Photo: Denise enjoys combining everyday outings with birding adventures. After dinner in Clarksville, she made a stop at the Falls of the Ohio, binoculars at the ready to take in the evening sights against a stunning sunset backdrop. Courtesy of Denise Marie Sobieski.
BY DENISE MARIE SOBIESKI
Tell us a little about yourself. Family? Where do you live and work?
I am a retired high school science teacher from Wisconsin. I grew up on a small farm where my love of nature was nurtured by my father, and I have always had an innate passion for being part of the natural world. I am the oldest of six children and have always loved learning.
Bill Mitchell, my biologist husband, and I got married on a Friday 25 years ago. Just a few days later, I moved to Indiana and started teaching at Terre Haute North High School the following Monday. That same summer, I finished my master’s degree in environmental education from the University of Stevens Point. What a whirlwind of life changes!
We now live on 20 wild acres with our indoor kitties and love being part of the Terre Haute community. The city has so much to offer, from cultural events and a thriving arts scene to great opportunities for hiking and birding.
I am very involved in the Ouabache land Conservancy (OLC), alongside Bill. OLC continues to grow, and I am thrilled to play a role in protecting more of west-central Indiana’s natural areas. Outside of that, I stay fit through strength training, hiking, bicycling, and swimming in our little Lake Mitchell. One of my favorite indoor activities is cooking, especially for family and friends. And of course, I love birding.
What got you interested in birds and birding?
I was fortunate to grow up in rural Wisconsin with parents who delighted in my love of nature. Our home was full of Golden Guides, and one of my favorite gifts was a set of insect flashcards. My father often pointed out birds around our farm which included plenty of untilled areas where Bobolinks, woodpeckers, and ducks were regular visitors.
I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in birds. During my teaching years, I didn’t take the opportunity to go out birding much, but I always participated in the Christmas Bird Count and the Spring Bird Count, and I joined occasional outings here and there.
When I retired in 2020, that’s when my “career” as a real birder began. Bill and I practically live across the street from a wonderful birding hotspot, Chinook North, and our own property would also be considered a hotspot. We even had a Limpkin on our property!
Ten years ago, I never thought I would be a “lister,” but being part of the eBird community has helped me increase my knowledge of birds in a big way—and it’s fun. I still have a long way to go, but that’s one of the great things about birding. There will always be more for me to learn, whether it’s the precise details of a visual ID or the many vocalizations our avian friends make.
Is there a birding moment that stands out as especially memorable or meaningful?
Two things come to mind right away. First, I love going birding when it’s just me (or me and Bill) and no one else is around. It’s very easy to do here in Vigo County. What a treat to feel like I am part of the birds’ landscape instead of being one of many human intruders.
Secondly, our recent Natural Habitat Adventures trip to the Galápagos Islands was beyond amazing. Being able to see birds like the Blue-footed Booby, Waved Albatross, and the Galápagos finches—the adaptive radiation of which I taught my students about—left an indelible impression on me.
In what ways has birding influenced your life beyond the field, whether through teaching, community, or personal growth?
I strongly believe in E.O. Wilson’s biophilia perspective: that humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and when we do, we can more easily thrive. When I am out birding, I am nurturing this basic human need.
I am passionate about protecting habitat, especially with bird populations declining so drastically. I cringe when I see people using playback for no other purpose than to increase their count number. Being more involved with birding has deepened my appreciation for conserving natural areas, and I love the many hours of volunteer work I do for OLC.
Bill and I don’t have our own children, but I have taught hundreds of kids and tried to instill in them the importance of nature and biology. I certainly do this with my nieces and nephews.
I was fortunate to have a set of binoculars in my classroom and loved sharing my outdoor experiences with my students. I drew on trips like going to Ruisdoso, New Mexico, to collect tree core samples and traveling to the Pantanal as a science teacher working with biologists there to study the impact that birds have on reforestation.
We can all bring our love of the natural world to young people in big and small ways.
How long have you been an IAS member, and which membership benefit do you enjoy most?
I have been an IAS member for several years, though I’ve been active in my local Audubon Society for even longer.
One of my favorite parts of membership is connecting with so many terrific people. I also enjoy the e-newsletters, which are always engaging and remind me that I’m supporting an important cause.
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