David Allen Sibley began seriously watching and drawing birds as a young boy. In 1980, he began traveling throughout North America studying the natural world, both on his own and as a leader of bird-watching tours. This intensive travel and study led to the publication of his comprehensive guide to bird identification. His work is featured in a series of posters and cards from Scott & Nix, Inc., including Sibleys Backyard Birds of Eastern North America. He is married to ornithologist Joan Walsh and they have two sons, Ethan and Joel. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts.