Date: 6/22/25 11:37 am From: Jennifer Outlaw Coulson via groups.io <jenniferocoulson...> Subject: [labird] Some sad news about Joelle Finley
Dear LABIRD,
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our
longtime members and leaders, Joelle Finley. On the morning of June 21,
Joelle passed away unexpectedly at her home with her loving husband, Ken
Harris, at her side. Joelle’s family is helping Ken, and he asks that we
all give him a few days before reaching out to him.
Joelle’s leadership in local environmental organizations was exemplary and
selfless. She served on Orleans Audubon’s Board for the past 19 years and
was the Vice-President for the past 17 years. She played many vital roles
in Orleans Audubon, coordinating our monthly programs and birding field
trips, and serving on the City Park and Sanctuary committees. Joelle also
helped organize local birding festivals and led many trips for the Grand
Isle Migratory Bird Celebration. She served as an advisor for the New
Orleans City Park’s Birding Corridor and was instrumental in its planning
and development. She and Ken also conducted bird monitoring surveys there
and elsewhere. On May 18th, 2021, OAS thanked and honored Joelle for her
long-time service to OAS and the environmental community by bestowing her
with the Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation Award.
Joelle was a longtime leader of the former Crescent Bird Club, running
field trips and handling membership. She was instrumental in orchestrating
its merger with OAS. She served many other leadership roles in the
environmental community, including Secretary of the Greater New Orleans
Chapter of the Louisiana Master Naturalists and Secretary for the Louisiana
Ornithological Society.
As a wildlife photographer, world traveler, and dynamic speaker, Joelle
shared her knowledge and talents by presenting lectures for OAS, LOS, CBC,
Northshore Bird Club, Sierra Club and the like. Her talks have taken us to
wonderfully exotic birding destinations such as Vietnam, Cuba, Brazil,
Madagascar, Thailand, Ghana and Indonesia. She and Ken had most recently
traveled to Uzbekistan and the Caribbean. Several of her recorded
presentations are available on the Orleans Audubon Society’s YouTube
channel.
Joelle was a true inspiration to countless people in the Greater New
Orleans Area as they were getting started in birding. Many have recounted
how Joelle generously shared her knowledge and also introduced them to
other birders. Joelle team taught many beginning birding classes for OAS.
She was featured and quoted in numerous articles about birds and birding,
articles which have appeared in birding magazines, local newspapers,
television spots and online blogs.
For many of us, myself included, Joelle was also a lifelong friend and
cherished birding companion. OAS will provide more information soon.
