By Darcy Thomas
Evan Clark was bit by the birding bug a couple of years ago when, during a trip to England, he bought binoculars to look for birds. Upon returning home to Washington, D.C., Evan took up the hobby in earnest, finding it suited him well. On a visit to his mother in Kalispell, Evan became an instant friend to Flathead Audubon birders when he joined my Creston Raptors field trip. We had a fun outing with great camaraderie and saw lots of birds. Subsequently, Evan went birdwatching with other FAS members, and was touched by the welcoming friendliness of those who shared their love of birds with him. Since then, birding has become an obsession of Evan’s, with plans for a worldwide birding tour to see 5,000 birds by the time he turns 70.
In the Spring of 2024 Evan’s mother was in her last days and he came to be by her bedside. To lift his spirits, he spent a bit of each day watching birds. He joined my Smith Lake field trip, where we discovered a Great Blue Heron rookery and were overjoyed by a Pygmy Nuthatch. Our friendship and the special birds helped cheer him in a time of great sorrow.
Following his mother’s passing, Evan generously donated his inheritance to the Flathead Audubon Society, having been deeply inspired by his brother’s and sister-in-law’s charitable nature and exceptional care for his mother. This heartfelt gift serves as a thank you to them, and to his fellow Flathead Audubon members for their cherished friendship and shared passion. His only request was that the funds be used thoughtfully for the benefit of the Flathead’s birds and birders.
We greatly appreciate Evan’s generous gift, which will enable Flathead Audubon Society to soar to new heights in promoting birds and birdwatching through our conservation and education programs. Our deepest thanks to you, Evan.