If you’ve ever thought that one person can’t make a difference, 40,000 bluebirds happen to disagree with you!
When he retired in the 1970s, Al Larson turned his attention towards the sky. Or, well, the birds who fly through it. After reading about the plight of the bluebirds and their declining numbers, he got to work to build them homes to keep their young safe. Now, at the age of 97 and over 350 nest boxes later, it doesn’t appear he’s slowing down!
This is someone who can show us a lot about the impact we each can have.
Source: Pixabay
The Birdman of Idaho!
The thing about Al Larson is that he’s a so-called “self-taught conservationist”. He didn’t go to university to learn about birds. No, he simply cared about them, knew that nesting boxes helped them survive (due to the decreasing number of trees they would typically nest in), and knew that he was more than capable of putting up a few boxes.
But then those few boxes became a few hundred and suddenly, Al was known as the Bluebird Man of Idaho. He monitors the boxes, collecting much-needed data about egg and hatchling numbers that he then gives to universities and really, anyone who requests it.
“I’m gratified to know that I’ve helped the bluebirds increase their populations. I’m gratified to know that through the work I’ve done I’ve inspired many many other people to help not only bluebirds but other creatures as well.“
— Al Larson
Great Big Story introduces us to Al in this wonderful short video!
Great Big Story is one of those channels whose work never fails to leave us amazed at how awesome this world is. They highlight stories that often go missed. Through their lens, we get to meet people, like Al, who are making a difference, learn about fantastic cultural traditions, the secret lives of animals and explore this entire world in ways we could never have without their work. Thank you, Great Big Story!
If you’d like to check out more of their great work, check out their YouTube channel and give them a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
We can each make a difference!
Whatever it is that you enjoy or feel the calling to do, the world needs you to pursue it. If everyone was doing the same thing, we wouldn’t get very far, would we? Your unique interest is just as important as the next person’s.
Here are a few stories that really prove this!
Guerrilla Gardener Takes on South Central LA
Meet Ron Finley; an amazing fellow who’s come up with a better idea than battling over turf. How about using “turf” in a very old way! Take a look!
Read Article Watch Video Listen to PodcastWhy Would One Man Fill 600 Potholes?
Now here’s an inspiring story of turning a personal loss into wonderful progress for all! Thousands of people die every year just because of the potholes littering India’s roads. And after his own son lost his life, this father became the change the country needs. Just check out the impact he’s having…
Read Article Watch Video Listen to PodcastNavigating the World Without Sight: You Don’t Have to See the Road to Determine Your Path with Daniel Kish (Episode #153)
Daniel Kish has a natural ability that has amazed over 2 billion people on this planet. He is often referred to as “The REAL Batman” because he has no eyes and yet he “sees” the world with sound, much like bats and dolphins do. He has traveled the globe unaccompanied for 25 years teaching tens of thousands to live independent lives with this remarkable adaptation. In this rousing conversation, Daniel shows how this works – and asks us all to let go of our fear of the unknown.
Read Article Watch Video Listen to PodcastIf you’d like to learn a little more about Al and his journey, here’s another wonderful documentary all about him. It’s about 30 minutes long and really gets you excited about staying active and pursuing your interests throughout life!
Want to hear the stories of more amazing birds?
Boy, do we have some articles for you! We’ve celebrated all kinds of birds and their amazing behaviors and abilities. These ones will have you soaring!
A River of Raptors
If we are looking for inspiration and hope these days, we may only have to look up to find it! There is a river of wonder going unnoticed above us, showing us how the health of our planet is holding up. And thankfully, there’s an amazing group of people bringing us these insights.
Read Article Watch Video Listen to PodcastHummingbirds: The Bodybuilders in Your Backyard!
Get ready for a dose of awe and wonder! With lightning-fast speeds, an off-the-charts competitive nature, and beak-jousting skills that top Olympic fencers, hummingbirds are truly one of nature’s flying marvels.
Read Article Watch Video Listen to PodcastYou’re Probably More Like a Crow than You Thought
These birds probably live near you, but have you ever noticed just how intelligent they are? No? Well, you’re in for a treat.
Read Article Watch Video Listen to PodcastStay open to new possibilities!
- Sam
“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” —Albert Einstein
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Notes:
- Great Big Story. “The Birdman of Idaho Has Built Homes for Over 40,000 Bluebirds.” YouTube, Great Big Story, 25 July 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRw-D_Nw9t8&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 29 Aug. 2019. ↩
- Bluebird Man – A Film by Wild Lens. “Bluebird Man – Al Larson Bluebird Recovery Documentary.” YouTube, Wild Lens, 12 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg7vnYDu_U8. Accessed 29 Aug. 2019. ↩
