Here’s a great article about Bob Janssen, a 79-year-old birder from Minnesota who has been birding since his teenage years. “Citizen birder” has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Corey is a New Yorker who lived most of his life in upstate New York but has lived in Queens since 2008. He's only been birding since 2005 but has garnered a respectable life list by birding whenever he wasn't working as a union representative or spending time with his family. He lives in Forest Hills with Daisy and Desmond Shearwater. His bird photographs have appeared on the Today Show, in Birding, Living Bird Magazine, Bird Watcher's Digest, and many other fine publications. He is also the author of the American Birding Association Field Guide to the Birds of New York.
Well, as long as you do not expect to get paid, that is. We are looking to add new writers. Please contact us for details if you are interested.
I saw my first Varied Thrush in Bob’s sister’s yard in Omaha–many, many years ago now. Great to see him getting some well-deserved attention!
Having had the good fortune to bird with Bob on a few occasions, I can say that he is truly a super guy who proudly allows his birding passion to shine for all to see. He also is an enthusiastic teacher with a great sense of humor.
I’m happy to see Bob getting some well deserved attention for his contributions for the birds, and the hobby.
Way to go Bob and looking forward to seeing you in Milbank!
Joe
Madison, NE
Yeah, this is a great article; it doesn’t fall into the easy trap of belittling birding or treating it as an outlandish curiosity.