Born in Iowa but raised in Texas, John’s early life is summed up perfectly by the saying “I wasn’t born in Texas, but got here as fast as I could.” Son of an ornithologist, John was out watching birds with his father at an early age. Birding trips to Mexico (including an encounter with a Gray-collared Becard) cemented his interest in learning to identify, and eventually study, birds.
John got his B.S. from the University of Texas – Pan American in Fall 2013, and is aiming to go back and get his Master’s. One of his main interests is how we can make our urban areas better for bird diversity. He currently works at Quinta Mazatlan, a birding and nature center in McAllen, with the goal of enriching people’s lives by sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas.
Nothing makes John happier than enjoying the incredible biodiversity of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, whether it’s the canopy of a Texas Ebony or the loud calls of a Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, and he is thrilled to be able to share that beauty and excitement with others.
