Southern Appalachian Raptor Research / Big Bald Banding Station
Blue Ridge Bird Observatory (BRBO) is an organization of people passionate about birds and the environments they inhabit in the southern Appalachians. BRBO operates MAPS stations, raptor trapping, owl banding, hawkwatch counts, songbird migration monitoring and public education efforts at Big Bald Banding Station and Highlands Biological Station. BRBO is a public, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, staffed primarily by volunteers that rely on partnerships, grants, foundation gifts and generous private donations to monitor, research and educate the public about the bird communities of the southern Appalachian mountain region.
Mark Hopey
President
Mark Hopey is a birder living in the western North Carolina mountains, who manages programs for Blue Ridge Bird Observatory, including Big Bald Mountain Bird Migration Project and the Carolina Kestrel Partners program.
Rebecca Pearson
REBECCA PEARSON– I am currently an elementary school art teacher living in California. When I’m not teaching I enjoy the outdoors and always keep my eyes to the sky for birds. I joined the board in 2017 because I am passionate about the bird banding project on Big Bald. My parents, George and Cleo Mayfield, started bird banding there in 1978. Since 2007, I have volunteered at the station in the fall migration time. Although I’m still learning, one of my favorite parts of the banding project is watching hawks and learning to distinguish them using body shape and flight behaviors. I love sharing my passion for birds with my art students as well. Knowing that birds are a barometer for our environment inspires me to do my part to help preserve the environment for the kids!
Mary Desportes
Mary Desportes– I began birdwatching with my father. My early memory is learning to use binocs with him near Pawley’s Island SC looking at a male Painted Bunting.. I my favorite bird is probably the kestrel.
Julie Taylor
Trevor Lauber
Trevor has extensive experience working with natural resources throughout the United States, primarily birds, habitats, and water. He is excited to be part of the team at Borderlands Restoration Network, knowing that their work is making a positive impact on the landscape and in our communities.
Alex Wilson
Alex Wilson– Alexgraduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management Technology from Haywood Community College and a BS in Natural Resources Management from Western Carolina University. Alex has extensive experience with avian research, conservation, and endangered species recovery. He has conducted avian research and monitoring along the southern Channel Islands of California, the Sierra Nevada, Appalachian Mountains, Mid Pacific Islands, and southeastern bottomland forests
Pete Dixson
PETE DIXON– Pete is a naturalist and educator who has lived in the southern Appalachians for three decades. Pete loves to watch bugs and birds, garden, fish, eat good food and hang out with family and friends.
Hunter Saint Germain
A graduate student specializing in clinical mental health counseling with a specialty in expressive arts therapy, She is passionate about the relationship between nature and well-being. Birds have always been a source of inspiration to their life.
