Longtime Save Our Seabirds volunteer receives award nomination

Mattie Watson said she was entirely surprised to learn she had been nominated for Visit Sarasota County's Haley Hall of Fame Awards. It actually took a bit of prompting from a co-worker to check her email inbox for her to realize she was among this year's nominees and it wasn't a phishing attempt.

Watson has played an invaluable role in introducing visitors and residents alike to the wonderful world of Florida's birds. She has volunteered with Save Our Seabirds for about three years, and she leads educational talks about different bird species and their unique traits.

She recently lectured about Florida's wading birds.

Watson comes with interesting facts galore, but one she likes to highlight is that a pound of decorative bird feathers was more valuable than a pound of gold when plume hunting for fashion was at its peak.

Watson grew up in Connecticut and moved to South Carolina for work in her 20s. She pursued a career in the aerospace sector.

"I was actually the first woman to graduate from my jet engine metalsmith apprentice program," she said. "I just followed the path that was unfolding in front of me."

Photo by Dana Kampa

After traveling quite a bit, moving five times in 10 years, she happily settled in the Sarasota area around 2013 with her husband. Now, she focuses on a different type of flight.

"I always loved nature, but I really got into birding when we started coming to Florida and I had more time," she said. "The birds are so obvious here. In Connecticut, if I wanted to go for a bird walk, I'd have to put on boots and creep through the woods. In Florida, all you have to do is drive to Publix, and you'll see all kinds of them."

She said their presence sparked her interest in learning more about the various feathered inhabitants of the area.

Her presentations, supplemented with a PowerPoint and props, cover baseline information about local birds, like their size and how to identify them. But she also weaves in tidbits she happens to find interesting when she learns them.

For example, the wood stork may not possess the regal features of a great blue heron. But it does hold the highly important distinction of being an indicator species for the Everglades. If that species is struggling to thrive, it's a sign that other animals may be facing environmental challenges as well.

"I fill in interesting facts about the different species of birds that people may not already know, whatever I come across that is unusual about them, like unique behaviors," she said. "Whatever is fascinating about them is what I put into the presentation."

She was pleased to see such high interest from the community. At her first scheduled talk, staff had to turn people away after reaching capacity, and Watson set to work preparing another lecture.

Watson worried her talks would eventually reach a saturation point, but she said she still sees high attendance from those looking to learn something new.

While she spends much of her free time with Save Our Seabirds, Watson also volunteers with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradenton. She helps families navigate grief after losing a loved one as part of the bereavement team.

"I like to stay available for that because, for me, it's very meaningful to be part of it consistently," she said.

The award draws its name from Virginia J. Haley, who worked for 24 years helming Visit Sarasota County and served a crucial role in building up the local hospitality industry.

There are several award categories, one of which recognizes the volunteers who enrich visitors' experiences through their service.

As she leads her talks, Watson has a talent for addressing curious listeners of all ages, fielding questions about telling the difference between specific bird species, and sweeping up the crowd in her excitement for what makes these animals spectacular.

The award ceremony takes place at the Indicators & Insights Summit on Nov. 18, when Watson will find out if she won the award. But she said even receiving a nomination was touching.

"I said to myself, 'Seriously, you want to nominate me for just doing something that I love?' I'm glad they let me go there and talk about birds as much as I want," she said with a laugh.

She has two more lectures in November. Otherwise, she typically hosts a three-part series each month, January through March.