MEET JOHN MINNICH!
Financial Manager since July 2004
John visiting the Smoky Mountains (photo courtesy of John).
I'm not a super nature guy, but I enjoy walking and knowing something about the plants and animals around me.
I live close to Tenney Park in Madison, where we have an odd mix of birds up and down the Yahara River. Cooking food and playing music are other things I like to do. I play guitar and bass with people, when I get a chance.
Why did you want to join the team at Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance?
A friend who was a board member asked whether I'd like to volunteer in the office. I'd had a few financial jobs, but never at a non-profit. At that time, the organization (then Madison Audubon) had just a couple of part-time workers and no financial staff. The many volunteers cared about the mission, worked hard, and appreciated having someone to organize the finances. I enjoyed talking with them and helping out. After a couple years they decided they wanted to hire someone, and I applied.
What's your favorite bird?
I find myself drawn to common birds which make distinctive sounds: Gray Catbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Belted Kingfisher.
Nine Springs Natural Area at sunrise (photo by Kaitlin Svabek).
Name your top three favorite outdoor places.
Cherokee Marsh, Nine Springs, and Wyalusing State Park.
Share something cool you've learned since joining the team.
I've learned to ID most of our local birds, and many of the spring migrants. It's great to take a walk and recognize many species, just by the sounds they make.
Cover image: A Gray Catbird perched among white blooms, photo via Pixabay.
