I Am Conservation

Christine Kline was first introduced to birding when she was dating her husband. “His parents had bird feeders in their backyard, and I was captivated,” Kline said. “For my birthday, they gave me a bird guide, and I became a backyard birder until my first local Audubon meeting in 2008. Field trips and the occasional ‘bird chase’ came soon thereafter, and I was hooked. Well, perhaps ‘obsessed’ or ‘bird crazy’ is more accurate.” Kline is co-chair of Wings over Weston, an annual festival at Weston Bend State Park, which introduces children to birds, their migration, and the importance of conservation habitat. “The festival is a partnership between Burroughs Audubon and Missouri State Parks and is generously supported by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Master Naturalists, and others,” said Kline. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to introduce children to the thrill of birding. When their eyes light up with wonder as they see a bird, it gives me great joy. I also love interacting with the children who are already hooked on birds, like the toddler who came to Wings Over Weston once and told me about the tuft of a titmouse at the age of 3!” Kline’s love of birds and nature leads her to a variety of volunteer activities, including events at the Department’s James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. In addition to birding, she enjoys fly-fishing and canoeing. “I love being on the water,” Kline said. “I’m looking forward to purchasing a kayak soon.”

—photograph by David Stonner