Emerson was born in Shelburne County and grew up in Lockeport. A teacher got him interested in birding while he was in high school. He fondly remembers the Port L'Hebert CBC where friends would gather the night before and then after for the tally of the count. While he got away from birding as work as an accountant and family happened, he continued to be interested in birds and nature. Planning for retirement included getting back into birding and picking up photography as a hobby. Birding is a great way to meet new friends and he has met many friendly birders (is there any other kind?) in the past year. He is retired and lives in Middle Sackville.