Help replace birding equipment after major theft

Hello all!

As many of you now know, I was the target of a grand larceny attack in late December of last year. Long story short, as I was gearing up for a long day of Christmas Bird Counting in Upstate New York, someone ran into our driveway and stole our car with all of my birding equipment inside. Overall, a thoroughly shocking and terrifying experience as I actually came face to face with the thief for a time! All details for another time... After 3+ weeks, the car was recovered, but the equipment is gone for good.

If you are seeing this and don't know me so well, birds are essentially my life. Although I have a broad range of interests and pursuits, none are more critical to me than birds. I have been completely enthralled by their existence since before I could read and have not looked back since. I dedicate as much free time as I can manage to birding and my career pursuits are bird focused - I am studying environmental science (terrestrial and aquatic ecology) at SUNY Brockport and have dedicated my life to the protection of birds and the habitats they occupy.

That said, my stolen equipment included items such as my scope, tripod, two pairs of binoculars, my camera, and a pair of lenses, among many other items. The replacement value of this equipment, which altogether took just under a decade to procure, is far beyond my means. We have been in the process of working with homeowners insurance, which is the reason for my delay in turning to crowdfunding. I would rather not take from others what I do not need, and therefore have held off until I had a better picture of what to expect from insurance for compensation. Now I turn to you for aid in replacing these supplies. Thank you for your generosity!

Good birding!

Robert Buckert

P.S. If anyone would rather donate non-electronically, reach out and let me know! I will subtract your donated amount from the fundraiser goal.