The individuals behind the atlas effort are just as interesting as the birds we’re observing. Every atlaser brings a distinct set of talents to the project, and there is no single “type” of person who gets involved. This spotlight features Regional Coordinator, Brendan Fogarty.
Name:
Brendan Fogarty
Home County:
(The) Nassau County
Role in the atlas:
Regional Coordinator, Long Island and NYC
How you started birding:
My parents took me on guided nature walks and bought me the National Geographic Birds of North America to their later woe back in 2001. I think I got in at a good time, just when lots of resources became available online. I did walks with the local Audubon Societies and spent four years on the board of Huntington Oyster-Bay Audubon. I was lucky to attend Cornell University, where most of my roommates were birders and kept my interest going strong.
Favorite birds:
It is always a cruel question, but I usually say American Goldfinch for what I perceive as their unbridled joy as they bounce around and carol about potato chips.
Motivation for being a Regional Coordinator:
Wanting to be more present and observant in my birding, and making a difference in conservation with citizen science. Also the glory.
Prior atlas experience:
I began birding during the second New York Breeding Bird Atlas, although I was an aloof tweenager and totally missed it.
What you are most excited for in the third atlas:
Feverishly blockbusting Otsego County in September 2024.
A favorite non-birding thing to do:
When large gull identification feels too easy I sit down and practice the uilleann (or Irish) pipes.