Rob Ripma   Bb   Rob Ripma

Rob Ripma

location-pin Carmel, Indiana

School: Indiana University, 2008

Expertise: Birding

Rob Ripma

  • Owner of Sabrewing Nature Tours - 2014-present
  • President of Amos Butler Audubon Society - 2015-2021
  • Secretary of Black Swamp Bird Observatory - 2014-present

Experience

Rob is a lifelong Indiana resident and co-owner of Sabrewing Nature Tours. He has birded extensively throughout the Americas and also spent time birding in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Rob is past president of the board of the Amos Butler Audubon Society in Indianapolis (after leading the board as president for 6 years) and secretary for Ohio’s Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). He also serves as the field trip coordinator for BSBO’s Biggest Week in American Birding annual event. Rob sat on the executive board of the Indiana Audubon Society for three years as treasurer and vice president. He is a co-founder of the Indiana Young Birders Club and speaks at a variety of organizations and schools about birds and birding to share his knowledge and experiences in the field. His leadership and expertise led to Rob working as the primary bird blogger for Birds & Blooms magazine from 2013-2017. Rob enjoys working with both new and experienced birders of all ages and believes that teaching people about birds will not only increase interest in birding but also help them better understand why we must work to protect them and their habitats. Additionally, he loves educating others about the positive impact nature tourism can have on local economies, especially in developing countries. This passion led to his involvement in the production of a PBS television program called, “Flight Path: The World of Migratory Birds,” where a crew accompanied him on a tour to Panama to highlight and bring to life the effect that birds and birding have on both the people that see them and those who work and live in areas visited by birders and nature lovers.

Education

Bachelor of science in marketing, Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

Birds & Blooms Editorial Policies


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Articles

What Foods Can You Feed to Ducks?

Although many people feed bread to ducks, it's better to consider more nutritious foods. Learn if ducks can eat corn or bird seed.

How You Can Help Birds in Cold Winter Weather

Don't worry about your backyard birds during frigid winter weather. Learn how to help them by providing food, water and shelter.

Peanuts in the Shell vs. Shelled Peanuts for Birds

One commonly asked bird feeding question is what types of backyard birds can eat peanuts in the shell and shelled peanuts.