Conservation Heroes: Claire Capell ’26
Claire Capell graduated with her bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology in May 2026, and since Commencement she has been putting her skills to work as a field biologist with Blue Ridge Bird Observatory on Big Bald Mountain.
Blue Ridge Bird Observatory is a nonprofit which seeks to protect birds in the Southern Appalachian region through research, education, and conservation work. Capell, along with some other biologists from Blue Ridge Bird Observatory, is featured in episode four of “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild,” which airs this Saturday, Nov. 14 on ABC stations nationwide. We spoke with Capell about her experience filming the show, and how one small piece of plastic helps conservation efforts for hundreds of birds.
Tell me about the topic you covered with Jeff on “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild.”
On episode four of “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild,” we covered the scientific process of breeding bird banding, an ornithological field research method, and its conservation implications in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
What is the most important thing for people to understand about this topic?
Field research methods, such as bird banding, provide valuable data to help illustrate ecological trends and inform conservation priorities. Our work banding birds on Big Bald Mountain contributes to a broader analysis of habitat quality and the survivability and health of our breeding bird populations. It is more important than ever to understand how and which birds are experiencing the impacts of a changing landscape, as these trends can indicate underlying ecological imbalances and prompt conservation action.
How do you feel that the work you do makes you a Conservation Hero?
As a non-profit organization, the work we do at Blue Ridge Bird Observatory runs on the support, hard work, and generosity of our dedicated volunteers. Their contributions make the work we do possible! I believe anyone can be a Conservation Hero by giving the invaluable gift of their time, presence, and passion to support their local conservation efforts and organizations.
