A Young Birder Honors Dr. Kemper as the Birdathon Approaches
Liam Kraft
The following article written by Stillson 5th grader Liam Kraft, honors Dr. Charles Kemper, who passed away in February at 103 years old. A fitting tribute, Liam’s article celebrates the life of this local bird expert while highlighting the inspiration he received from Dr. Kemper. A timely theme as the land conservancy’s Birdathon team, the Chirp Chasers, begins preparation for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon 2023. The Chirp Chasers are excited to have Liam join the team.
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Charles Kemper By: Liam Kraft
Charles Kemper was an inspiring birder of the Chippewa Valley and surrounding areas. He wrote a book called “Birds of the Chippewa Land” in 2007. Kemper Woods in Lake Hallie, WI was made in his name, and he used it for birding and bird banding on Chippewa birds for over 50 years!
Kemper is a local hero of mine and has been since 2021 when I learned of him from a family birder. I was VERY surprised when I learned he lived right here in CHIPPEWA FALLS! After banding over 110,000 birds, Kemper donated his land to the CCLC or Chippewa County Land Conservancy to make more room for birds to live.
Ever since I got his book, “Birds of the Chippewa Land,” I have tried to be just like him and see all these exotics, which is how I refer to them, but other birders just refer to them as crazy birds that aren’t supposed to be here. And, wow, he saw a LOT. I guess he paid really close attention!
I was very sad when I found out that he had passed away recently. I am glad that he lived a very long life of 103 years. He made some big contributions to his local community and was a role model for many young birders like me.