Florence Augusta MerriamFlorence Augusta Merriam Bailey (August 8, 1863 - September 22, 1948) was a famed American ornithologist, birdwatcher, and nature writer. By 1888, twenty-five-year-old Florence Merriam had already been leading groups of classmates at Smith College oudoors for quiet observation of birds in their natural settings. In 1889 she published the first ever field guide to birds in America. Between 1890 and 1939, she published additional books featuring her observing birds in the wild. These guides were often written with amateur birdwatchers in mind, leading to the popularity of the birding movement. Read More Read Less