Welcome to the newest member of our team and the final Coastal Conservation Technician to join us in High Island this season – Theresa Kelly! Originally from the Philadelphia area, Theresa went to school at University of Delaware where she graduated with a degree in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation this past May. Always an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Theresa got into birding after taking ornithology in college. This is her first full-time job in the field, and she’s excited to be here! Read on to learn more about her.
1. What is your favorite bird?
The American Kestrel is my favorite. I volunteered at a wildlife clinic a few years ago and we had a pair of juvenile Kestrels in our care for a little while. They’re beautiful birds — relatively uncommon where I live because I’m so close to the city, although I got a chance to help survey nest boxes during an internship.
2. What are you most excited about in your new role?
This is my first full-time job in the wildlife field, and I’m very excited about that. Where I’m from, we have less ornithological diversity compared to the Gulf Coast, and I think this will be a great opportunity to see all kinds of neotropical migrants (especially warblers!) that just don’t make it as far north as PA. I’ve gotten to do one rookery survey so far, and I can’t wait to do more.
3. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to travel to western South America and see the Andean Condor. They’re the biggest (flying) bird in the world and they look a little bit like an old lady with a big fur-collared coat on.
4. Who is your favorite author?
Bill Watterson, the absolute genius behind Calvin and Hobbes. The comic was my absolute favorite growing up and it holds up so well to time. The art style is gorgeous and the writing is so poignant but also humorous.
5. What did you want to be when you were young?
I wanted to be an astronaut because of Sally Ride. Then I found out how many physics classes I’d have to take.
6. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I don’t watch a lot of sports outside of the occasional Eagles or Sixers game, but I love playing ultimate frisbee. I played throughout high school and college and it was always a really fun time. Frisbee players are definitely some of the nicest people I’ve met, and the sport is very fast-paced and competitive.
7. What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Given my absolute lack of singing talent, I’ll say Tequila by The Champs. Even I probably can’t mess that one up.
8. What’s your favorite song?
Rose Tattoo by the Dropkick Murphys. It’s on my car playlist, my workout playlist, my “favorite songs” playlist, my… you get the point.
9. What’s your favorite animal?
That’s tough. I’d have to say my top two non-birds are the Madagascar Tenrec and the Gray Wolf.
10. What’s your favorite cuisine or dish?
Indian or Thai food. The spicier, the better.
Please join us in welcoming Theresa to the team, and be sure to introduce yourself if you see her on the coast!
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