I am a 7th generation Texan. Grew-up in Texas Hill Country and learned many of my bird calls as a kid. Didn't start serious birding until after our 2nd child was born and wife (Sherry) became interested in a little yellow-rumped bird outside our baby girl's window. Gave her a Birds of Texas by Peterson and we have been birding since then. Past Co-compiler of the Freeport Bird count, past Board member of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, co-found the Brazosport Birders and founded the Cradle of Texas Master Naturalist in Brazoria County Texas. Served as a member of the State Master Naturalist Committee and Volunteer Naturalist at Sea Center Texas where I set the site as a Hot Spot. Conducted bird census for USFWL, TPWD, USGA, and TNC. In 2001 my GTBC team tied for first in the 5 day birding contest. Became interested in other fauna butterflies, dragons, etc and started dong NABA costs in addition to CBC's. Extended my interest in nature by certifying as a Master Gardner where I spent significant time studying Coastal Flora which helped with my Master Naturalist studies.

I retired from Dow Chemical Company (31 years) and bought land in Texas Hill County where we built a ranch home. We began our serious birding then and have birded 26 countries with a life list of 4093 species. It would be over 5000 but the pandemic put a halt to our travels. I currently serve as co-compiler of the Love Creek NABA count that places 1st or 2nd in Texas each year and in the top 5 in the USA. I also compile the Kerrville NABA count. My wife and I still conduct census work and lead tours for the Love Creek Nature Conservancy. I remain a Master Gardener(20 years) and Master Naturalist (19 years).

We manage our ranch under the State of Texas Ag Wildlife Valuation. Our eBird ranch list has 199 species. Our butterfly list has 98 species.