Gemma Radko is the Communications and Media Manager at American Bird Conservancy and lives in Ijamsville, Frederick County.
What made you interested in birds?
I developed a fascination with birds when I was around nine years old, living in Canoga Park, California. Our neighbors across the street had hummingbird feeders, and I used to go over and watch the hummingbirds with them.
What’s the best thing about atlasing?
I love atlasing because it gives you a better understanding of different species’ nesting habits and behaviors.
What bird reflects your personality?
Yellow-breasted Chat—I love to laugh, but prefer to remain inconspicuous. I have also been compared to a Phainopepla because I have black hair that tends to stick up.
In addition to binoculars and a field guide, what would you take atlasing?
I would take my iPhone, so that I could eBird and take photos.
What is today’s biggest conservation issue?
Habitat loss, hands down. We need to permanently protect important breeding, wintering, and migratory stopover sites for all birds—so much has been lost to overdevelopment. We also need to work on slowing climate change, which is modifying and even eliminating bird habitats.
Have you been involved with other atlases?
Yes, I was involved with the previous two Maryland and DC atlas efforts.
What bird do you particularly like?
So tough to narrow down…I really love Black-throated Blue Warblers—the male looks like a piece of jewelry, while the female has a subtler beauty that I enjoy seeing just as much.
Where is your favorite place to atlas?
Little Bennett Regional Park in Montgomery County has long been one of my favorite spots.
If you could pick anyone to go atlasing with for a day, who would it be?
It’s a tie between Claire Wolfe and Jim Green.