I interviewed Corina Newsome who is the Hood Naturalist (@Hood_Naturalist) and Community Engagement Manager for Georgia Audubon. She is a Birder and Biologist that is studying the roles of climate change and predation on MacGillivray seaside sparrows.
Why did you decide to study that?
I knew I wanted to help birds survive in a changing world and was drawn to seaside sparrows as people and animals that live on the coast are at the most risk of climate change.
Why are you so fascinated by birds?
Birds have unexpected characteristics. Few people realize how diverse they are. They are fragile beings filled with air sacs, but can do the most remarkable physical feats. Looking for birds is like going on a treasure hunt.
What is your favorite bird and why?
Blue Jays. They are the first bird I studied in college and I had no idea how interesting they are. Blue Jays, Crows and Ravens are Corvids. Their cognition is intriguing. They are great mimics and they use tools. Blue Jays will often mimic the sound of a Red Shoulder Hawk to move songbirds away from a bird feeder.
What is your favorite migratory bird and why?
The Ruby Throated Hummingbird. They are so fragile and weigh almost nothing but do incredible physical feats like migrate across the Gulf.
How do you get kids interested in birds and conservation? Is there a difference when talking to kids in underserved communities?
The best way to connect with people of all ages is to share my natural excitement and enthusiasm about birds. I am from an urban, low-income family in Philadelphia. I can find common ground with people from underserved communities. I am an educator and a scientist and I share my background as well as my expertise.
What is your role at Georgia Audubon and what is your favorite thing to do?
As the Community Engagement Manager I connect people with the outdoors. I co-ordinate community projects in education and conservation. Seeing people get excited by birds lights my fire.
Is there a story that you like to tell about birds?
I did an Orthinology class in Ohio in 2015. I became an avid birder and spent a year trying to find the Pileated Woodpecker. On the radio I heard that someone had heard its call in a nearby forest. This was in the middle of a blizzard but I drove through the snow storm. I trekked into the forest and when I saw it for the first time I just fell to my knees in the snow and wept.
How can the community follow you and help you and birds?
Even people who live in the city can help birds by planting wildlife-friendly native plants no matter how big or small their place is. Keep cats indoors. Hummingbird feeders are good but don’t put dye into the mixture, just use a sugar water solution. Keep bird-baths and feeders clean. Place feeders relatively close to windows – if the bird hits the window it won’t have the momentum to really hurt itself. The American Bird Conservancy has great resources to make backyards safe.
I am on Instagram and Twitter at: @Hood_Naturalist.