Bob Hamblin, Skagit Valley birder

The Skagit Wildlife Area is home to many different types of birds, but also to a man who has studied them most of his life. Bob Hamblin, 80, has been officially birding for 37 years but recalls his first identifications at the age of seven.

Now, Hamblin spends his time between his landscaping work during the week and birding on the weekends.

Hamblin started professionally birding and photographing birds in 1982. The same year, he remade a three-person camera into one that he could carry and operate in the field by himself. The camera he carried in his backpack weighed 95 pounds. Over the span...