Ornithology

Question

1.) What is your major field of expertise and how did you become interested in it? 2.) What suggestions do you have for students who wish to become involved in your field of study?

Answer

Most of my training and formal expertise are in ornithology, especially taxonomy and general natural history of North American birds. Since my first word was "owl" I have to say I've been interested all my life, but what really set me on the path to study birds was catching sight of a Great Blue Heron lifting off a marsh. Suddenly I wanted to know everything about that bird, and all birds. Students who want to become involved in ornithology, or any of the subsections of biology, should get as broad a background in general science and math as they can. In High School and at least the first couple years of college, you should get a broad background. It's amazing how much I need to know about entomology, botany and other subjects to answer questions about birds. Depending on your particular interest, for most positions at least a Bachelor's is necessary, an M.S. or Ph.D. might be needed. There are lots of volunteer and other opportunities available, though, that can be done either part or full time. It really depends on your level and direction of interest. A good resource to start an investigation would be BirdNet, athttp://www.nmnh.si.edu/BirdNet