Today we’d like to introduce you to Judd Brink
Hi Judd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started birding at the young age of about 12 or so in the backyard. I then used my parents garden/storage shed and turned into my little birding lab. I put out feeders and tried different foods and added native fruiting trees and shrubs to attract birds. After school I would go to the shed and watch and record what birds came to what feeders and how much they ate. My parents had a big yard and had a small creek in the back so it was good area to see birds. This same creek flowed into the Mississippi River just a few houses down in Brooklyn Park. One of Minnesota’s well known wildlife artist lived near by and I would watch Mr. Breckinridge paint and draw in his small little studio overlooking the river as a kid. As I got older I spent more time on the river and got a pair of binoculars from my grandpa and started to explore and take notes on what I was seeing on the river. I followed my love of wildlife and found a two year program at Central Lakes College in Brainerd that offered a Natural Resources degree. After more schooling with a BA in Natural Resources I worked as a wildlife technician for about 5 years. Now for the past 12 years I have been a guide and naturalist for the famous Sax-Zim Bog in northern Minnesota! My season is December through March offering private tours to explore and enjoy all the unique wildlife found here, especially owls and the many winter visitors.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course in life their is always some challenges and struggles but its how you learn and grow that makes you better and stronger! A few classes in college were tough but I had to just work and study more than others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am guide and naturalist for the Sax-Zim Bog located in northern Minnesota. One of the best winter birding locations in the entire country to see owls and many hard to find birds! I offer private tours to explore and enjoy the bog and its unique wildlife found here. This past season I had tours who traveled all the way from Costa Rica and Puerto Rico as well as from across the country! My tours range from 2-4 days depending if you a birder or photographer. I am very proud and grateful to share my passion of birding and wildlife viewing with others. I think my tours are a bit unique as I share my birding experience of nearly 40 years and my education in Natural Resources and being a master naturalist sets me apart. My knowledge, education and experience gives me the opportunity to share with others.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had lots of mentors and special people who have been supportive and motived me to continue what I love to do. My parents have always been supportive! My teachers in school and in college were very impactful as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://birdmn.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdminnesota/
