John James Audubon (1785-1851): artist and ornithologist. Audubon was born in Haiti, grew up in France, and moved to America when he was 18 years old. He developed a fascination with birds and wilderness during his youth that he maintained throughout his life. Audubon published The Birds of America in four volumes in 1838. The Audubon Society's namesake is John James Audubon, and his name has become synonymous with birds and bird conservation.