Max has a diverse background in community relations, project management, negotiations and environmental monitoring for Audubon. His experience as a biologist includes conducting a wide variety of bird surveys and submitting data to state agencies as well as the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These ranged from Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys to raptor nest and Greater Sage Grouse lek surveys. From 2014 to 2018, Max managed a 2,200 acre property in rural Wisconsin for Rio Tinto where he performed environmental monitoring, permit compliance work and oversaw invasive species management, biodiversity studies, and habitat restoration projects. This work required regular coordination with state resource agencies, local governments, wildlife and conservation groups and other stakeholders.  He also worked on large scale environmental remediation projects in Washington, Wyoming and New Jersey.

Max spends most of his free time volunteering on conservation projects with Audubon’s partners, including Tracy Aviary and The Nature Conservancy.  He enjoys leading and participating in Audubon chapter field trips and community science activities.

Max has a biology degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.  He plans to continue his education at Utah State University, with a focus on avian conservation research efforts related to the Great Salt Lake and its watersheds.

Articles by Max Malmquist

A group of phalaropes swim in a lake with out of focus mountains in the distance.
Western Water News

Wilson’s Phalaropes and their Journey from Canada to Argentina

By Emily Hamel
September 25, 2023 — Key stopovers at Great Salt Lake and Mono Lake allow for 10000 mile migrations.
Western Water News

Birds of Great Salt Lake’s South Arm Ecosystem Threatened

By Max Malmquist
November 04, 2022 — As Gilbert Bay’s water level declines and salinity levels rise, what birds are at risk?
Western Water News

Regional Shorebird Surveys Provide a Look at Changing Habitat Around the West

By Max Malmquist
October 27, 2022 — On-the-ground assessments of how drought is impacting birds in the Great Basin.
Western Water News

Collaborative Efforts Elevate Shorebirds During Spring Migration in Lahontan Valley

By Max Malmquist
June 28, 2022 — A conversation about the future of Nevada’s shorebirds.
Western Water News

Fall Update: Partners Work Together to Monitor Shorebirds and Their Habitat in the Lahontan Wetlands

By Max Malmquist
November 19, 2021 — National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant allows for more bird surveys in Nevada.
White-faced Ibis. Warren-Martin Hern/Audubon Photography Awards
Western Water News

Land Transfer Secures Nevada Bird and Wildlife Habitat

By Max Malmquist
April 29, 2021 — Long-awaited Transfer of Carson Lake and Pasture to the State of Nevada Gives Birds a Boost
Western Water News

I’m Especially Grateful for Birding this Year

By Max Malmquist
November 24, 2020 — And yes, birding on Great Salt Lake is magical.
Western Water News

UPDATE: Spring is for the Birds...and Birders (Cancellations and other Information)

By Max Malmquist
March 02, 2020 — Celebrate migration and great basin birds at a festival this spring.
Western Water News

Protecting and Celebrating an Oasis for Birds in the Great Basin

By Max Malmquist
June 25, 2019 — Lahontan Valley's wetlands provide critical habitat for birds.
Western Water News

Willard Spur Waterfowl Management Area, Utah's Serengeti of Waterbirds

By Max Malmquist
May 28, 2019 — A special place for birds and people.