“The more birds I saw, the more I wanted to know about them,” recalls John Bloomfield, a birder of fifteen years.

By Marissa Pensirikul

Background

John’s passion for birding intensified during a day spent photographing shorebirds on the beach. He had photographed birds prior to that day. Likely, he had photographed countless birds! However, that day was about to change his life. He remembered seeing, really seeing a great blue heron, and realizing that this was not the first one he saw, but the first one he paid attention to.

The bird that started it all. Photo by John Bloomfield.

Since then, John immersed himself in birding life. From taking photos that enhance the minute details of their plumage to excelling at the Master Birder program that improved his identification skills and scientific knowledge. As he continued to learn, he also wanted to give back. John has been an integral part of Audubon organizations in New Jersey, South Carolina, and now serving as the Board President of Travis Audubon.

Involvement with Travis Audubon

When John visited Reimers Ranch for the first time he remembered being in wonderment at the rocky, rugged terrain. He imagined what life must have looked like 150 years ago compared to today. The primary distinction: our relationship with birds.

To create an inclusive environment, John raises a vital question to the public “as birding becomes more popular, how do we make birding more accessible?” He tells a story of when birding with friends or strangers a common shared experience occurs in understanding a part of the world differently but together. It is through these experiences that he encourages Travis Audubon in becoming a reflection of the community where everybody is welcome. “As a board member, there is value to protecting and enhancing the organization’s reputation.” Additional board member duties involve ensuring the health of an organization through advocacy, education, and funding capabilities. A friendly reminder that Travis Audubon holds an open process for board member nominations.

Where is your favorite spot to bird?  

Hornsby Bend. John’s face lit up with excitement and passion as he raved about his favorite birding spot in town. Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory is located on 1,200 acres of land at Austin Water’s Center for Environmental Research. The center’s projects include biosolids and soil studies, hydrogeology of the Colorado River, riparian research, and avian ecology. The site was originally built for their biosolids facility and now produces the commercial compost Dillo Dirt. If one can acquire the taste, as John laughs, then this area serves as an excellent opportunity to watch birds. Due to its variety of environments, like retention ponds and open fields, Hornsby Bend is considered one of the best spots to bird in the state.

What advice would you give someone new to birding?

John stresses the importance that everyone should have a fun time. “You only get to be new at something once.” He emphasizes that no one should ever lose wonderment and curiosity in learning new things.

John notes that his favorite bird is the one that started it all: the great blue heron.