This July we're featuring stories from our supporters, donors and volunteers as part of our "Birds of a Feather - Voices for Audubon North Carolina" series. Thank you to our supporters for sharing their stories of how they fell in love with birding, the importance of conservation, and why supporting Audubon is such a critical resource for North Carolina
In my adolescence, my father decided to build a bird feeding station just beyond the bay windows, outside the breakfast nook. None of us was interested in birds much before that, but soon we witnessed the fabulous show there that eventually had us all hanging out in the nook any time of day to watch those colorful birds zooming in for a snack.
Now, in our old age, we are all avid birders. In fact, I have been chair of several committees in my local bird club, and as a longtime member of the Audubon Society. I maintain the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society's beautiful Natural Area Trail designated as the "Tom Hilmer Memorial Trail "and participate in many of their activities. My incredible experiences with Audubon members like Ann Walter-Fromson, Dennis Burnette and Jack Jezorek have introduced me to a plethora of fantastic natural wonders from insects to whales (I love the diversity of Audubon!).
I've seen too many precious creatures become tragically and preventably extinct. So when my kids and I went fishing along the coast we worked with the folks setting up protection for nesting birds and turtles. Now they are avid wildlife observers and protectors, too. By the way--a person can be both an avid surf fisher and preservationist at the same time!
My wonderful father raised me hunting, and we loved it. However, as I aged I transposed my cross-hairs onto a camera lens, so now I watch those trophies grow from year to year without stopping their development and yet they hang on my walls.
I like the way Audubon favors preservation so I will always be an active and supporting member. Audubon's activities enhance the quality of life of humans through maintaining the quality of life of our wild inhabitants!!!!
