Shirley Sturts has dedicated over six decades to the study, observation, and preservation of birds. Born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, her passion for birding began after college and marriage, when she and her husband, Keith, spent countless hours exploring the mountains and forests of North Idaho. Her interest in nature initially focused on identifying plants but quickly turned to birds, which became her lifelong passion.

Her journey as a birder officially began in 1965, when Keith gifted her a Peterson’s Field Guide to Western Birds for Christmas. Shirley joined the Spokane Audubon Society and participated in its field trips, meticulously documenting her observations in field notebooks. Over the years, her commitment to birding evolved into a mission to contribute to conservation efforts and enhance the collective understanding of avian species in Idaho and beyond.

Shirley’s work in data collection and record-keeping is particularly noteworthy. Under the mentorship of Tom Rogers, she compiled Idaho bird sightings into notebooks, which eventually expanded into a comprehensive database created with her husband’s help. This database, which includes nearly 190,000 bird records, has become a cornerstone for bird distribution studies in Idaho. It incorporates records from birding enthusiasts, scientific surveys, and historical accounts, such as those found in Thomas Burleigh’s Birds of Idaho.

The database also inspired the development of the Idaho Bird Distribution Database and led to the publication of Idaho Bird Distribution: Mapping By Latilong, co-authored by Shirley and Daniel A. Stephens in 1991 and updated in 1997. Shirley’s meticulous work on latilong maps continues to inform bird distribution research. These maps, accessible on the Idaho Birds website, are updated regularly to reflect the current status of species across the state.

A founding member of the Coeur d’Alene Audubon chapter, Shirley has been instrumental in its growth and success since its inception in 1990. She managed membership, edited the chapter newsletter for over 30 years, and established the chapter’s first website in 2004, which she coded in HTML. The site served as a vital resource until 2024.

Her dedication extended to various conservation initiatives. Shirley spearheaded the Mica Bay Surveys, conducted as part of the Idaho Fish and Game’s “Adopt a Wetland” program, and participated in the Indian Mountain and Coeur d’Alene Christmas Bird Counts. She also worked on the “Adopt-a-Highway” program, helping to maintain a stretch of US 95 near Mica Bay.

Beyond Idaho, Shirley’s birding adventures have taken her across the United States and around the world. Some of her favorite birding locations include the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho, Central Park in New York City, and the Galápagos Islands, where she encountered the iconic Blue-footed Booby during a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Shirley describes herself as more of a “watcher” than a “lister,” valuing the experience of observing birds in their natural habitats over tallying sightings. However, her passion for collaborative birding led her to initiate Kootenai County Big Year challenges, inspiring birders to collectively document as many species as possible within a year.

Her contributions extend to education and mentorship. She co-authored latilong maps for birding websites, served as secretary for the Idaho Bird Records Committee, and maintained the chapter’s spring arrival records. Her library of birding resources includes an impressive collection of field guides, historical bird books, and specialized ornithological texts, reflecting her deep commitment to avian study.

Shirley’s work has left an indelible mark on the birding community. Her meticulous data collection, dedication to conservation, and ability to inspire others have made her a treasured figure in Idaho’s birding history. Through her ongoing efforts, Shirley has enriched the understanding of bird species in the region and fostered a love for nature that will endure for generations to come.