Jim Wilson writes:

> Youth birding is alive and well in Maryland, which can 
> certainly boast some of the best youth birders in the nation. 

I agree with Jim Wilson that youth birding in Maryland is alive, well, and churning out some of the most awesome birders I've had the pleasure to be out in the field with.

I think the credit for this should be shared among a lot of the top adult birders in Maryland, but there are two men in particular who have done an incredible job of fostering an interest in birds and birding among the youth of Maryland.

The first man, George Radcliffe, is a teacher at Centreville Middle School in Queen Annes County.  George has taught birding as a science segment for, I think, 5th grade students, over quite a long time now.  As the culmination of each year he takes two youth birding teams to the World Series of Birding for at least the last ten years, perhaps longer. I know at least two of George's past students, Zach Baer and Mike Burchett.  These are two extraordinarily knowledgeable young men, great fun to be with in the field, and two perfect gentlemen, a tribute to their parents and to George's absolutely incredible program.

In addition to George, though, we need to give a lot of credit to Jim Stasz.  Over the years Jim has mentored the likes of Marshall Iliff, Matt Hafner, Zach Baer, Mike Burchett, Hans Holbrook, Jim Brighton, and likely many others that I'm unaware of.  He has helped bring these sharp-eyed, sharp-eared young birders from being simply good birders to being the leaders of birding in Maryland and across the country.  Jim provides opportunities, access to expensive equipment, his well-known acerbic commentary, and his years of birding knowledge, all aimed at doing something about providing birding expertise for the future.

I'm honored to be able to say I know both of these gentlemen and I salute them for all they have done for youth birding in Maryland.  I know there are many others who also work with youth but I think many of you will agree with me that George and Jim stand at the pinnacle of that group.

Norm Saunders

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Norman C. Saunders
Colesville & West Ocean City, MD