Column: I’m a birding influencer. Here’s what I don’t like about the job.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 25, 2026

I’ve recently learned that I am an influencer. I don’t like it. I write a weekly birding column. I produce a birding channel on YouTube. Marketing geniuses across the globe have noticed. They contact me daily, hoping I will review their products and promote them. Some even promise a percentage for anybody I influence to buy their product. I’m not interested. Leave me alone. I want to be able to identify birds personally. If my feeder, optics and phone are doing all the work, it’s the tools that are smart, not me. Look, if I had any real influence, I’d persuade the government to not roll back the Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, that’s already happened. ~ Bob Duchesne