Getting to Know Your Board: Tiffany Kelly

Tiffany Kelly is our new Secretary to the Board of Directors.

Tiffany Kelly was elected board secretary at Audubon’s May membership meeting. She is a fairly new island resident, having moved to South Whidbey Island with her husband, Paul, in 2023. We talked with Tiffany about her life and interest in Audubon.

How did you first get involved with Whidbey Audubon?

One of the first things my husband, Paul, and I did after moving to Whidbey was put our names on the waitlist for the Birds of Whidbey class. Luckily, we were able to participate that fall! The class was a great introduction to the island. We learned a lot, and the field trips were a fantastic way to explore areas we might not have found on our own. I think you get a lot for what you pay for the class, and it’s a wonderful way to meet new people.

Where did your interest in birding originate?

I’ve always had a bird book and enjoyed identifying birds. My interest grew during COVID, when I was working from home. We lived in Snohomish at the time, and my desk was in front of a little window. I would watch the birds move through during the different seasons—Bush Tits then Black-Headed Grossbeaks… I didn’t realize that I was watching their migrations, I just knew that I felt very connected to what was happening around me.  

Why did you move from Snohomish to Whidbey Island?

Paul and I owned a 2.7-acre hobby farm in Snohomish for more than 12 years. We were raising the basics—goats, chickens, flowers, sheep, honeybees, veggies, fruit trees—and were working to limit our footprint and impact on the environment.

We were also working full-time. Farming was getting hard on my body, and I realized that doing it had stopped bringing me joy. Around that time, our three kids were moving out to go to college. It was the perfect time for a change.

Paul and I found a fixer house with a water view in Clinton that was everything we ever dreamed of. Now it’s one of my favorite places to bird watch! I can sit on my deck and watch seabirds from one direction and songbirds from the other.

What excites you about Whidbey Audubon’s work?

Protecting the environment and these magical places on the island is something I am passionate about. I’m looking forward to putting my professional experience as an executive assistant, and past volunteer experience serving as a secretary for other organizations, to work for Audubon.

One of the things I’m excited about is having more diverse and active members. How can we make Audubon fun and accessible for people who work full-time jobs or have kids or physical challenges that make traditional outings difficult? Our membership has so many great ideas! I would love to see us in a place where we have enough bodies to do the work.

We always have to ask: What is your favorite bird?

It’s ever-changing, but right now my favorite bird is the California Scrub Jay. We have a pair that sticks around our house all year. I had the best time watching them with their fledgling this summer.