Craig, a watercolor artist and photographer, and Joy, a writer, are authors of Our Puget Sound Birds & Habitat and two other photographic bird books. Their Newest book, Our Pacific Northwest Birds & Habitat, features new photographs and includes some highlights from previous books, making it their best book yet. The Amazing Hummingbird Story of Red Rufous is another recent book, colorfully illustrated using Craig's watercolors. It is about a Rufous Hummingbird's first year of life and migration. Please see the Red Rufous section for animations and hummingbird information.
Puget Sound area natives, the Johnsons participated in the International Shorebird Survey and Pigeon Guillemot Survey on Whidbey Island, where they currently reside. Active members of their local Audubon chapter, they work with them in conservation efforts and public education. Together, they enjoy studying ornithology and giving bird presentations to schools and a multitude of other groups. Their goal is to inspire others to appreciate and protect birds and their habitat.
For the past ten years, Craig’s small art business has kept him busy working with a variety of media, including fine art, graphics, photography and printing. With a BA from the University of Washington and years of experience working in education, Joy has contributed with research and writing, as well as assistance in running the business.
“Because we value birds for what they offer us in personal pleasure and as part of the web of life, we donate much of our time to help protect them.”