Brad

Brad's grandparents are well-known in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. He was humble, but his friends pointed out to me that "the seas part" when you mention their name. I could tell he'd been exposed to birds early, and asked about his story. He showed me that his well-worn binoculars were inscribed with paternal initials. Pretty cool, using a family heirloom to go birding every day!

What got you started birding? 

My dad was into it in the early 80's. I got to travel with him a lot. My dad wanted me to get to 500 and then I could take a break.

I got away from it in high school and college. Now, being in the professional field it's a nice hobby and a nice tension breaker from regular everyday work. I'm trying to get back into it and travel with my friends and we're getting to see America again and see all the different species and some new stuff.

What advice would you give someone who is new to birding?

You have to go to different habitats to see different birds. Once you get local spot down is try different habitats and different times of year you'll get to see a variety of [birds] that move in and out.

Birding is...

FUN! Birding is relaxing. Birding is an adventure, it's anything you want it to be.