Who Is Young Birder Empid?
September 2, 2008
Article in: Birding
While young birders may be a small amount of the general birding population (especially noticeable if you are a young birder), they are nonetheless out there and their enthusiasm to birding and conservation is inspiring.
Here we feature a wonderful 13-yr old birder who’s self-proclaimed nickname is Empid (as you’ll see why below).
1. What age were you when you started birding? What is your current age?
Well… I have pictures of myself with field guides at age two, and have heard stories that I would throw a fit if I couldn’t see the bird feeders from the dinner table. I have checklists from age 6, so anywhere in that range. Now I am 13.
2. How did you get started in birding?
I have always (at least that I can remember) had an interest in birds, but going to Cape May with a local ornithologist really got me excited.
3. What is your favorite bird?
Tough… I really like Empidonax Flycatchers, especially Alders.
4. How often do you go birding?
Everyday! Even during school I’ll be listening for warblers through the open windows.
5. Who do you go birding with?
I often go birding with may mom and dad.
6. Is there a bird club in your area and are you a member?
Yes there is a bird club, Lehigh Valley Audubon Society and I am a member.
7. Do you have a life list and if so, how many are on it?
Yep, its a little over 410.
8. Do your family or friends also enjoy birding?
My family does, but many of my friends from school have a stereotypical image of a birder being an old lady with binoculars, so they don’t have any interest in birds at all. They don’t know what they’re missing.
9. Is the environmental field (including birding) part of your future career goal?
Definitely.
10. How would you get other young people interested in birding?
I try to get kids interested in birding by inviting them to come on the bird walks I lead. I write book reviews about books that involve birds and articles about birding experiences and identification. I have also taught some nest box information to a local Boy Scout group. I am the Youth Coordinator for the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.
Thanks to Empid for answering our interview questions. We (Jennie and Eddie) of the Birdfreak Team started birding at a young age as our parents took us to various natural areas to explore. It is crucial to convince other young kids to not just be interested in birds but to pursue an active outdoor lifestyle that includes being conservationists.
Look for future young birder interviews as well as more features from young birders, including Dakota.
Who Was John James Audubon?
April 26, 2008
Article in: Birding
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.
Who Is Cassidy Bird Nut?
April 21, 2008
Article in: Birding
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? This is our third interview with a young birder, Cassidy Bird Nut.
White-breasted Nuthatch for this Bird Nut
1. What age were you when you started birding? What is your current age?
I was 5 when I got interested in birding and birds. I currently am 13.
2. How did you get started in birding?
I got interested in birding on a trip across the US in our car when I was 5. I taught myself to read in National Geographic’s Birds of North America.
3. What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is the Golden Eagle, I finally saw the majestic bird in Denali National Park in Alaska.
4. How often do you go birding?
As often as I can; I never stop birding!
5. Who do you go birding with?
I usually go birding either alone or with my family.
6. Is there a bird club in your area and are you a member?
In western Massachusetts there are some bird clubs: the Hampshire Bird Club (I was a member) and a bird club in a nature building called the Hitchcock Center (I was also a member of that club and went on numerous “field trips” to places around the area).
7. Do you have a life list and if so, how many are on it?
I do have a life list and it is at 554 (including Mexico).
8. Do your family or friends also enjoy birding?
My family (including my grandparents) also enjoy birding and they drive me places.
9. Is the environmental field (including birding) part of your future career goal?
The environmental field (mostly birding) is very important for me and it is my main future career goal.
10. How would you get other young people interested in birding?
I would get other youngsters like me into birding by either starting a bird club or helping them identify birds in the field.
Check out Cassidy Bird Nut’s amazing blog!!
A big thanks goes out to Cassidy Bird Nut and if any other young birder (12-18) wants to be featured, contact us [birdfreak at birdfreak dot com]
32-year-old Veery
April 6, 2008
Article in: Birding
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.
Who is Nebraska Tim?
March 20, 2008
Article in: Birding
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!
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Who is Birdman Jon?
March 13, 2008
Article in: Birding
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!
Jonathan Harris (Birdman Jon)
- What age were you when you started birding? What is your current age?
- How did you get started in birding?
I started birding at the age of 11. Now I am 15
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!
Who Was Helmut Sick?
January 10, 2008
Article in: Birding
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.
Snowy Owl is 30!
November 11, 2007
Article in: Birding
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.
