Latest news with #birding
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gahanna teen wins national honor from American Birding Association
GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio teenager has received the nation's top honor for his outstanding efforts in the world of birding. Killian Sullivan, a 13-year-old from Gahanna, earned the prestigious American Birding Association's 2025 Young Birder of the Year award. According to the ABA's website, Sullivan won the 10- to 13-year-old age category for his work in the Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program. He received gold in the modules of conservation and community leadership and writing and a silver in illustration. Sullivan credits spotting a large black and blue songbird called a Steller's Jay at Lake Tahoe with sparking his passion for birding. He also praises his parents, Brandon and Heidi Sullivan and mentors James Muller and Ben Warner, for helping him develop his initial interest into becoming a young leader in the field. 'From the moment I saw that Steller's Jay in California, I have had incredible support,' said Sullivan. 'Because of [my parents' and mentors'] guidance and inspiration, I have been able to learn and enjoy this amazing passion. Often, I wonder if that single bird would have sparked 700 more without their lessons and encouragement.' The teen's love of travel, adventure and rock climbing has helped him thrive in the ornithology community. He has published articles in magazines, given talks at birding festivals and has been a guide for the Biggest Week in American Birding. In Columbus, he teaches a series of birding workshops for Grange Insurance Audubon Center. 'I entered ABA's Young Birder of the Year Program because I wanted to give back to the birding community,' said Sullivan. 'As a result, I wanted to create a series of resources to make birding more accessible to those just finding this beautiful adventure.' Out of the hundreds of birds he has observed in the 49 states and six Canadian provinces he has visited, Sullivan's favorite bird, the Carolina Wren, can be found in his own Ohio backyard. Other key places he likes to search for new species include southeast Arizona, New Jersey's Cape May and any pelagic, or birding by boat. Sullivan's notable skills include the ability to recognize nearly a thousand species of birds by their field marks and hundreds by their calls and songs. He has currently seen 678 species and is working on becoming the youngest person to see 700 birds in the ABA region, which includes the U.S. and Canada. Birding has inspired him to conduct research, restore habitats, create digital art and learn photography. Recently, Sullivan was filmed by MacGillivray Freeman Films for an IMAX movie that traces nature through the seasons in Ohio. Sullivan's work can be found at The American Birding Association's Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program was created to guide and encourage birders between the ages of 10 and 18. Central to the program is providing expert advice that helps develop the skills and talents of young birders. The program, which began in 1998, has a track record of advancing the careers of up-and-coming leaders in the birding and ornithological communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bringing the Bird Side of Life to All: Birdfy's Breakthrough at the 2025 Biggest Week
At the 2025 Biggest Week in American Birding, Birdfy showed it's more than a smart bird feeder — it's a movement redefining modern birding. CALIFORNIA, CA, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- At the 2025 Biggest Week in American Birding, Birdfy once again demonstrated that it's more than just a smart bird feeder brand — it's a movement making birding more inclusive, accessible, and joyful for everyone. Represented by Birdfy Brand Ambassador Gary Herritz — a wildlife photographer and Birdability Captain — the team brought both innovation and heart to thousands of attendees. As the only smart birding brand on-site, Birdfy stood out through both its technology and its meaningful human connection. Redefining Accessibility in Birding Gary, known for his advocacy in accessible birding, has worked closely with Birdfy and nonprofit partner Birdability to expand the definition of who birding is for. Their shared mission: birding should be open to everyone — regardless of physical ability, background, or experience. Since first connecting at the 2024 Biggest Week, Birdfy and Birdability have partnered to remove barriers to birding, leveraging intuitive technology and inclusive education to welcome new participants — especially those often left out of traditional outdoor recreation. Together, they're helping shift public perceptions: birding isn't a niche or elite hobby — it's a lifestyle anyone can enjoy. Gary's continued presence at events across the country has become a symbol of that message in action. Technology with a Human Touch Birdfy's booth this year was a hub of discovery. On display were their latest innovations: the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro, the eco-friendly Birdfy Feeder Bamboo, and the smart, design-forward Birdfy Nest Polygon. These products drew attention not only for their features but for the care behind their design. Visitors of all ages and abilities stopped by to explore, share stories, and connect with Gary — many returning from previous events. His deep knowledge, warm personality, and patient engagement made the brand feel personal and approachable. From spontaneous chats to thoughtful demos, the booth became more than a product showcase — it became a space where bird lovers felt understood, heard, and inspired. Building Community on the Ground Gary was honored with the Golden Hat — a mark of recognition given to official trip leaders at the festival. But more importantly, he led with empathy. As a Birdability Captain, he ensured every walk he guided felt welcoming and empowering, particularly for those new to birding or facing mobility challenges. His approach reminded participants that birding doesn't require fancy equipment or expert status. With tools like Birdfy, even those who can't always get outdoors can still enjoy nature from their window — experiencing joy, wonder, and connection in their everyday life. Looking Ahead: Innovation with Inclusion Birdfy continues to lead with a clear belief: the more people who experience birds, the better the world becomes. With smart, user-friendly products and a growing network of community partners, Birdfy is transforming birding into an accessible, enriching experience for all. Whether enabling backyard discovery or supporting inclusive outdoor walks, Birdfy is building a future where birding belongs to everyone. In 2026, Birdfy will return to the Biggest Week with even more stories, technology, and ways to inspire people to embrace the bird side of life — not just as a hobby, but as a way of living connected, curious, and in tune with nature. For more about Birdfy's work or potential partnership, visit or contact [email protected] Birdfy Press Netvue [email protected] Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
