.

11/08/2025

Tuesday, Nov 11, 7:00 PM
Location: Hope Church Commons room; 77 West 11th Street, Holland MI
Holland Audubon Presents:

“Bird Behaviors” By Kelly Ronald, Ph.D.

Birds experience the world in ways that are often very different from our own: for birds--colors are more vibrant, and simple trills are filled with information. In this presentation, Dr. Kelly Ronald will explore the behavioral displays of both common backyard birds and more extravagant species and how their vision and hearing shape the ways they communicate, choose mates, and navigate daily survival. We will learn about how scientists study avian sensory systems and measure behavioral responses while watching unique videos of interesting behaviors. Dr. Ronald will also share how her lab students are investigating how these behaviors are changing and adapting to a world filled with human noise and change. Come and immerse yourself in biological wonder.

Dr. Kelly Ronald is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Hope College since 2019. Her research background includes working with grey catbirds during her undergraduate degree at Transylvania University (Lexington, KY), brown-headed cowbirds during her PhD at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN), and now with common urban-adapted species like house sparrows and house finches at Hope College. She leads a research group at Hope focused on the sensory ecology and behavior of birds; and works closely with undergraduate students, local conservation partners, and the community to support nestbox outreach and environmental education. She is passionate about helping students connect more deeply with the natural world, and she especially enjoys introducing others to the remarkable sensory lives of the birds right outside our windows.

Free to the public. Coffee, tea and light snacks served.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
www.hollandaudubon.org or contact

09/03/2025

“Natural History of Northwestern Canada”
by Michael Kielb
Beyond our northern US boundary, and even farther north of Alberta and British Columbia lie the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, which is next to Alaska. Michael will treat us to a rare look at these faraway lands, from the barren tundra to the frosty mountains, with fantastic vistas and where the flora and fauna will take your breath away. The scenery will be the backdrop for some amazing images of mammals, plants, and of course, birds! Come and enjoy a trip through the eyes of a seasoned biologist as he shares a bit of his knowledge and adventures to a place where folks are few and nature abounds.
Michael Kielb is a retired Biology Faculty at Eastern Michigan University, where he taught neuroanatomy and human anatomy & physiology, and ornithology and entomology for fun. He has led natural history tours throughout North America, including Costa Rica. He may have even written a book or two and hales from the Ann Arbor area.

09/03/2025

Holland Audubon Club
Monthly Presentations
2ND TUESDAY
7:00 PM at Hope Church; 77 W.11th St.
Social time; 6:30; All programs are free.

Sept. 9 “Natural history of Northwestern Canada” by Michael Kielb, retired Biologist, Eastern MU

Oct.14 “Neotropical Migrants; Birding in the Americas” by Nahuel Medina, Biologist, OCP Naturalist

Nov. 11 “Bird Behaviors” by Kelly Ronald, Biology Professor, Hope College

Dec.9 “Identiflight and Real Birds” by Caleb Putnam, Ornithologist, former MI IBA Coordinator

Jan. 13 “Birding in Chile” by Steve Hamberg, HAC President, World Traveler

Feb.10 “Central California Adventures” by Ken Cook, Photographer and World Traveler

Mar.10 “Misadventures of a Wannabe Wildlife Photographer” by Marty Keirnan, Birding Enthusiast

Apr. 14 “Family Ties: Ferrying in Waterfowl & Pair Duets in Rails and Owls” by Daniel Goldberg, Ornithologist, Asst Prof Biology, GVSU

May 12 “Wildlife and & Birding Photography” by Hannah Cramer, Birding Enthusiast

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