On March 26, Eaglebrook was fortunate to have a Hilly Chase hosting ornithologist David Sibley. He is from New York and resides in the Hilltop Farm farmhouse. In his Hilly Chase, he engaged students with his unique passion for birds and the power of observation. His love began through his father, who was also an ornithologist, and he started drawing birds at age 7. As he got older, he expanded this possible interest, traveling across the country, observing and sketching various bird species. Mr. Sibley included multiple sketches and documents of his experience as an ornithologist and visualized his vast knowledge of birds. In the Hilly Chase, students were amazed at his dedication and hard work in his interest in birds, and he showed some of his favorite sketches on the screen for students to see. He connected his strong interest in birds and his drawing ability, giving a theme of practice.

A powerful quote from him was, “Every sketch is practice for the next one, and repetition with sketches is how you learn about your subject.”

Furthermore, he provides an insight into the books that he has written, “What It’s Like to Be a Bird.” However, in the book, he teaches about birds on a deeper level of understanding, with data on things such as behaviors or traits. The students were deeply interested as they thought of how to do such great stuff with their hobby or passion. Mr. Sibley did a great job of creating an engaging and fun experience for the students and teachers, as he gave something for the students to relate to. Mr. Sibley finished his Hilly Chase, answering thoughtful questions from the students.