A Message from Naturalist Tait Johansson

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Here at Bedford Audubon, we are grateful for the wonderful people who make up our community of nature lovers. Whether you interact with us through bird walks, garden events, workshops, research, or in any other way, it means we’ve fulfilled our mission of connecting you with nature. Tait Johansson shares a little bit of his personal history and the conservation, educational, and scientific work he leads as our naturalist-in-residence. Without your support, Tait’s work, and that of our organization, would not be possible.

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Dear Friends,

I imagine we all have a story about how we came to love birds.

When I was 10, my grandparents gave me a bird feeder and some clunky, old binoculars. Instantly, I was hooked. That winter, I pored over my Peterson’s Guide, learning the birds at the feeder, and daydreaming about what might show up in spring. When spring finally came, to my amazement, the yard and woods and fields were crammed full of colorful, singing birds I had never even noticed before.

After joining our local Audubon chapter, many of the folks there “took me under their wing” and shared their knowledge and passion for birding. (I was gratified to discover I was immediately a help to them too, as many were older and couldn’t hear high-pitched bird sounds as well as a 10 year old could.)

As a part of Bedford Audubon Society, you understand the value of birds to connect people with nature. Your support allows us to offer countless opportunities to enrich people’s lives through the wonders of nature.

This holiday season, won’t you please make a donation to Bedford Audubon? Your gift will directly impact birds and wildlife while enriching the lives of people in our community.

It has been my honor to serve as Naturalist-in-Residence here at Bedford Audubon for nearly 19 years. One of my favorite things about my work is to host bird walks and field trips. I find sharing the delight of seeing and/or hearing birds in nature with like-minded folks to be deeply rewarding.

I am proud to be part of an organization that protects 600 acres of sanctuary. Between the intense deer browse and invasive plants, it is a real challenge to defend our shrublands and forest understory, both essential habitats for declining birds such as the Blue-winged Warbler, Field Sparrow, Wood Thrush, and Eastern Towhee.  But all of these species, and many more, find vital habitat on our land, as we manage it for them.

With 7.8 billion people in the world now (and counting) wildlife habitat continues to dwindle rapidly. But birding is an accessible way to get people interested in nature, and then to start caring more about acting to protect it. Birds are beautiful, colorful, they fly, they sing… To me, they are the most charismatic ambassadors for nature we have.

When you make a donation to Bedford Audubon, you support crucial conservation and land management efforts that will sustain many bird species for years to come.

Thank you for being part of Bedford Audubon – your local Audubon chapter. Together we can inspire the next generation of nature lovers! Please donate today.

Sincerely,

Tait Johansson
Naturalist-in-Residence

Photo Credits: Suzy Allman