Laura Erickson, Duluth resident, birder, author, radio personality, and blogger, has been given the Roger Tory Peterson Award by the American Birding Association. She is honored for a lifetime of work on behalf of birding. Laura has been particularly focused on birding for youngsters.

She is author of six books about birds: "101 Ways to Help Birds;" "Sharing the Wonder of Birds with Kids," which won the 1997 National Outdoor Book Award; "The Bird Watching Answer Book;" For the Birds: An Unusual Guide;" and"Twelve Owls" and "Minnesota Birds of Prey," both illustrated by Betsy Bowen, artist from Grand Marais.

Laura has been producer of her own radio show about birds since 1986. This brief and entertaining bit about birds can be heard on public radio stations in Duluth, Grand Rapids, St. Cloud, and Thief River Falls. She also is a busy public speaker. Laura's web address is www.lauraerickson.com

Congratulations to an outstanding educator and ambassador for birding.