E37 – Kenn Kaufman – Conservation, Art, and the Joy of Paying Attention

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In this episode, Scott sits down with one of the most influential naturalists of our time: Kenn Kaufman. From hitchhiking across North America as a teenager to becoming a celebrated author, artist, field guide creator, and voice for nature, Kenn’s life is a masterclass in what can happen when curiosity is allowed to lead.

We talk about his early years chasing rare birds with nothing but a backpack and a thumb on the highway, the origins of Kingbird Highway, and the moment he realized he wanted to spend his life helping others see the natural world more clearly. Kenn shares how painting reshaped the way he sees birds, why migration along Lake Erie still gives him chills, and how a single moth outside his window can derail his entire train of thought in the best possible way.

We also explore his field guide work, from advanced identification to making nature accessible for beginners, the joy and humility of contributing to Birds in Art, and his belief that the everyday—house sparrows, garter snakes, skunks, late-season vireos—is every bit as worthy of wonder as the rare and extraordinary.

This is an episode about birds, yes—but more than that, it's about attention, gratitude, and a lifetime of choosing to stay fascinated.

Bonus content and updates: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752