John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum, a well-established spot for bird lovers, recently welcomed members of the avian subculture: birdpunk, writes Steve Neumann for the National Audubon Society.

While birding and punk may seem like a strange combination, for people like Tony Croasdale, who led a visit to Delaware County, it’s a natural fit.

Croasdale, once lead singer of punk band R.A.M.B.O., is now site director for the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center and founder of the BirdPhilly education program.

He said the Do-It-Yourself values of punk living work perfectly with activities like birding.

Punk thrives on independence and individualism, with their music shunning the profiteering label industry for a homegrown network of venues and websites. This ethic also spills into other aspects of their lives such as visual media, politics, economics, and social philosophy. The key traits in the community are hospitality, trust, and authenticity.

“People get hung up on the spikes and loud music, but the important part about punk is the issues and values,” said Chris Warlow, one of the members of the bird watching party. “Birding fits into that for me.”

Read more about birdpunk from the National Audubon Society by clicking here.

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