13th Annual OYBC Conference
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Toledo, OH
Speakers
Keynote
TOM JOHNSON
Tom Johnson grew up surrounded by birds in central Pennsylvania. Fascinated by science and the outdoors from a young age, and encouraged by his mom and dad, his obsession with birds took hold at an early age. He banded migrant landbirds and owls, conducted point counts for the second Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, and set off on many road trips to learn about North American birds. Tom was fortunate to complete his undergraduate studies at Cornell University within the inspiring orbit of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Following university, Tom surveyed desert birds in Arizona and California and studied seabirds from NOAA ships between Nova Scotia and the Bahamas. He is an eBird reviewer, a regional editor for North American Birds, a regular contributor to Birding, and a member of the ABA Checklist Committee.
Now living in Maryland, Tom devotes his energy to recording bird sounds, photographing flying birds, searching for vagrants and puzzling hybrids, night birding, and reading as much as he can. He’s an inveterate road tripper and frequently looks for excuses to travel long distances in pursuit of birds and mammals. You might also find him on a boat looking for tubenoses and other seabirds just about anywhere.
Tom loves helping others pursue their passion for birding and the outdoors, and has felt lucky to lead tours for Field Guides around the world since 2014. Though he focuses on the Neotropics and North America, Tom has a diverse schedule that includes Antarctica, India, Australia, and more.
Tom Johnson grew up surrounded by birds in central Pennsylvania. Fascinated by science and the outdoors from a young age, and encouraged by his mom and dad, his obsession with birds took hold at an early age. He banded migrant landbirds and owls, conducted point counts for the second Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, and set off on many road trips to learn about North American birds. Tom was fortunate to complete his undergraduate studies at Cornell University within the inspiring orbit of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Following university, Tom surveyed desert birds in Arizona and California and studied seabirds from NOAA ships between Nova Scotia and the Bahamas. He is an eBird reviewer, a regional editor for North American Birds, a regular contributor to Birding, and a member of the ABA Checklist Committee.
Now living in Maryland, Tom devotes his energy to recording bird sounds, photographing flying birds, searching for vagrants and puzzling hybrids, night birding, and reading as much as he can. He’s an inveterate road tripper and frequently looks for excuses to travel long distances in pursuit of birds and mammals. You might also find him on a boat looking for tubenoses and other seabirds just about anywhere.
Tom loves helping others pursue their passion for birding and the outdoors, and has felt lucky to lead tours for Field Guides around the world since 2014. Though he focuses on the Neotropics and North America, Tom has a diverse schedule that includes Antarctica, India, Australia, and more.
Conference Emcee
ETHAN RISING
Ethan Rising is a 17 year old birder born and raised in Cincinnati. Ethan’s fascination with birds began when a preschool teacher taught a unit on the Bald Eagle; his interest has now lasted over thirteen years! Ethan has attended the Biggest Week in American Birding since he was in third grade and now helps as a guide for the festival. In addition to birding much of the United States, Ethan has also had the opportunity to bird abroad in Ecuador and Costa Rica. His interest in birds has since expanded to include all wildlife. Besides birding, he enjoys photography, fishing, and baseball. Ethan is a senior at The Seven Hills School in Cincinnati and plans to pursue a career in environmental science.
Ethan Rising is a 17 year old birder born and raised in Cincinnati. Ethan’s fascination with birds began when a preschool teacher taught a unit on the Bald Eagle; his interest has now lasted over thirteen years! Ethan has attended the Biggest Week in American Birding since he was in third grade and now helps as a guide for the festival. In addition to birding much of the United States, Ethan has also had the opportunity to bird abroad in Ecuador and Costa Rica. His interest in birds has since expanded to include all wildlife. Besides birding, he enjoys photography, fishing, and baseball. Ethan is a senior at The Seven Hills School in Cincinnati and plans to pursue a career in environmental science.
Student Presentations
RAUL CASTRO-DEAN
I first identified a Red-winged Blackbird when I was four years old and have enjoyed birds ever since. Field trips are a big part of my home school curriculum, and I enjoy birding both in Ohio and in Guatemala where I was born. My favorite U.S. bird is a Northern Saw-whet Owl and my favorite Guatemala bird is a Pink-headed Warbler. At Camp Colorado I was excited to see a Brown-capped Rosy Finch.
I first identified a Red-winged Blackbird when I was four years old and have enjoyed birds ever since. Field trips are a big part of my home school curriculum, and I enjoy birding both in Ohio and in Guatemala where I was born. My favorite U.S. bird is a Northern Saw-whet Owl and my favorite Guatemala bird is a Pink-headed Warbler. At Camp Colorado I was excited to see a Brown-capped Rosy Finch.
ELIZABETH KANZEG
Elizabeth serves on the student advisory board for the central chapter of OYBC. She loves the study of languages, the intersection of history with the arts, and boba tea. She recently appeared on the web series "Birds of North America" and has been blogging at birdiesfinchesandferns.blogspot.com for five years.
Elizabeth serves on the student advisory board for the central chapter of OYBC. She loves the study of languages, the intersection of history with the arts, and boba tea. She recently appeared on the web series "Birds of North America" and has been blogging at birdiesfinchesandferns.blogspot.com for five years.
KAYLEE MCCASKEY
Kaylee McCaskey began officially birding at the age of 11 through a 4-H project. Now 16, she has enjoyed birding in 48 states and 5 countries. Kaylee's passion is not limited to birds: she also enjoys searching for land and aquatic invertebrates, fungus, and herps. Her eventual goals include educating the public about the importance of conservation, possibly via a zoology degree.
Kaylee McCaskey began officially birding at the age of 11 through a 4-H project. Now 16, she has enjoyed birding in 48 states and 5 countries. Kaylee's passion is not limited to birds: she also enjoys searching for land and aquatic invertebrates, fungus, and herps. Her eventual goals include educating the public about the importance of conservation, possibly via a zoology degree.
MATTHEW RICE
Matthew Rice is a 7th grader at Hastings Middle School, in Upper Arlington, Ohio. He's been a birder for six years, and loves adding species to his life list. When he isn't birding, he's usually thinking about space and astronomy. Matthew loves to share his knowledge of birds and wildlife with others, and hopes to some day be an ornithologist and naturalist.
Matthew Rice is a 7th grader at Hastings Middle School, in Upper Arlington, Ohio. He's been a birder for six years, and loves adding species to his life list. When he isn't birding, he's usually thinking about space and astronomy. Matthew loves to share his knowledge of birds and wildlife with others, and hopes to some day be an ornithologist and naturalist.
ConTAC Panel Discussion
ZAK BEAVER
Zak Beaver is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who enjoys fishing, birding, kayaking, horseback riding, gardening and the shooting sports. He is heavily involved in 4H at the state and county level where his 2019 awards include: State Champion- skeet shooting and dog rally, County Champion- Dog Obedience, County Best in Show- gardening and agriculture. This year, Zak was appointed to the ODNR Director’s Conservation Teen Advisory Council (ConTAC) and he is a member of the Columbus Police Explorers Program.
Zak Beaver is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who enjoys fishing, birding, kayaking, horseback riding, gardening and the shooting sports. He is heavily involved in 4H at the state and county level where his 2019 awards include: State Champion- skeet shooting and dog rally, County Champion- Dog Obedience, County Best in Show- gardening and agriculture. This year, Zak was appointed to the ODNR Director’s Conservation Teen Advisory Council (ConTAC) and he is a member of the Columbus Police Explorers Program.
HELENA SOUFFRANT
Helena has been a member of OYBC for five years. She is part of the Northeast Chapter. In addition to birding, Helena enjoys hiking, kayaking, and playing music. Helena is excited to represent ConTAC on the very first OYBC Conference panel discussion!
Helena has been a member of OYBC for five years. She is part of the Northeast Chapter. In addition to birding, Helena enjoys hiking, kayaking, and playing music. Helena is excited to represent ConTAC on the very first OYBC Conference panel discussion!
KATELYN SHELTON
My name is Katelyn Shelton. Being 17 years old, I am a junior in high school and have been a part of OYBC for nearly 4 years now. Ever since I saw an American Woodcock perform his display, birds were sparked into focus, becoming a whole-hearted passion (and hopefully a future!). Besides those lovely puffs of feather, I enjoy spending my time marching with my high school’s band, hiking, kayaking, reading, and writing.
My name is Katelyn Shelton. Being 17 years old, I am a junior in high school and have been a part of OYBC for nearly 4 years now. Ever since I saw an American Woodcock perform his display, birds were sparked into focus, becoming a whole-hearted passion (and hopefully a future!). Besides those lovely puffs of feather, I enjoy spending my time marching with my high school’s band, hiking, kayaking, reading, and writing.
Kaufman Bird ID Quiz with Kenn Kaufman |
Kaufman ID Assistants |
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JESSICA DECKER
My name is Jessica Decker. I am a Junior at Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Michigan. I started birding five years ago, and I volunteer at multiple wildlife rescue facilities. In addition to birds, I love singing, reading, and Star Wars. |
JOSH KING
Josh is an eighteen-year-old birder and wildlife photographer from Celina, Ohio. He has been birding for over ten years, but has always had a passion for wildlife and nature. Although he has birded in many places around the country, Josh still enjoys birding in his hometown and the surrounding area around Grand Lake, where he has discovered many exciting rarities, including the first successful breeding record of Black-necked Stilts in Ohio. When he is not birding, Josh also enjoys photography, fishing, and hockey.
Josh is an eighteen-year-old birder and wildlife photographer from Celina, Ohio. He has been birding for over ten years, but has always had a passion for wildlife and nature. Although he has birded in many places around the country, Josh still enjoys birding in his hometown and the surrounding area around Grand Lake, where he has discovered many exciting rarities, including the first successful breeding record of Black-necked Stilts in Ohio. When he is not birding, Josh also enjoys photography, fishing, and hockey.
MITCHELL SANGREGORY
Mitchell SanGregory is a sophomore at Bellevue High School, in Bellevue, Ohio.
He is passionate about knowing and protecting the natural world, with particular interests in entomology and ornithology (he also has a growing fondness for reptiles).
Mitchell plans to follow his passion for nature on his future career path.
Mitchell SanGregory is a sophomore at Bellevue High School, in Bellevue, Ohio.
He is passionate about knowing and protecting the natural world, with particular interests in entomology and ornithology (he also has a growing fondness for reptiles).
Mitchell plans to follow his passion for nature on his future career path.
Special Guest
DANIEL ALLARD
Daniel Allard is an active outdoorsman, conservationist, and wildlife artist. His artwork has been featured on two state duck stamps and he is four time Ducks Unlimited state sponsor artist.
2018-19 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp by Daniel Allard
Daniel Allard is an active outdoorsman, conservationist, and wildlife artist. His artwork has been featured on two state duck stamps and he is four time Ducks Unlimited state sponsor artist.
2018-19 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp by Daniel Allard
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Hosted by our partners at: |
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The Ohio EPA's Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) awarded Black Swamp Bird Observatory full funding of $35,000 for our Ohio Young Birders Club expansion.
The OEEF grant fund will enable BSBO to achieve measurable objectives that support the overall goal of expanding and enhancing the OYBC, building a brighter future for bird conservation. A portion of these funds were used to achieve the goals of the 2019 Annual Ohio Young Birders Conference. |