Tour leader, bird lover and photographer Susan Phelon returns to MCAS to present her program on the Birds and Wildlife of Australia. Featuring photos from her recent tour, Susan will quide us through the natural wonders of the continent "down under." Expect to see and learn about exotic Parrots, Kookabura, Koalas and perhaps the Tazmanian Devil.

Susan Phelon began serious birding in the mid 1980's after a vacation in the Pacific Northwest. While on a ferry in the San Juan Islands, a Bald Eagle flew at eye level alongside the boat. Susan blurted out "Wow, it's just like the post office commercial!" This made her realize how far she had strayed from the natural world. On return from vacation she contacted New Jersey Audubon's Owl Haven center and signed up for the monthly mystery birding tours led by Rich Ditch and Bob Henschel. They became her mentors and stressed the need to learn the local birds before branching out around the U.S.

Susan later joined Bob in leading the Owl Haven Mystery Tour. Susan then began leading tours of her own to birding hotspots in the U.S. through her company Wrentours. After retiring from teaching 8th grade Social Studies in Colts Neck, NJ, Susan got a "retirement job" so she could pursue birds around the world. Her travels have taken her to over 60 countries, not always on birding tours, but always with binoculars handy. Susan is happy to return to Monmouth County Audubon to entertain us with stories and images from her latest journeys.