Birds of MD & How to Help in Your Own Space

Learn about the rich diversity of birds which live in or pass through our tiny state of Maryland, the many anthropogenic dangers they face, and simple actions that ordinary citizens can take to help our feathered friends remain safe and thrive, even in an increasingly developed world.

Brian Rollfinke became interested in birds as a child, thanks to a local college professor, who invited him to observe, then eventually help, for several seasons at a small bird-banding operation in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania. Brian went on to earn a B.S. in Biology from Wake Forest University, then a M.S. in Ecology, with a focus on forest songbirds, from Penn State. His career in environmental science was put on hold for a brief 31 years, during which he taught math and coached baseball at a Baltimore independent school, got married, and raised two sons, who share his passion for orioles (both those found in sycamores and in the dugout.) Various ‘citizen science’ projects occupied whatever free time Brian had during those busy decades. Upon becoming an empty nester, Brian returned to his first passion, working as Director of Education at Irvine Nature Center for 3½ years and now as Director of Education & Outreach at Wild Birds Unlimited.