Allen Poynter

Wood Carver

Allen Poynter was introduced to natural history as a child on expeditions with his two older brothers to the beaches and fell country of Northumberland, England. This interest stayed with him through his Merchant navy experience with many crossings of the North Atlantic and four trips around the world, expanding his knowledge to include Pelargic and Tropical birds as well as birds of the Southern Hemisphere.

It was on immigration to Canada that he became really serious about birding and conservation. Settling with his family on the West Coast in Victoria, and later Vancouver, he quickly became involved in record keeping, bird migration and behaviour, spending much time in the field. Allen has been associated with both the Vancouver and Victoria Natural History Societies, where he chaired the ornithological section, and was president of the Victoria group.

His introduction to woodcarving was very sudden. After 45 years of intensive bird watching, nature photography and writing, He walked into the Richmond Carvers annual competition in Steveston, B.C. and was astounded to see so many fantastic birds in a medium that he had not seen before. He bought a knife, a block of wood and a basic book on carving decoys and added a whole new dimension to his fascination with bird life.

He has most recently spent time as a director for the Canadian Nature Federation and the B.C. Waterfowl Society. Besides the carving of birds, he uses photography to share his outdoor observation experience in the form of audiovisual Bird & Conservation lectures, and has led bird field trips for many groups over the years.

Retiring from the shipbuilding industry, Allen and his wife now reside on the shore of Craig Bay in Parksville, B.C., and participate in local birding groups. Allen is president of the Oceanside Woodcarvers Club, and an active participant in the annual Brant Festival carving competition.