Spring 2009 Newsletter - Young Birders Profile
Spotlight on Wyatt Miller, age 15

Golden Wings - What year did you start birding?
Wyatt Miller - May 2007.

GW - What or who sparked your interest in birds?
WM - Larry Richardson and Henry Burton at Sandy Ridge in North Ridgeville, Ohio.

GW - Have you had birding mentors or heroes who helped you?
WM - Larry Richardson, Henry Burton, and both the Kaufmans.

GW - Do you have a favorite bird, and, if so, what is it, and what makes it your favorite?
WM - I don’t really have a favorite bird, but one of my favorites is the Greater Prairie Chicken, because they are so interesting to watch.

GW - Where is you favorite place to bird?
WM – It’s probably Sandy Ridge, in North Ridgeville.

GW - What bird would you most like to see, and why?
WM - I would really like to see a Great Gray Owl.

GW - Are you interested in any other natural science areas besides birds?
WM - I like all aspects of nature.

GW - Do you have any other interests/hobbies?
WM - I enjoy playing violin, swimming, playing football, fishing, hunting, traveling, and, of course, birding.

GW - Are any of your friends or family members birders? If not, how do you handle that?
WM - My whole family enjoys watching birds!

GW - In your experience, what do most people your age think about birding? And if their view of birding isn't totally positive, what can we do to change that?
WM - Most kids my age are into nature, but I don't think they are interested enough to get into something so in-depth as birding, which is a shame. I think that by educating them at a young age they will be more interested in birds and other aspects of nature later in life.

GW - How could we get more young people interested in nature?
WM - I think that by showing kids at a young age how exciting nature can be, we can help them appreciate nature much more when they become older.

GW - Do you think the Internet can help foster a community of young birders, and if so, how?
WM - Yes, I think young people spend lots of time on the computer, and I think birder blogs may be great for young people who are interested in birds.

GW - If you could go anyplace in the world to see a bird, where would you go and what bird would you look for?
WM - I would go to the Andes Mountains to see the Andes Condor because I have always wanted to see one.

GW - Besides the OYBC, what other organizations do you belong to?
WM - The People to People Organization. I have taken two trips with them, one to Washington D.C., and one to Europe.

GW - Where do you go to school?
WM - Avon High.

GW - Do you plan to go to college, and if so, have you thought of where?
WM - I know for sure that I want to be a Marine after I graduate, and I want to go to college after that, but I'm not really sure of where.

GW - What is your dream job?
WM - I'm not really sure, but I would love to be a professional fisherman.

GW - What kind of music do you like?
WM - Classic rock, heavy metal, country western, fiddling, bluegrass, and reggae.

GW - Do you have a favorite book, and if so, what is it and why?
WM - I like any Stephen King books, like Salem's Lot, because they are scary.

GW - Do you have a favorite movie, and if so, what is it and why?
WM - My favorite movie is No Country for Old Men, because it is very exciting and I like Westerns.

GW - What's your favorite place to eat or favorite type of food?
WM - My favorite food is mac and cheese. I like to go out to Hot Dog Heaven to eat.

GW - What are your favorite websites?
WM - I really don't spend much time on the Internet, but my favorite website is probably Field and Stream.

GW - Do you have any pets?
WM - I have three dogs: Tracker, a dachshund; Bob, a standard poodle; and Hunter, a chocolate lab.

GW - Do you volunteer anywhere?
WM - No.

GW - Are you involved in any birding or nature projects?
WM - No, but I would like to be in the future.

GW - Do you keep a life list, and, if so, how many birds are on it?
WM - I have 230 birds on my USA life list book.

GW - Has becoming a member of the OYBC changed birding for you? If so, can you describe or explain how?
WM - It has, because it has allowed me to meet many very nice people who are much better birders than I am. They have all helped me learn more about birds.

GW - Besides the monthly field trips and annual conference that we schedule, what else can the OYBC offer to their members?
WM - I am very happy with my membership with the OYBC and don't know what else it could offer to members.