Entries Tagged 'Who's Who' ↓

Two hundred and twenty-three years ago today John James Audubon was born and perhaps bird conservation itself. Audubon’s namesake lives on most notably with the National Audubon Society but also in the hearts of birders everywhere.

Although John James Audubon was never part of the organization, “George Bird Grinnell, one of the founders of the early Audubon Society in the late 1800s, was tutored by Lucy Audubon, John James’s widow. Knowing Audubon’s reputation, Grinnell chose his name as the inspiration for the organization’s earliest work to protect birds and their habitats.”

Audubon’s journey to paint the birds of North America seems romantic and far-fetched in today’s era but each time we as birders go out, in a sense we are following in Audubon’s footsteps. While he collected birds (shot them), he also enjoyed them and knew of the importance of conserving bird habitat.

Eastern Phoebe

He even conducted an experiment with Eastern Phoebes, tying strings on their legs and discovered the same birds returned to the same spot year after year. This is the first known bird-banding to have taken place.

John James Audubon’s life story is the epitome of the American way: he never gave up on his dream and his hard work and dedication is why he succeeded.

Have a happy Audubon Day and if you aren’t a member, consider joining the National Audubon Society.

Thirty-two years ago, on April 6, 1976, a bird conservationist was born. Jennie, who sometimes goes by the online alias Veery spent a lot of her younger years around nature. As she grew older many distractions got in the way of birding.

A strange twist of fate led her down a path to Northern Illinois University where she is now a junior geography major studying natural environmental systems. As a “non-traditional student” she has the liberty to bird more often and reach out to younger student birders and nature lovers.

It is Veery’s goal to give her son Dakota (10) many opportunities to enjoy nature and birding. Too many young kids miss out on the ability to explore the outdoors.

The oldest real Veery according to Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s longevity records is ten years and one month.

The main reason Jennie loves the Veery is because of their ethereal song. Her favorite warbler is the Black-throated Green and her favorite Corvid is the American Crow. Jennie even has a favorite sparrow, the Grasshopper Sparrow, again a winner for the sound. Birding by ear could be considered her biggest strength out in the field.

A great way to promote bird conservation is to celebrate and encourage the future generation of great birders. What better way to discuss young birders than by finding out what they personally think and feel? In this Who’s Who we interviewed a young birder and wanted to share his story with you.

Non-birders often think of Nebraska as a state you drive through to get to “better” states. But in the birding world, we know better. The state holds numerous hotspots for birding. Nebraska Tim is a couple states west of us in, you got it, Nebraska! He is the second young birder that we’ve had the honor of interviewing.

Here is our interview, along with some of his fantastic photos!

American Robin

1. What age were you when you started birding? What is your current age?

It is difficult to say what exact age I was when I started birding, but when I was about 10 years old, I became seriously passionate about all things bird-related. I am 13 years old now.

Clay-colored Sparrow

2. How did you get started in birding?

I have always been interested in nature and animals, and when I was about 8 years old, I became very interested in botany, especially trees. I was purchasing a guide to trees, and I randomly decided to get the Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Birds, too. I dug out my Dad’s “ancient” binoculars, which I quickly decided would not do. So, I bought some enormous Bushnell 16×56 porro-prisms, thinking that magnification was all that mattered. With my new binoculars and field guide, I began to casually observe the common bird species around my house. After 5 years of many optic and field guide updates, and many learning experiences, here I am today!
Continue reading →

A great way to promote bird conservation is to celebrate and encourage the future generation of great birders. What better way to discuss young birders than by finding out what they personally think and feel? In this Who’s Who we interviewed a young birder and wanted to share his story with you.

Birdman Jon lives 756 miles south of us in Cave Spring, Georgia. We first noticed his great photos on flickr, and then he signed up for the One Million Birder Project. He recently started a fun bird photo group called Feathers+Beaks=Birds on flickr.

Here is our interview, along with some of his fantastic photos!

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Jonathan Harris (Birdman Jon)

1. What age were you when you started birding? What is your current age?

I started birding at the age of 11. Now I am 15

2. How did you get started in birding?

I saw a eastern screech owl and did not know what kind of owl it was at the time. So I got out my moms old bird field guide and I was hooked!

Continue reading →

Helmut Sick was born in Leipzig, Germany, on January 10th, 1910. Like many ornithologists, he became interested in birds at a young age. A trip to Brazil changed his life and he never returned to Germany, even after being jailed for three years when Brazil warred with Germany during WWII. He became the leading ornithologist in Brazil and helped others study neotropical birds.

Helmut Sick had an amazing ear for identifying bird sounds and shared his knowledge freely, a great trait in any scientist. He published many papers and The Birds of Brazil. Helmut Sick passed away in 1991 at age 81 and will be remembered always for his great ornithology work in Brazil.

In honor of Snowy Owl’s 30th birthday, here are thirty reasons to go birding this autumn and winter:

1. It’s fun!
2. It’s inexpensive.
3. On the really cold days, you’ll have the forest preserve to yourself.
4. Bring your scope; it’s a great time of year for water birds.
5. Get some exercise to work off all those Christmas cookies.
6. You need the fresh air.
7. Christmas Bird Counts!
8. Not all birds migrate!
9. As the leaves fall off the trees, the birds are easier to find, right?
10. You’ll see some birds that you won’t find in spring and summer.
11. The kids will have a great time.
12. Fall is a beautiful, colorful time of year.
13. Winter is a beautiful, snowy time of year.
14. Aren’t you tired of being cooped up in the house?
15. OK, it’s super-cold out; what’s on the feeders?
16. (Don’t forget to fill the feeders; it can be harder for the birds to find food when the snow is heavy.)
17. Have I mentioned that birding is fun?
18. Observe their behavior, and learn something new!
19. If you think you’re cold, just marvel at how the small feathered creatures survive the chill.
20. The cold air will bring a rosy glow to your cheeks.
21. Burn off those Thanksgiving calories.
22. Try out those new thermal gloves and hat.
23. Get your money’s worth out of that fleece-lined coat.
24. Enjoy the company of your fellow birders.
25. Start your New Year off with a new year list.
26. Escape the crowded shopping centers.
27. Birding is better than raking leaves.
28. Find out just how well your bins work in below-freezing temperatures.
29. Enjoy your new bins you got for Christmas.
30. Insert your favorite reason here.

John Gould was born on September 14, 1804, in England. He became a known artist for his stunning bird prints, his most famous being the Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Hummingbirds.

Continue reading →