FULL-TIME STAFF
BSBO Staff
Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director
Kimberly Kaufman is an Ohio native whose lifelong love of the outdoors grew into a passion for birds in the 1990s. She monitored nesting Bald Eagles for the Ohio Division of Wildlife and ran bluebird trails before she began banding migrant songbirds for the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). Kim's involvement with BSBO escalated as she became the observatory's education director in 2005 and then executive director in 2009, a position she still holds. Kim played a key role in starting the highly successful Ohio Young Birders Club, a group for teenagers that has served as a model for youth programs in 13 other states, as well as The Biggest Week In American Birding, now the largest birding festival on the continent. She is a contributing editor to Birds & Blooms magazine and coauthor of the Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of New England and Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest. In 2015, Kimberly received the American Birding Association's prestigious Chandler Robbins Award in recognition of her contributions to bird education and conservation. In her role in regional tourism, Kimberly serves as President of the Board for the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau, a Board member of the Greater Sandusky Partnership. represents Ottawa County on the Shores & Islands Ohio Board. She also serves on the board of the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy.
Kimberly Kaufman is an Ohio native whose lifelong love of the outdoors grew into a passion for birds in the 1990s. She monitored nesting Bald Eagles for the Ohio Division of Wildlife and ran bluebird trails before she began banding migrant songbirds for the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). Kim's involvement with BSBO escalated as she became the observatory's education director in 2005 and then executive director in 2009, a position she still holds. Kim played a key role in starting the highly successful Ohio Young Birders Club, a group for teenagers that has served as a model for youth programs in 13 other states, as well as The Biggest Week In American Birding, now the largest birding festival on the continent. She is a contributing editor to Birds & Blooms magazine and coauthor of the Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of New England and Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest. In 2015, Kimberly received the American Birding Association's prestigious Chandler Robbins Award in recognition of her contributions to bird education and conservation. In her role in regional tourism, Kimberly serves as President of the Board for the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau, a Board member of the Greater Sandusky Partnership. represents Ottawa County on the Shores & Islands Ohio Board. She also serves on the board of the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy.
Dr. Kathryn "Katie" Ware, Research Director
Dr. Ware grew up in Oak Harbor, Ohio where her love of birds was sparked by attending Black Swamp Bird Observatory nature camps. Since then, her passion for birds has been fostered through more than 10 years of volunteering with BSBO, including work with the migration banding station at Navarre Marsh and MAPS station in the Oak Openings, where she became an NABC-certified bander. She earned her Bachelor of Science from The University of Findlay and her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Bowling Green State University, where she studied in the lab of Dr. Karen Root. Her doctoral dissertation examined how birds and bird communities respond to environmental disturbance across spatial and temporal scales throughout their annual cycle, including migration stopover suitability in Black-throated Blue Warblers and nesting avian community shifts in response to oak wilt management in the Oak Openings Region, in partnership with Metroparks Toledo.
Katie's goal is to bridge science and conservation to create lasting benefits for birds, habitats, and the communities that steward them by building partnerships and turning knowledge into action. She served as the founding Executive Director of the West Central Ohio Land Conservancy, the Graduate Trustee on Bowling Green State University's Board of Trustees, and remains involved in multiple non-profits in Hancock County and the Green Ribbon Initiative in the Oak Openings Region. BSBO has been a part of Katie's life since childhood, shaping her passion for birds and conservation -- she is thrilled to return to BSBO in a professional capacity and join the team that has been doing this work throughout her life.
Dr. Ware grew up in Oak Harbor, Ohio where her love of birds was sparked by attending Black Swamp Bird Observatory nature camps. Since then, her passion for birds has been fostered through more than 10 years of volunteering with BSBO, including work with the migration banding station at Navarre Marsh and MAPS station in the Oak Openings, where she became an NABC-certified bander. She earned her Bachelor of Science from The University of Findlay and her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Bowling Green State University, where she studied in the lab of Dr. Karen Root. Her doctoral dissertation examined how birds and bird communities respond to environmental disturbance across spatial and temporal scales throughout their annual cycle, including migration stopover suitability in Black-throated Blue Warblers and nesting avian community shifts in response to oak wilt management in the Oak Openings Region, in partnership with Metroparks Toledo.
Katie's goal is to bridge science and conservation to create lasting benefits for birds, habitats, and the communities that steward them by building partnerships and turning knowledge into action. She served as the founding Executive Director of the West Central Ohio Land Conservancy, the Graduate Trustee on Bowling Green State University's Board of Trustees, and remains involved in multiple non-profits in Hancock County and the Green Ribbon Initiative in the Oak Openings Region. BSBO has been a part of Katie's life since childhood, shaping her passion for birds and conservation -- she is thrilled to return to BSBO in a professional capacity and join the team that has been doing this work throughout her life.
Mark Shieldcastle, Special Projects Director
Mark Shieldcastle has a degree in Wildlife Management from The Ohio State University. He was on staff at Ohio State with the Ohio Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit before accepting a position with the Ohio Division of Wildlife where he has spent thirty-two years as a Wildlife Biologist specializing in avian research and in 2012 he retired from his position as Project Leader of Wetland Wildlife Research. Mark was a founding member of BSBO and currently serves as the Director of Research. He has conducted research on Bald Eagle, colonial waders, terns, wetland breeding birds, woodcock, shorebirds, colonial passerines, waterfowl, rails, cranes, migrating raptors, and migrating passerines. Mark co-authored the Beneficial Use Impairments for Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat portion of the Lake Erie Management Plan which is part of the Clean Water Act; The Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Regional Plan of the National Shorebird Plan; The Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Regional Plan of the North American Waterbird Plan; and has contributed to several of the regional plans of Partners-in-Flight. Mark has authored or co-authored a variety of papers on passerines, Bald Eagles, cormorants, and contaminant issues with birds. He developed recovery plans for the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Common Tern, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Sandhill Crane in Ohio.
Mark Shieldcastle has a degree in Wildlife Management from The Ohio State University. He was on staff at Ohio State with the Ohio Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit before accepting a position with the Ohio Division of Wildlife where he has spent thirty-two years as a Wildlife Biologist specializing in avian research and in 2012 he retired from his position as Project Leader of Wetland Wildlife Research. Mark was a founding member of BSBO and currently serves as the Director of Research. He has conducted research on Bald Eagle, colonial waders, terns, wetland breeding birds, woodcock, shorebirds, colonial passerines, waterfowl, rails, cranes, migrating raptors, and migrating passerines. Mark co-authored the Beneficial Use Impairments for Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat portion of the Lake Erie Management Plan which is part of the Clean Water Act; The Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Regional Plan of the National Shorebird Plan; The Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Regional Plan of the North American Waterbird Plan; and has contributed to several of the regional plans of Partners-in-Flight. Mark has authored or co-authored a variety of papers on passerines, Bald Eagles, cormorants, and contaminant issues with birds. He developed recovery plans for the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Common Tern, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Sandhill Crane in Ohio.
Ryan Jacob, Banding Projects Director
Ryan is a Toledo native who discovered his passion for birds while working as a naturalist for the state parks and during his many seasons at the BSBO Navarre Marsh banding station. With a background in philosophy and years of travel across North America, he not only has a wide knowledge of birds and the outdoors, but an understanding and appreciation for the natural world at large. Ryan manages BSBO’s Navarre Marsh passerine banding research station, working with a team of volunteers and seasonal staff to operate this constant effort mist netting operation during spring and fall migration. He also coordinates BSBO’s Motus and radio telemetry work, and operates BSBO’s MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) stations. Ryan is a North American Banding Council certified trainer.
Ryan is a Toledo native who discovered his passion for birds while working as a naturalist for the state parks and during his many seasons at the BSBO Navarre Marsh banding station. With a background in philosophy and years of travel across North America, he not only has a wide knowledge of birds and the outdoors, but an understanding and appreciation for the natural world at large. Ryan manages BSBO’s Navarre Marsh passerine banding research station, working with a team of volunteers and seasonal staff to operate this constant effort mist netting operation during spring and fall migration. He also coordinates BSBO’s Motus and radio telemetry work, and operates BSBO’s MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) stations. Ryan is a North American Banding Council certified trainer.
Jasmine Cupp, Outreach Director
Jasmine is an Ottawa County native and a nature and Great Lakes enthusiast. Traveling throughout the Great Lakes region with her family, she has gained an appreciation for the outdoors. Before coming to the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Jasmine worked for The Beacon news publication as editor and production manager for over four years. While covering the Biggest Week in American Birding as media, Jasmine fell in love with birding on the boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Jasmine is passionate about wildlife and habitat conservation and showing people the healing power of nature.
Jasmine earned her Communications Degree, graduated with honors from Owens Community College in 2013. Dedicated to supporting the local community, she was part of the 2016 Leadership Ottawa County class, and served on the Main Street Port Clinton Board of Directors. Her connections with the northwest Ohio community, her passion for birds and conservation, and her commitment to BSBO's mission make her a superb fit for the Outreach Director position.
Jasmine is an Ottawa County native and a nature and Great Lakes enthusiast. Traveling throughout the Great Lakes region with her family, she has gained an appreciation for the outdoors. Before coming to the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Jasmine worked for The Beacon news publication as editor and production manager for over four years. While covering the Biggest Week in American Birding as media, Jasmine fell in love with birding on the boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Jasmine is passionate about wildlife and habitat conservation and showing people the healing power of nature.
Jasmine earned her Communications Degree, graduated with honors from Owens Community College in 2013. Dedicated to supporting the local community, she was part of the 2016 Leadership Ottawa County class, and served on the Main Street Port Clinton Board of Directors. Her connections with the northwest Ohio community, her passion for birds and conservation, and her commitment to BSBO's mission make her a superb fit for the Outreach Director position.
Tyler Ficker, Communications Director
Tyler is a Cincinnati native who found his passion for birding when his 4th grade teacher incorporated bird identification into the science curriculum. He first visited the Northwest Ohio region for the Biggest Week in American Birding in the 5th grade and has been back every year since then, now as a guide and a field trip coordinator. Tyler earned a Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife degree from the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. Tyler was a co-founder of Lights Out Buckeyes—part of Ohio Lights Out, a network of programs aimed at making urban landscapes (in this case, the Ohio State campus) safer for migratory birds. He also worked as a field technician for the Ohio Division of Wildlife surveying grassland species. Tyler serves as the Southwest Regional Director for the Ohio Ornithological Society, furthering his connections within the Ohio birding community. He is a professional portrait and wedding photographer as well as a graphic designer. He is also a birding and bird photography guide with Sabrewing Nature Tours.
Tyler is a Cincinnati native who found his passion for birding when his 4th grade teacher incorporated bird identification into the science curriculum. He first visited the Northwest Ohio region for the Biggest Week in American Birding in the 5th grade and has been back every year since then, now as a guide and a field trip coordinator. Tyler earned a Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife degree from the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. Tyler was a co-founder of Lights Out Buckeyes—part of Ohio Lights Out, a network of programs aimed at making urban landscapes (in this case, the Ohio State campus) safer for migratory birds. He also worked as a field technician for the Ohio Division of Wildlife surveying grassland species. Tyler serves as the Southwest Regional Director for the Ohio Ornithological Society, furthering his connections within the Ohio birding community. He is a professional portrait and wedding photographer as well as a graphic designer. He is also a birding and bird photography guide with Sabrewing Nature Tours.
Jamie Cunningham, Education Director
Jamie has had a lifelong interest in all nature and wildlife, but especially birds. A visit to Magee Marsh over a decade ago during The Biggest Week in American Birding turned her interest into a passion. After that, Jamie dove headfirst into birding and especially bird photography. Her award-winning images have been featured in several publications and were even featured in her own gallery exhibit. Jamie was instrumental in forming a nature photography club in her hometown, where she shares her wealth of knowledge with members. She is passionate about sharing her love of birds, especially with youth.
Jamie coordinates the statewide Ohio Young Birders Club, is the speaker coordinator for the Biggest Week in American Birding and organizes the festival's accessible field trips.
Jamie also leads birding and photo tours for Sabrewing Nature Tours.
Jamie has had a lifelong interest in all nature and wildlife, but especially birds. A visit to Magee Marsh over a decade ago during The Biggest Week in American Birding turned her interest into a passion. After that, Jamie dove headfirst into birding and especially bird photography. Her award-winning images have been featured in several publications and were even featured in her own gallery exhibit. Jamie was instrumental in forming a nature photography club in her hometown, where she shares her wealth of knowledge with members. She is passionate about sharing her love of birds, especially with youth.
Jamie coordinates the statewide Ohio Young Birders Club, is the speaker coordinator for the Biggest Week in American Birding and organizes the festival's accessible field trips.
Jamie also leads birding and photo tours for Sabrewing Nature Tours.
Annalise Bokenkamp, Research Assistant
Annalise first went birding in Mohican State Park with a high school science teacher who did a unit on ornithology. He inspired her to study biology in college, but she didn’t decide to focus on birds until she pursued a graduate degree in Scotland. Some of her fieldwork there included Blue Tit nest box studies and Black-legged Kittiwake monitoring. After having some experience with banding in the UK, Annalise knew it was something that she wanted to continue when she returned to the U.S. Luckily, she made it back to Ohio just in time for BSBO’s 2019 spring season and spent the next few years volunteering at the banding station. She’s thrilled to be part of the BSBO team and looks forward to learning more about the ins and outs of the marsh.
Annalise first went birding in Mohican State Park with a high school science teacher who did a unit on ornithology. He inspired her to study biology in college, but she didn’t decide to focus on birds until she pursued a graduate degree in Scotland. Some of her fieldwork there included Blue Tit nest box studies and Black-legged Kittiwake monitoring. After having some experience with banding in the UK, Annalise knew it was something that she wanted to continue when she returned to the U.S. Luckily, she made it back to Ohio just in time for BSBO’s 2019 spring season and spent the next few years volunteering at the banding station. She’s thrilled to be part of the BSBO team and looks forward to learning more about the ins and outs of the marsh.
Tracy Marr, Development Assistant
Tracy is a migrant to Ohio from the east coast. Observing all the hawks in northwest Ohio led to a Lucas County Metroparks program on hawk ID, which led to becoming a BSBO volunteer for more than 20 years. After a 35-year career in public libraries, Tracy retired in 2022, and found a fun new job at BSBO.
Tracy is a migrant to Ohio from the east coast. Observing all the hawks in northwest Ohio led to a Lucas County Metroparks program on hawk ID, which led to becoming a BSBO volunteer for more than 20 years. After a 35-year career in public libraries, Tracy retired in 2022, and found a fun new job at BSBO.
SEASONAL STAFF
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Gautam Apte, Morning Flight Counter
Gautam is a lifelong birder and field biologist originally from Cleveland, Ohio. After spending his early years enjoying the spectacles of fall waterbirds and spring songbirds along the shores of Lake Erie, he went on to earn his degree in Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife Science from The Ohio State University. He has worked with birds on a number of projects all over the United States, but is most interested in studying the various mechanisms of migration in all its forms. Most recently, he completed his third season counting the autumn songbird migration at Cape May, New Jersey. Gautam is thrilled to be returning to Ohio for the spring to observe one of the continent's great migratory spectacles once again. |
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Adriana Losey, Passerine Research Technician
Adriana is an Ohio-raised birder who spent her free time as a child traveling throughout Ohio chasing birds with her parents. Her passion for birds led to a drive for a career in wildlife research. She has worked field jobs from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the prairies of North Dakota. She is honored to have graduated as part of the final class of Northland College with a degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology. During her time at college, she served as a Olson Wildlife Lab manager and Wisconsin Loonwatch Assistant. She is excited to be in Ohio for the fall and to have the opportunity to learn more about birds and the ecological landscape of the south shore of Lake Erie. |
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Cadin Jaessing, Passerine Research Technician
Born and raised in Bryan Ohio, I’ve been an avid bird watcher for 8 years. Over which I’ve fostered a deep connection with the avian world. My passion extends beyond observation, encompassing avian husbandry skills honed through hands on experience. I am also a keen photographer always seeking to capture the beauty and essence of birds in their natural habitats. As an intern at Black Swamp Bird Observatory during the spring and fall, I’ve actively contributed to migratory bird conservation efforts. I am very excited about participating in bird banding during spring migration of 2026, eager to learn more about migration patterns and contribute to valuable research. I am dedicated to leaving a positive impact on bird conservation through my work with BSBO. As well as ambitious to continue expanding my knowledge and skills in avian conservation. I hope to continue promoting awareness and appreciation for the incredible diversity of bird life in Ohio and beyond. |