Who was John James Audubon?

John James Audubon, born 'Jean Rabin' (1785 – 1851) was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He was notable for his extensive studies documenting all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats.

Audubon was born in Haiti, the illegitimate son of a French sugar cane plantation owner & his French mistress. He was raised in France by his step-mother. In Nantes, he took a lively interest in birds, nature, drawing, and music. During the chaotic years of the French Revolution and its aftermath, the younger Audubon grew up to be a handsome and gregarious man. An accomplished musician he also learned to ride, fence, and dance.

At 18, he was sent to America, where he hunted, studied, and drew birds, and met his wife, Lucy. While there, he conducted the first known bird-banding experiment in North America. He began going on extensive solo ventures as an artist & bird lover. By his mid-fifties, Audubon had achieved fame and a modest degree of comfort. He died at his family home in New York at age 66 from dementia.

His major work, a color-plate book entitled 'The Birds of America' (1827–1839), is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. Audubon identified 25 new species. Although Audubon had no role in the organization that bears his name, there is a connection, one of the founders of the early 'Audubon Society' (1800's), was tutored by Lucy Audubon, John James’s widow.