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?
- What is your favorite bird?
- How often do you go birding?
- Who do you go birding with?
- Is there a bird club in your area and are you a member?
- Do you have a life list and if so, how many are on it?
- Do your family or friends also enjoy birding?
- Is the environmental field (including birding) part of your future career goal?
- How would you get other young people interested 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!
My favorite bird would be the eastern screech owl! The reason why is I think it is his fault that he got me into such a great hobby! And also, I always thought that they were very interesting about there color morph.
I try to go birding every day! If I can. But mostly I go birding after school.
Just myself.
Nope. But I am part of the Audubon.
Yes I do and 122 birds are on it!
Oh yes they do!
I have not decided yet.
At boy scouts I teach the bird study merit badge and my fellow scouts really like birds!
Thank you Jonathan and if you are a young birder (under 18) please contact us and we would be glad to speak with you!!
To promote bird conservation through conservation marketing. By showing people the joys of birding, we hope to bring people and nature together, instead of at odds.
**Illinois Beach State Park in SEPT**
All About Birds
Lab Redesign Blog
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
You GO, Jonathon! Bird on! Glad to hear you’re so excited about the field.
Thanks to the Birdfreak team for posting this insightful interview.
HOORAY for the brown headed nuthatches! (Okay, so I’m partial to them ‘cuz they’re nesting near my house…Sue me! *L*)
Thanks for bringing Jonathan’s story to us! You do such a great job encouraging young people to enjoy the birds. Keep it up!
Thanks birdfreak team!!!
Jonathan,
Great shot of the brown-headed nuthatch! You are an excellent photographer. You have great things ahead of you!
Mark
Lana - We can see the Brown-headed Nuthatches only through you guys, so thanks!
Zen - Thanks so much, we hope to highlight more great young birders!
Birdman Jon - No, thank YOU for the interview!
Mark - We agree he is a fine photographer!
Liked the interview-good for you Jonathan!-You are the future.
Larry - You’re so right, he is the future! It is so great that he is into birding!
Excellent photos, and how awesome that we get to read interviews with young birders! Thanks to both Birdman Jon and the Birdfreak team for bringing a new perspective to bird blogging. Well done!
Iris - you are so very welcome and we plan to feature as many young birders as possible!!
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