My Wild Life: Peter Alden Shares his Memoir

After traveling to more than 100 countries in pursuit of rare birds, Peter Alden has accumulated a lifetime of remarkable stories. Beginning in the 1960s—long before nature travel and birding tourism were widely popular—he led groups of adventurous travelers to remote corners of the globe, from tented safaris to small-boat expeditions across all seven continents and the seven seas.

Over the course of his career, he helped pioneer many of the earliest birding, wildlife, and cultural tours, scouting destinations and designing journeys to places rarely visited by outsiders. Along the way, he encountered unforgettable landscapes, extraordinary birds, and more than a few strange and surprising moments.

In this lively talk, he shares highlights from decades of exploration and introduces his memoir, filled with the stories, humor, and adventures that come from a lifetime spent chasing birds around the world. Attendees will leave with a glimpse into a pioneering era of nature travel—and plenty of tales to enjoy.