Learning From Rudy Mancke

The Teacher

On the last day of ZUGUNRUHEfest at the Center for Birds of Prey, Chris woke up early and dressed in his “uniform” before the sun rose. He found a pen and his Moleskin notebook, crossed his binoculars (Nikon Monarchs, btw) over his body and set his hat atop his head.  Rudy Mancke was leading a walk at the Center in a coupe of hours, and Chris was ready to see his mentor in action.

So much of how Chris, and- because of Chris’s counsel — Coastal Expeditions guides, lead their tours is modeled after the ease and connectedness of Rudy Mancke’s teaching style.  It had been a while since Chris had seen Rudy walk along a pond’s edge to effortlessly catch a dragonfly to perch on the bulb of his nose.  It is a teaching tool that mesmerizes young and old, and Chris was ready.

The last thing I asked him to do before he walked out the door was to have his picture taken with Rudy. And he gladly obliged.  Here it is.

Chris Crolley with Rudy Mancke