Discover the fascinating world of Owls with acclaimed author, speaker, and wildlife photographer Paul Bannick at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesday lecture April 1.
The Aquarium announced this week that Bannick will present a comprehensive program about different owl species found in California, their habitats and every stage of their life cycle while enjoying breathtaking visuals on our theater screen.
His award-winning work has been showcased in the NY Times, Smithsonian, Audubon, Sunset, Nature’s Best Photography, NPR, and NBC Nightly News.
Following the lecture with Q&A, you will have the chance to mix and mingle in our art gallery, with music, crafts, Paint-a-Fish exhibit, and a cocktail bar. Drinks will be available for purchase before and after the talk.
This program is recommended for adults of all ages. Photography enthusiasts will find engaging interactions with our guest speaker! Reservations are required. First Wednesdays regularly sell out, so be sure to book your tickets early.
Aquarium of the Pacific is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which depends on your support to fulfill its mission: to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.
This inspiring presentation will explore the fascinating world of owl species found in California, including the Northern Pygmy, Burrowing, Great Gray, and Snowy owls. Throughout the seasons, we will dive into their lives in four unique habitats.
From courtship, mating, and nesting in the spring, fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and gaining independence in fall; and, finally, the migrations and food competitions of winter. Each stage is beautifully documented. Discover the challenges faced by owls, and their remarkable survival journey while enjoying Bannick’s dramatic visuals on our theater screen.
Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy music, crafts, cocktails (available for purchase), and conversations in our Art Gallery, along with our Paint-a-Fish exhibit. The lecture will also be live-streamed.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals, nature, and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signing or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages.
The event will be held Wed., April 1, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Honda Visions Center at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 on the day of the event (pending availability).
Parking is $6.00 for the first 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium. Drinks available for purchase before and after the lecture.
About Paul Bannick
Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and photographer who makes images to inspire education and conservation. He is both the author and photographer of five books including two best-selling bird books, Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls and The Owl and the Woodpecker, Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds. Owl received the Gold Medal in the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Award “Animals” category.
Most recently, Woodpecker was named a finalist for the 2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the Nature category. Paul’s photography won awards from several prestigious contests, including those hosted by Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography Awards.
His work can be found prominently in many bird guides, including those from Audubon, Peterson, and The Smithsonian and has been featured in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Audubon, Sunset, and Nature’s Best Photography Magazine. His many TV and Radio appearances include pieces on NBC Nightly News, PBS, and NPR.
Paul is an active public speaker with dozens of multimedia Owl programs at bird festivals, fundraisers, and conferences across the continent every year.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals, nature, and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high schools and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages.
photos by Paul Bannick