Richard Crossley joins Sanctuary board

Internationally-acclaimed birder Richard Crossley, the photographer and author of the widely popular “Crossley Guide series, was recently elected to a four-year term on the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary board where he will serve on the education committee.

Born in Yorkshire, England, Crossley became hooked on birding at age 7, and in his teens, hitchhiked more than 100,000 miles to pursue birds. In his 20s he traveled more extensively, particularly to Asia and North America. He fell in love with Cape May, NJ, where he has lived since 1991.

Crossley hopes to popularize birding to match levels found in Great Britain where the sport is much more widespread. “It’s very fashionable among younger people ,” he says, “and that’s the big goal behind everything I do.”

To engage more young people, Crossley turned the typical field guide on its head, and published visually striking, lifelike scenes that depict birds against their common habitats, and showing a variety of poses and behaviors. His resulting Crossley Books and The Crossley ID Guide series presents an impressive visual punch. Moreover, this award-winning approach is rooted in the science of how people learn.

“We’re thrilled to have Richard’s energy on the board, and excited about his ideas for taking Hawk Mountain education to the next level,” says Hawk Mountain President Jerry Regan. “Just like him, everyone at Hawk Mountain is interested in getting more young people outside, and connecting them with a conservation message,” he adds.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is an international center for raptor conservation, and one of the most famous places in northeastern North America to watch the autumn migration of birds of prey. The Association maintains a 2,500-acre natural area north of Reading that welcomes an average 65,000 visitors annually, and operates global programs in raptor conservation science, education and training.