Welcome to Charlie Ayers, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician

Welcome to the newest member of our team, Charlie Ayers. Charlie is one of three coastal conservation technicians that will be working at High Island through the spring season. Charlie Ayers is from Carnesville, Georgia, a small town not much bigger than High Island. He recently graduated from Lees-McRae College, a gorgeous private college nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains . That’s where Charlie’s ornithological journey began; so far, it has taken him all along the coast of North Carolina, Central Florida, the Amazon jungle, and now High Island. Charlie is very excited to work at Houston Audubon. If you see him around, don’t be afraid to say hi! He loves talking to new people. Read on to learn more about Charlie.

1. What is your favorite bird?

This is probably one of the hardest questions to ask a birder. It often fluctuates for me, but one bird I return to every time is the Atlantic Puffin. Before I knew birds were going to be my passion, I went on a Puffin cruise in Maine when I was 15. That experience has stuck with me through the years. I’d definitely say I’m puffin obsessed. At home my bath mats, coasters and my favorite jacket are all puffin themed.

2. What is your first experience connecting with nature?

My first experience with nature would probably be exploring the woods and pond behind my house. I was very fortunate to grow up away from the city with lots of land to explore around my house, as my family lives on a farm. Nearly every day I would go behind my house and interact with the nature around me, whether it was the squirrels, birds or the fox that lived by the pond.

3. Who is someone you admire, and why?

My childhood idol and part of the reason I have the passion for the natural world I do is Jeff Corwin. Jeff Corwin is a wildlife biologist whose TV show I watched religiously – “The Jeff Corwin Experience”. He taught me about the beauty our world has and that it is in dire need of saving. I would say that’s probably when I made my decision to become a conservationist.

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I absolutely love traveling. If I could go anywhere, it would probably be Nepal. This small country is deep in the Himalayas and is known for its high peaks, clean rivers and interesting cuisine. The scenery is gorgeous and I’d love to experience all it has to offer. It’s also home to my favorite non bird animal, the Red Panda.

5. What did you want to be when you were younger?

Unlike most children who wanted to be an astronaut or firefighter growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with animals. I just had no idea what to call it. It started as wanting to be a zookeeper, as one of my favorite places in the world growing up was Zoo Atlanta, but it soon developed into becoming a conservationist.

6. What’s your favorite sport to watch?

I am a huge hockey fan! I love the physicality and speed of the game. Last season my team, the Florida Panthers, won the Stanley Cup! I just so happened to be living in Florida at the time so I got to go to the championship parade – it was an absolute blast in the pouring rain!

7. What superpower would you have?

I would love the power to talk to animals. Maybe then I could convince the birds not to fly away before I can grab a photo!

8. What is your favorite cuisine or meal?

My favorite cuisine is Cajun food. I love gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya and most meals dealing with seafood!

9. Who is your favorite author?

I am a massive Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan, so my favorite author is JRR Tolkien. The world building he creates is next to none. I believe if we acted a bit more Hobbit-like the world would be a better place.

10. Do you collect anything?

I collect pins. I’ve found it to be the best souvenir to collect while traveling because you can buy 10-15 while on a long trip and it wont take up any luggage space! At the moment I have around 80 pins! My favorite one I have so far is a pin I got at Pea Island NWR. It features a really well illustrated Black-Necked Stilt.

Please join us in welcoming Charlie to the team, and be sure to introduce yourself if you see him on the coast!