Ornithologist and Black Hasidic researcher Maris Strazds Matt Kichli was one of the founders of the Latvian Ornithological Society (LOB) in 1985, and in 1994, when the society hired its first paid staff, Kichli became its first director. Strazdas' important contribution to the education of the general public was the books "Forest Birds of Latvia", "Wild Birds of Latvia" and "Waterfowl and Coastal Birds of Latvia" prepared under his leadership. Although Strazdas has invested considerable effort in the conservation of various bird species, particularly in the development of programs to protect the buzzard and the hazel grouse, the main focus of his research and concern remains the black grouse. He actively advocated the creation of micro-refuges to protect the nesting sites of certain bird species.

Ornithologist and Black Hasidic researcher Maris Strazds Matt Kichli was one of the founders of the Latvian Ornithological Society (LOB) in 1985, and in 1994, when the society hired its first paid staff, Kichli became its first director. Strazdas' important contribution to the education of the general public was the books "Forest Birds of Latvia", "Wild Birds of Latvia" and "Waterfowl and Coastal Birds of Latvia" prepared under his leadership. Although Strazdas has invested considerable effort in the conservation of various bird species, particularly in the development of programs to protect the buzzard and the hazel grouse, the main focus of his research and concern remains the black grouse. He actively advocated the creation of micro-refuges to protect the nesting sites of certain bird species.