Birding has become a major passion for me over the years, and I would like to pay homage to the woman who started it all, my Great Aunt Avis May Herrick of Mayfield, Fulton Co., New York.  Here are her stories of birding adventures dating back to 1910. Being a most precocious and mischievous kid, I quickly became her favourite, and she imparted to me the many secrets of nature and the birds she loved with all her heart. I still have her original list first started in 1910 and almost daily updated. Her list ended with 436 total species. Before her death, she told me how much fun all our adventures had been and that she hoped I would always keep my interest in birds. Well my dear Aunt May, as I cross the 5,000 mark at the age of 40, I have you to thank for giving me a part of my life that has taken me to all continents, 116 nations and countless adventures in the most wonderful places imaginable. Although her body now rests beneath the glacial soil of the southern Adirondacks, I know her spirit is always there with me in the rainforests, deserts, mountains and valleys. Everytime I see a new bird and think of my Aunt May, I am sure that somewhere it opens a window for her to see it as well. So all you aunties and grannies, who have young, uncontrollable whippersnappers, if you just plant the right seeds in their soul, the resultant tree may just be amazing.

Go to Aunt May Story Index

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