Robert Ridgway: When Amateur Bird Watching Became a Rigorous Science
Event information
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fee: Free!
Age: Ages 18 and older.
Contact: 815-722-9301
Location: Isle a la Cache Museum
Photo courtesy of Illinois Humanities
Event details
Join Illinois’ most pre-eminent bird man as he recalls the history of the Audubon Society and the evolution of bird watching as it grew from a hobby to a scientific discipline. Hear stories that illuminate our legacies as bird watchers, namely creating a cadre of community scientists, encouraging the next generation of conservationists and protecting habitat for future generations of birds.
Brian “Fox” Ellis becomes Robert Ridgway, telling the story of his transect of the western wilderness when he was still a teenager; his lifelong work at the Smithsonian Institution; his birding trips into Central America; and his journey across Alaska with John Burroughs, Louis Agazziz Fuertes, and John Muir. Ridgway was a student of Spencer Baird, who traveled with Audubon, creating a direct link to the lineage of America’s pre-eminent ornithologists. He helped to refine systematics and evolutionary theory, redefining the relationships between species, subspecies and geography.
This dynamic program is equal parts storytelling and discussion about birds and preserving habitat. Participants are invited to discuss and plan direct actions to improve the ecological health of their community. They will be given tools to become citizen scientists and encouraged to use art as part of their appreciation of birds and Illinois ecology.
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Illinois General Assembly through the Illinois Arts Council Agency, as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, IACA, our partnering organizations or our funders.
Event requirements
Registration required by Thursday, July 10: 815-722-9301.
Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.