Birding/Expert Profile

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience in the area

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials

PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

What do you like about this subject?

Birds are something that everyone of any ability can enjoy; birds also teach about nature and conservation as well and are ecological indicators of a changing environment.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to keep learning and learning as the more I know the more I know there is to know. And I hope to keep educating the public as to the importance of birds and the environment.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Birdwatching is the fastest growing outdoor sport in the U.S.and many other countries. It is the most accessible of all outdoor sports - from children to seniors, and the fit to the physically challenged.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Birds are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and global warming.Unfortunately, at least 25% of the bird species in the U.S. are in decline.