Mato's Journey

Growing up watching birds as a child in his rural Alabama home, Dave always wondered what their life was like. He made up stories about what they were doing each day and how they interacted with each other. These stories inspired The Backyard Birds series. Dave has always been a birder and a writer. Recognized for his writing talent as a student at Jacksonville State University, he served as a Features Writer, News Editor, and Special Columnist for the school newspaper. He was commissioned into the Army upon graduation, and served as an Army Aviator, where his writing talents served him well throughout his career. After retirement, he held numerous leadership positions in private industry but always wanted to bring The Backyard Birds to life, which he has now done, with Mato's Journey and Mato's Choice. Dave holds degrees from Jacksonville State University, Troy State University, and Florida Tech, and is certified coach by the International Coach Federation. He and his wife, Abigail, live in Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay, where they observe wildlife and chase their four grandchildren.