Robert Ridgway: When Amateur Bird Watching Became a Rigorous Science with Brian “Fox” Ellis

Brian “Fox” Ellis becomes Robert Ridgway, Illinois’ most pre-eminent bird man, and recalls the history of the Audubon Society and the evolution of bird watching as it grew from a hobby to a scientific discipline. Rodgway’s story includes his transect of the western wilderness when he was still a teenager, his life-long work at the Smithsonian Institution, his birding trips into Central America, and his journey across Alaska with John Muir. 

This dynamic program, made possible by a grant from Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, is equal parts storytelling and discussion about birds and preserving habitat. Participants are invited to discuss and plan direct actions to improve the ecological health of their community. They will be given tools to become citizen scientists and encouraged to use art as part of their appreciation of birds and Illinois ecology.

Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA)], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, IACA, our partnering organizations, or our funders.