John James Audubon 1785-1851
Loved the Birds of North America
As a boy in France, John Audubon enjoyed sketching birds and other animals. After moving to the United States, Audubon studied birds. He noted their activities and painted detailed pictures of them. Using these paintings and notes, he published Birds of America in 1831. It was read in both Great Britain and the United States.
Audubon traveled the southern and western United States after publishing his book. He wrote more books about birds. His work helped people see the beauty of birds, and caused people to want to protect them.
In the late 1800s, some people formed a group to protect birds. They named themselves the Audubon Society for the Protection of Birds, in honor of Audubon. Today, the National Audubon Society continues to protect plants, animals, and birds throughout the United States.
Critical Thinking
Why do you think seeing paintings of birds and reading books about them would make people want to protect birds?