Em has loved birds for as long as he can remember, often choosing to read field guides cover-to-cover in school instead of novels. He has traveled widely—to Iceland, Finland, Australia, and across the United States—to experience new species, keeping detailed lists of his sightings since 2020. Just as much, he enjoys exploring local birding spots and is passionate about improving backyard habitat through native planting and climate-wise land management.
He has spent multiple seasons in the field, conducting Reed Warbler nest surveys in Finland and completing hawk counts at Hawk Ridge. As a trained statistician, Em has analyzed population and genetic trends in multiple bird species. In 2023, he began leading walks through his local Wild Birds Unlimited, where he especially enjoys sharing discoveries with guests—and learning from them as well. He has also developed birding materials for children and finds fulfillment working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
A particular area of interest for Em is birding by ear. He can readily identify Eastern U.S. birds by sight and sound, and hopes to master flyover warbler and sparrow calls in the future. When in the field, he is always tuned in to insects, native plants, and fungi—not only fascinating in their own right, but also valuable clues to where the next bird might be found.
