“My passion for birds is the thing I cherish most about myself, and I feel so lucky to have found this program and the ABA community because it has given me the foundations to take that passion and build it into scientific skills, a voice for change, and a future lifelong career. My participation in this program has been one of the most influential journeys in my life, both because it has boosted my ability to be proactive with my passion, and because I have made so many of my most positive keystone connections to other young birders and distinguished ornithologists here!”

From Mackenzie’s Conservation & Community Leadership module: Mackenzie spoke to the Sacramento City Council in opposition of development of bird habitat in Natomas, CA.

Screenshot of Metro Cable 14 broadcast from 350 Sacramento’s YouTube page. Click on image to see Mackenzie’s full testimony on YouTube.

From Mackenzie’s Conservation & Community Leadership module: Mackenzie led bird walks to reach community members and increase awareness of the development plans. This photo was taken after a bird walk on Oct. 15, 2025.

From Mackenzie’s Field Notebook module: Burrowing Owl sketches & notes from an outing to Woodland, CA’s water treatment plant in Jan. 2026.

From Mackenzie’s Field Notebook module: Yellow-rumped Warbler and Hermit Thrush sketches & notes from an outing in Natomas, CA, in Jan. 2026.