Young Birder Profile
Spotlight on Elliott Miller, age 14

Golden Wings: At what age did you start birding?
Elliott Miller: I started birding at age 10, with my mother and brother.

GW: What or who sparked your interest in birds?
EM: Larry Richardson and Henry Burton. My family was walking at Sandy Ridge Preservation when we ran into them while they where watching warblers.

GW: Have you had birding mentors or heroes who helped you?
EM: Everyone at BSBO has been very helpful, and, of course, Kim and Kenn Kaufman.

GW: Do you have a favorite bird, and, if so, what is it and what makes it your favorite?
EM: The American Kestrel is a small falcon, and it is my favorite, because it is such a nice looking bird, and it was one of the first birds I saw.

GW: Where is you favorite place to bird?
EM: Magee Marsh during warbler season.

GW: What bird would you most like to see, and why?
EM: The Kirtland's Warbler, because I have always wanted to see it. My brother has, and I haven't.

GW: Do you have any other interests/hobbies?
EM: Wildlife photography, fishing, hunting, and sports.

GW: Are any of your friends or family members birders?
EM: My mother and brother are birders, but my friends from school are not interested.

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?
EM: Besides members of the OYBC, most teenagers are not interested. Maybe if they saw how cool it was, they would be more interested.

GW: Have you taken any birding trips out of state?
EM: Yes. I’ve been to Illinois, New Hampshire, upper New York, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

GW: Have you attended any birding conventions or conferences, and if so, what were they?
EM: Two OYBC conferences, Shreve Migration Sensation, and Paul Smith’s conference in New York.

GW: Besides the OYBC, what other organizations do you belong to?
EM: The National Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation.

GW: Where do you go to school?
EM: Avon High School

GW: Do you plan to attend college, and if so, where?
EM: I do plan on going to college, but I am not sure where yet.

GW: Do you have a job somewhere?
EM: Currently, no.

GW: What is your dream job?
EM: Most likely something involving the outdoors.

GW: If your dream job isn’t related to birding, do you think you will still be a birder once you have your dream job?
EM: Of course.

GW: Do you have a favorite book, and if so, what is it?
EM: The Chocolate War.

GW: Do you have a favorite movie, and if so, what is it and why?
EM – Yes; Taken, directed by Pierre Morel. It is my favorite, because it is filled with action and suspense.

GW: What’s your favorite place to eat?
EM: Chipotle

GW: What are your favorite Websites?
EM: Facebook

GW: Do you have any pets, and if so, what are they?
EM: I have three dogs: Bob, Tracker, and Hunter

GW: Do you volunteer anywhere?
EM: Not currently

GW: Do you keep a life list, and, if so, how many birds are on it?
EM: Yes; around 250 and growing.

GW: Besides the monthly field trips and annual conference that we schedule, what else can the OYBC offer to their members?
EM: I think that is good.