30 May Introduction- Leona Crowl

Hi! My name is Leona and I am excited to be a Fish and Feathers intern with EFTA, stationed at Niobrara National Scenic River this summer. I am excited for my internship because I will learn many new skills! I have never been fly fishing but I am excited to learn as well as improving my other fishing skills. I am also excited to go kayaking on the river and learn about the different bird and fish species at Niobrara river. There is a great variety of fish to catch in the river as well as a wide range of waterfowl and songbirds to see. It will be fun to learn about them and be able to lead trips to teach others about the birds and fish.

I am currently working toward my undergraduate degree in fish, wildlife and conservation ecology at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I have had opportunities to work with a variety of bird species through my school, including pinyon jays, burrowing owls, and American kestrels. My goal is to use my degree to pursue a career in avian ecology and eventually obtain my PhD. I hope to work towards the preservation and conservation of migratory raptor species as raptors are interesting birds with complex and vital roles in the ecosystems that they occupy.

I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma and have had a love for nature since I was young. I love hiking, camping, kayaking, birding, and any activity that gets me outside! My favorite bird and spark bird is the red-tailed hawk. I grew up near a red-tailed hawk nest site and loved watching them fly and hearing them call. My fascination with red-tailed hawks eventually led to my fascination with birding and my love of all birds.

. I look forward to starting my internship and I am excited to share my adventures with all of you!