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Tim Baird has been a NYSOA member for over 20 years serving the organization in a variety of positions ranging from president to newsletter editor to Marketing and Publicity chair. He also was a member of the Steering Committee for the second NYS Breeding Bird Atlas. Tim's fascination with birds and nature is matched by his enjoyment of other people who share that passion, which has been a key reason for his long involvement in NYSOA.
How long have you been a NYSOA member?
“I have been a member of this organization for over 20 years. When I joined, NYSOA was then known as The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs. At the time I started my journey with NYSOA, the organization’s governance transitioned from the traditional officers to officers and a Board of Directors.”
What positions have you held in the organization?
“I have been a Director for a few terms over the years. As an officer I have held the positions of Corresponding Secretary (no longer an office), Vice President, and President. I edited New York Birders for nine years. I have worked on committees, including the chair for Marketing and Publicity and Membership. I was privileged to sit on the Steering Committee for the second New York State Breeding Bird Atlas Project coordinated by NYSOA.”
What keeps you involved in NYSOA?
“I would say that the people I have interacted with through this organization have been my motivation for remaining an active member. The officers, directors, committee members and other volunteers that I have met over the years have been an impressive and dedicated group. They bring expertise and knowledge that is exceptional. All have been most welcoming and a joy to associate with. I appreciate that NYSOA is an important force keeping New York’s birding community together and an advocate for environmental enhancement that benefits birds and people alike. I enjoy the annual meetings of NYSOA and seeing the enthusiasm and comradery of New York’s birding community.”
How long have you been interested in birds?
“Nature has always been a focus of my life. Birds rose to the top of my interest in nature years ago when my attention was drawn to a few small birds working their way through the trees along a path on a cold winter morning. Prior to this encounter, I would have considered these nondescript birds some type of sparrow and left it at that. This time I looked a little more carefully at the birds and was intrigued by a bright yellow spot on the top of their heads. My Peterson guide led me to the identification of Golden-crowned Kinglets. This event sparked an interest in learning more about birds and bird identification that has continued for more than 50 years.”
Do you have a favorite species of bird?
“That question is akin to asking me; who is your favorite child? No two species of birds are the same, and all have qualities that are unique and endearing. I do have a fondness for the wood warblers. I am still excited every spring and fall as this group transitions between their winter and summer homes.”
What is your favorite place to go birding in NYS?
“As I live near Allegany State Park in southwestern New York, this park has been my go to place for birds. It is New York’s largest state park and provides habitats that attract many species. At roughly 60,000 acres and 90% mature forest, warblers, thrushes, and a wide variety of other species find the park a haven. I take what John Burroughs wrote to heart; “The walk you take today, … you should take tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. What you miss once you will hit upon the next time.”
Does anyone else in your family share your interest in birds?
“No one in my immediate family has the birder ‘disease’ to the extent of my affliction. However, my wife Beth and my three children and their families are all casually interested in birds and have great respect for all of nature’s value to human kind.”
What do you do for a living?
“I am a retired science teacher. Being retired makes it difficult to nail down what I do all day. I enjoy nature photography and reading. I continue to present nature related programs to many bird clubs, nature groups and garden clubs in my local area and occasionally throughout New York State. As the current Vice President of NYSOA, I continue to be an active participant in the governing of our organization.”
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