Denis Kania could watch hummingbirds all day. He’s witnessed 237 different species and hopes to see No. 250 next year. Courtesy of Diann Bilderback

This month I’m heading to southeast Arizona in pursuit of birds — hummingbirds, in particular. It’s the best time of year for it, despite the heat. I hope to raise my hummingbird life list to 14 or 15 species.

Don’t be impressed. Today you’ll meet a guy who has seen 237.

Denis Kania is fairly obsessed with hummingbirds. The 70-year-old Naperville resident retired in 2018 after 18 years managing natural areas for the St. Charles Park District. Since then — and really since 1996, when he first traveled to South America — he’s been keen on the family of birds known for their brilliant iridescence, enchanting names, and mesmerizing flight.

Oft

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