How Birdwatching Shaped Kelly’s Passion for Wildlife and Travel 

World Wildlife Day holds a special place in my heart. I moved out West to attend the University of Montana to study wildlife biology, inspired by Jane Goodall and dreaming of studying primates in Africa. While I still love spotting bighorn sheep, elk, or other ‘large charismatic megafauna’ in the Rocky Mountain foothills, my true passion for wildlife developed through birding.

I still remember the moment I became captivated by birds. It was winter in Missoula during my sophomore year, and we took a field trip to the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge to learn about winter waterfowl. The drive south from Missoula, flanked by the Bitterroot Mountains and winding along the Bitterroot River, soon became a source of enchantment.

That winter day, as I learned to identify ducks and geese spending their days in the open waters of the valley, a spark was lit. Our instructors, armed with binoculars, spotting scopes, and field guides, patiently showed us the differences in bill shapes, winter plumage, male and female distinctions, and flight patterns. A few classmates who were hunters had a head start in bird identification, but for me, it was a revelation into an undiscovered world of wildlife.

I quickly became obsessed. By the next summer, I had my own binoculars and a growing collection of field guides—everything from The Birds of North America to specialized guides for sparrows, hawks, and shorebirds. I even amassed CDs to recognize bird calls and songs—before the convenience of cell phones and birding apps! 

Over the next decade, my passion for birds led me on incredible adventures. I interned at the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge with the Student Conservation Association, spent a summer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire conducting population surveys for the Audubon Society, and worked for Arizona Game and Fish studying bald eagles.

Eventually, I moved to Tucson, earned a graduate degree in natural resource management, and later settled in Fort Collins to work for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. 

Throughout my twenties, I was an avid birder, eagerly adding new species to my life list. Today, I consider myself more of a mindful birder, appreciating how birding deepens my awareness of everyday walks, the passing of time, and the changing seasons.

For example, when I first moved to Fort Collins, Blue Jays were a rare sight. Now, they are abundant, having expanded their range westward over the years. And just this past weekend, I spotted five Trumpeter Swans on the lake in my neighborhood—a rare and hopeful sighting, given their remarkable comeback from near extinction in the mid-1900s.

I also love how birds connect us to a place—Cardinals on the East Coast, Magpies out West—and with over 11,000 species worldwide, there’s always something new to discover!

Discover Birdwatching with AGC 

At Adventures in Good Company, we believe that travel is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the natural world. Birdwatching is a fantastic way to do just that, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce two new itineraries in 2026 with an emphasis on birding:

→ Southern Arizona: This new itinerary will explore one of North America's premier birding hotspots. Southeastern Arizona is home to unique species like Elegant Trogons, Vermilion Flycatchers, and multiple species of hummingbirds. With expert guides, participants will learn the basics of bird identification while hiking through stunning desert landscapes and lush riparian areas. 

→ Naturally Newport: Our revamped Newport itinerary will now include more opportunities for birdwatching along the scenic Rhode Island coast. From salt marshes to coastal woodlands, this trip offers an accessible introduction to identifying shorebirds, seabirds, and migratory songbirds.

A few of my other favorite trips for birding include Tanzania and the Galapagos: 

→ Tanzania Journey: Ngorongoro Highlands Trek and Great Migration – Any trip to Africa would be incomplete without an appreciation for its incredible avian diversity. Whether spotting hornbills or vibrant rollers, binoculars are a must for any safari adventure.

→ Galápagos by Land or Sea – This iconic birdwatching destination is famous for Darwin’s finches, which helped shape evolutionary theory. From charismatic Frigatebirds and Flamingos to Galápagos Penguins, this is an unforgettable location to sharpen bird identification skills.

Tips for Enjoying Birdwatching on Your Travels 

Pack the Right Gear

A good pair of binoculars can make all the difference. Consider lightweight, travel-friendly options with 8x42 or 10x42 magnification. A field guide or a birding app like Merlin Bird ID can also be invaluable.

I recommend the Nikon Monarchs M5 for a balance of budget and function. If you're ready to invest more, the Maven B1.2 is a step up, and for a lifetime investment, Leica binoculars are my favorite—mine have held up for nearly 30 years, with a warranty I’ve used a few times to clean the glass.

On a trip to South Africa, I also packed my spotting scope, and I use it often at home, as watching winter waterfowl is still one of my favorite ways to introduce others to birding. A good spotting scope makes a huge difference. The Vortex Optics Viper is highly rated and economical, while the Maven CS.1 offers a great magnification range and lighter weight. And if you’re looking for top-tier optics, Swarovski is unbeatable.

A field guide or a birding app like iBirdPro or Merlin Bird ID can also be invaluable, and I still love going through my field guides, and I have two copies of Sibley - one signed copy that stays on the bookshelf and another for regular use.

Be Patient and Observant 

Birds are often easier to hear than to see. Learn their calls and songs, and watch for subtle movements in trees, reeds, and the sky.

Respect the Wildlife 

Keep a respectful distance, avoid sudden movements, and never use recorded bird calls to attract birds in sensitive areas.

Time Your Outings Wisely 

Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most active times for bird activity.

Birding is a fantastic way to deepen your connection to nature and build community. I was reminded of this recently when I took my family—kids, parents, and sister—on a winter walk to look for the swans on our neighborhood lake. As we scanned the shoreline with binoculars and a scope, I pointed out the different ducks—Wigeon, Merganser, Mallard—and the distinctions between Trumpeter and Tundra Swans.

Neighbors stopped to chat, sharing stories about the Bald Eagles that frequent the area, the Great Blue Herons vying for nest sites, and the Pelicans we expect to see again this spring. We also discussed bird flu, our concerns for wildlife, and how we can do our part to help.

The challenges we face can seem daunting, but the comeback stories of the Trumpeter Swan, the Bald Eagle, and even the adaptability of the Blue Jay remind us what’s possible when we stay curious and care for our communities.

With Audubon chapters across the country, Wild Bird Stores that often host birding walks and classes, and natural areas and refuges offering guided programs, there are so many ways to get started! Whether you're new to birdwatching or a seasoned enthusiast, incorporating birding into your daily life and travels adds a layer of connection and curiosity to every adventure.

I encourage everyone to pack binoculars on their next outing—you never know what you might discover!

We hope to see you on an AGC adventure soon, where we can explore the wonders of the natural world—one bird at a time.