A longtime birder, Jeff started birding in 1961, and has participated in over 200 bird counts since 1963. He compiled the Chicago Urban Christmas Bird Count since its start in 1966, also contributing to the compilation of bird counts in Waukegan, Chautauqua, and Kane Counties.

Jeff joined the CAS board in 1998, and was the Field Trip chairman for ten years, and served on the Nominating Committee several times. Also active in other birding organizations, Jeff was the Field Trip chair for the Evanston Northshore Bird Club for 37 years, and has also served on the Park Ridge Audubon, Fort Dearborn Audubon and Lake-Cook Audubon (still active).