Megan Heft | Hopkins, MI
2024 Board Candidate
My experience with birds has been broad, ranging from research to wildlife rehabilitation and falconry to bird banding. In my efforts to gain experience in the field, I have worked as a programming director at Kalamazoo Nature Center, training captive birds of prey for public outreach. In this role, I designed and implemented new program material, training protocols, and aviary plans, overseeing a team of 20 volunteers and staff. During this time, I assisted with fundraising for the reconstruction of the Center’s Aviaries, a project that required the complete redesign of eight enclosures. In addition to this work, I have been involved with research on window collisions, collaborating with Chicago Collision Monitors, starting a monitoring program, and presenting work to an architectural firm. Presently, I am in the process of completing my Ph.D. candidacy exam, converting from my MSc. My current research is centered on the impact of urbanization and thermal stress on a population of breeding birds. As these issues are often the result of human activity, I have continued to present my work to the public in an effort to make science accessible. In my free time, I have maintained leadership roles for birding walks with the Field Ornithologists, as well as mentored undergraduate students with both the James Oliver and Tommy Thompson Bird Banding stations. Through public engagement and mentorship, I aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and the broader community, a goal that aligns with the work of Michigan Audubon.
Why do you want to serve as a board member for Michigan Audubon, and what would you like to contribute?
Michigan Audubon has played an impactful role in the conservation of numerous species of wild birds. I have found that my research, while it carries some important implications, fails to bridge the gap between information gathering and integration. I am interested in serving with Michigan Audubon to contribute to an organization that can advance conservation practices beyond what I am capable of as an individual. I believe that much of my background experience overlaps with Michigan Audubon’s current mission “to connect birds and people for the benefit of both,” as it is my individual goal to contribute to conservation through direct measures engaging with the public. My experiences have broadly connected me to many of the organizations associated with bird conservation throughout the state and I believe that, through these connections, I would be able to contribute to the board’s work. Specifically, my background in collision monitoring and bird-safe advocacy aligns with the organization’s work on bird-friendly design. Likewise, my experience leading research on Tree Swallows as well as working on banding projects like SNOWstorm, the Rough-legged Hawk Project, and the Snow Bunting Project overlaps with the organization’s research. With experience in public programming and fundraising, I believe that I would bring skills that would further these projects. Growing up in Michigan it has been a privilege to enjoy the diversity of birds that reside in and migrate through this state and it would be a great honor to contribute to an organization that works toward their conservation.
What is your favorite bird and why?
As would be expected, this question is particularly difficult to answer as I have many fond memories of various species. The memory that first comes to mind however is that of a Broad-winged Hawk. One of my earliest experiences birding was a struggle to ID this small, bulky Buteo. After watching one soaring, I struggled as I paged through my field guide. The key markers seemed to be quite similar in semblance to the Red-shouldered Hawk, but I was inclined toward Broad-winged for the ID. Confirmation came when the bird circled back into view and gave a distinctive whistle call.