I interviewed Melanie Furr, Director of Education for the Georgia Audubon Society.
What are the main things the Audubon Society do?
Our mission is to build places where birds and people thrive. We do this through education, conservation and community engagement. We make the environment better for birds and make people want to connect with birds through education programs, walks, habitat restoration work and installing native plant gardens in public schools.
What do you do at Georgia Audubon?
I am the Director of Education. I manage all programs from preschools to senior centers. I talk to all audiences about matters relevant to birds. I have a unique Hummingbird program and I bring our resident hummingbirds Sibley and Polly to teach people about them.
How did you become interested in birds and what did you study?
I used to be a high school English teacher. I started wildlife rescue and volunteering at AWARE. I went on an Audubon bird walk, saw 45 different kinds of birds and realized there is so much to birds we don’t know. It was an epiphany moment for me.
What is a story that you love to tell about your job?
I love connecting kids with nature. When I get to hear: I’ve never seen a bird that close, I wish I could see this every day. I say – you can! It gives me a magical feeling.
What can people do to help birds?
Plant native plants that grow naturally in Georgia. Bugs will lay eggs on these bushes, and birds will eat the. So native plants are imperative.
Two billion birds fly into windows in North America – please treat windows.
Keep cats inside. Cat saliva is toxic to birds so even if a cat catches a bird and causes no structural damage, it will still infect the bird.
What should we do if we find an injured bird?
Keep it in a dark, quiet place. Do not give it food or water. Contact a wildlife rehabber by downloading the Animal Help Now app.
My favorite bird is a Blue Jay, what is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is a cousin of the Blue Jay, the Crow. They are closely bonded with their families and send alarm calls when danger is around.
What do you want people to know about Georgia Audubon, and how can people contact you?
We have free bird walks all around the city and would love people to join us. Schools are welcome to contact me to do a Virtual Hummingbird meeting. Visit georgiaaudubon.org