Talk: Around the World in 50 Birds

A 60-minute talk via Zoom followed by a Q&A, starting at 8pm

Speaker: Keith Betton

Keith Betton is one of the world's "top birders". He has seen or heard nearly 9,000 bird species in his lifetime, something that fewer than 40 people have ever achieved.

In this new talk he selects 50 of his favourite bird species based on his experience of birdwatching in more than 100 countries.

Join the talk for an insight into the fascinating variety of birds.

All photos courtesy of © Keith Betton

About the speaker

Keith Betton (above) is a media trainer, PR consultant, writer and occasional broadcaster.

A keen "world birder", he has a particular passion for Africa and is vice-president of the African Bird Club.

In the UK he is heavily involved in bird monitoring in Hampshire, where he is chair of the Hampshire Ornithological Society. He has been a council member of both the RSPB and BTO, and vice-president of the latter.

His two books (with Mark Avery) Behind the Binoculars and Behind More Binoculars have been highly rated, as has his revision of Where to Watch Birds in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

He is particularly active in protecting Peregrines and Stone Curlews, and that has put him on BBC TV’s Springwatch.

Keith's interest in birds got off to an early start. He was a teenager when he gave his first talk to the RSPB Central London Local Group in 1977, on the subject of Bird Songs and Bird Recordings. By the age of 18 he was the founding leader of the RSPB Richmond and Twickenham Local Group, and in his twenties he was president of the London Natural History Society.

Nearly 50 years after he gave his first talk to our group, we look forward to welcoming him back for another talk.

How to join the talk

This event will be streamed live via ZOOM to members of the RSPB Central London Local Group. There is no charge for members to attend, but it is essential to book a place. (If you are sharing a screen with someone you only need one ticket.)

Non-members are also welcome to attend for a donation of your choice, which will support the work of the RSPB. Please select a non-member ticket. (If you are a member of the national RSPB but not a member of the RSPB Central London Local Group you still need to get a non-member ticket for a donation.)

If you would like to join the RSPB Central London Local Group (£10 a year or free if you are aged 16-24) please email rspb.cllg.contact@gmail.com

Newcomers are very welcome, whether you are a beginner, a seasoned birdwatcher or interested in learning more about nature and the environment in general.