June 9, 2008 Bird watcher pushes to save rain forests Play video

(NECN: Scot Yount, Lincoln, Mass.) - Weather is definitely a factor, according to a growing legion of scientists -- in terms of the global effects of destruction of rain forests.

One man, who is rather famous in the bird watching world, is using that platform to fight to save what he calls, the lost worlds.

No matter the setting, world renown ornithologist Bruce Beehler never loses his child-like curiosity.

His insatiable interest is even more remarkable when you take in the fact that he has been studying rare and exotic birds in the world's most remote rain forests for more than 30 years.

It all started when he was a boy in Maryland. He spotted a common woodpecker.

30 years of his best stories are now chronicled in a new book, "Lost Worlds: Adventures in the Tropical Rain Forest."

Beehler is hopeful about the future of the world's remaining rain forests. On a recent trip to Papau, New Guinea, he discovered several new species of birds, a joy for a life-long birder, yes, but tinged with concern.

He is on a mission to spread the word that the forests he loves are in danger.

Despite the gloom, deforestation, carbon issues and climate change, Beehler, the eternal optimist, sees rays of light.