Mardi Dickinson presented the first Thrushy Award to Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Positioned uniquely to survey much of the birding world today, BirdCallsRadio established a new award that celebrates people who deserve greater recognition for their significant contributions in the realm of birding, conservation, the environment, natural history, and science. In response, BirdCallsRadio presented the first Thrushy Award to Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) May 9th during The Biggest Week in American Birding Festival in northwest Ohio.

In recognition for 30 years of work in support of the birding community, science, and conservation, BirdCallsRadio noted that “From the start, with a clipboard in hand, Kimberly Kaufman began volunteering with the state wildlife agency to monitor Bald Eagles nesting near her home. She trained as a bird bander and worked as a researcher at BSBO. She helped to grow the organization with a first class focus on conservation, community outreach, education, and science, through birding field trips and programs, bird banding efforts, young birders clubs, and local environmental lobbying efforts,” noted BirdCallsRadio’s Mardi Dickinson during the award presentation. “Further, Kimberly led BSBO as it incubated and developed The Biggest Week in American Birding Festival that marked its 10th anniversary this May.”

The Biggest Week in American Birding Festival is now an event with regional, national and international recognition that draws tens of thousands of birders and is likely the largest and the best-attended birding event in the United States, added Dickinson. The Biggest Week has dramatically changed the regional outlook on the birding community, which is evidenced by the press coverage and the proven economic benefits to the region.

“In our society we don’t do enough to recognize the roles of women as leaders,” Mardi noted. “Today, we move forward by recognizing all Kimberly Kaufman has done and is doing for birding, conservation, the environment, and science.”

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BirdCallsRadio has aired 170 shows with more than 284 guests interviewed since its inception in 2011. During that time, BirdCallsRadio developed a unique voice in all matters relating to wild birds and conservation. With a vision to present a broad scope and in-depth content, they continue to interview interesting, forward-thinking guests including birders, authors, educators, photographers, artists, scientists, and organization leaders to share a window into the community with interested listeners.

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