First Friday (Adult+)
Prize-winning Plumage and Bird Behaviors with Jan Bowman

Friday, May 1, 2026
11:00 a.m. – Noon

$8 Adults; $6 Nature Center members
$6 Children 9 – 15

Reservations appreciated, walk-ins welcome.

Join Jan Bowman to take a closer look at the plumage and behaviors of both local and tropical birds.

Tropical birds have a reputation of being flashier and more interesting than the birds in our backyards. At least that was what Jan’s experience taught her in the many trips to Costa Rica and Panama guiding students to study tropical flora and fauna. But through close observation and photography, Jan discovered a new sense of curiosity and wonder when watching the birds and their behaviors in her local fields, forests, and waters of western New York. In this presentation, Jan will share some of her favorite birds—local, tropical, and seasonal migrants—and make the case for why the local birds are every bit as amazing as the tropical birds she came to love.   

About the speaker: Jan Bowman is a recently retired professor of biology and environmental science program coordinator from Jamestown Community College after nearly 35 years of teaching. A lifelong area resident, Jan earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with secondary education certification and a master’s degree in biology from SUNY Fredonia that included two scientific journal publications. Her master’s research focused on a survey of macrophytes and population changes in Chautauqua Lake. She currently serves as board chair for the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, and board member of both the Chautauqua-Conewango Consortium and the Chautauqua County Parks Commission.

As a biologist and a firm believer in experiential education, Jan has taken countless students in the field over the years including travel to Costa Rica and Panama. A long-time passion for field work and photography has allowed her to share her experiences through her photos. In retirement she wishes to share her experiences through images more broadly. Jan lives in Ashville, NY with her husband, Dan. She loves gardening, fishing, and sharing her passion for the natural world with her community. A naturalist and photography enthusiast, Jan continues to devote herself to conservation efforts and education.

Special Information: If you’d like to bring a packed lunch, you can visit attendees and the speaker after the program.

Join Jan Bowman at 11:00 a.m. on May 1 to learn about prize-winning plumage and bird behaviors of local birds, such as this Great Blue Heron, at Audubon’s First Friday program. 

Photo credit: Jan Bowman