Mark has been birding since 1994.  He has competed in the world series of birding for 11 years from 2002-2013, because he enjoys birding. In 2012 and 2013, along with Johnson, Mark finished third in 2012 and 2013. The two long-time friends decided to compete again, but not in the statewide event. 

He is proud to compile Christmas bird counts and has done so for 9 years from 2003-2012.  He has demonstrated his skills by counting in four count circles.  He is part of the winter raptor survey and breeding bird survey which is vital to observation of point count routes.  Throughout his career, he has led more than one hundred birding trips because he loves turning people onto birds.  Mark is also a army veteran having served 10 years in the service.