Animal Instinct
The Fledging Birders Institute
This week on Animal Instinct, host Celia Kutcher is joined by Dave Magpiong of the Fledging Birders Institute.
Over a decade ago, a single Gray Catbird changed the trajectory of Dave Magpiong's life - leading him on a mission to bring the joy and benefits of birdwatching to others. From writing for local outlets to leading walks, his first efforts focused on southern New Jersey but ultimately grew to impact people around the world. Dave has been involved in many bird outreach activities such as the Bird Education Network (BEN) Bulletin and Winter Bird Count for Kids. After founding the Fledging Birders Institute, he organized a series of Focus on Diversity: Changing the Face of American Birding Conferences, which were aimed at making birdwatching a more inclusive activity. He was also a co-founder of the Pledge to Fledge initiative which inspired new birders on every continent (but Antarctica!)
"Unlike almost any other hobby...if you're a birdwatcher, you get payback every single time you go out. I don't know any other hobby that has that kind of rate of return." [21:10] – Dave Magpiong
