Standing on a semi-frozen sub-antarctic island looking at a mass of penguins who have never seen humans before is all in a day's work for Dr Eric Woehler OAM.

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While some might be left speechless by the awe of a huddle of tuxedoed birds, Dr Woehler OAM took it as a reminder of the importance of his bird ecology work.

Dr Woehler's OAM resume is an extensive one. Despite having already contributed what many might objectively consider a lifetime of work, he continues working for the plight of birds.

He has headed up BirdLife Tasmania since 2001 and has maintained research roles with multiple seabird organisations.

Dr Woehler said his fascination and dedication to birdlife came when he was swept up in a fundamental shift in attitudes towards ecology and conservation.

"[My inspiration] was probably the original Life on Earth TV series by David Attenborough back in the early 80s," he said.

"That TV series was credited with creating a generation of people that were interested in caring for, and working towards, conservation of wildlife and the planet."

The impact Dr Woehler has had on bird ecology in Tasmania and the world over is palpable, but the man responsible was humble in his deflection of what he had achieved.

He said regular reminders about the fragility of the environment and wildlife continued to drive him in his exploits.

"I've been very fortunate to see things both in terms of wildlife and the earth in remarkable places," he said.

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"It's these wonderful experiences that provide the impetus to protect it for now but also for future generations. We run the risk of losing so much if we don't care for what we have and make the effort that it's there for future generations to enjoy as well."

With 40 years behind him, Dr Woehler said everything that inspired him from Life on Earth had become an even more pressing issue.

"The future of the environment is in the balance at the moment. In many ways the planet is at a threshold in terms of us needing to act rapidly and dramatically in order to change what seems to be an accelerating rate of climate change," he said.

"But clearly, the work I have done as a volunteer and as a scientist has been recognised to have value for the Australian community and perhaps wider and so I will continue to make my contribution as best as I can for as long as I can."

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