How Birding Became My Life’s Journey

When I entered college, I had two main goals: I wanted to learn something that mattered, and I wanted to get paid to hike. My junior year at UC Davis brought me closer to these dreams when I landed a job as a trip leader with an on-campus outfitter. I started leading overnight backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevadas, introducing people to the beauty of the wilderness. It was during one of those trips that I encountered something that would forever change my life: birds.

I distinctly remember the moment I heard a Hermit Thrush sing. Its ethereal, cascading notes echoed through the trees, stopping me in my tracks. I couldn’t believe such a hauntingly beautiful sound could come from a single bird. From that point on, I became captivated by birds, paying attention to every chirp and flutter. It felt like I had unlocked a whole new world.

Driven by curiosity, I enrolled in ornithology classes and found myself birding in my free time. After graduating, I took an internship at the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, where I counted and banded birds of prey as part of a long-term monitoring project. Hawkwatching became my first professional birding passion.

My journey didn’t stop there. I spent a year in New Zealand, where I was fortunate to study and bird in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. This time abroad deepened my love for birding and ignited my desire to share these experiences with others. I’ve since worked in some of the most stunning and remote locations, studying Great Gray Owls in Yosemite, Greater Sage-Grouse in Wyoming, and Bald Eagles on the Channel Islands.

During this time, I developed a skill that has shaped my career—avian point counts. While the method seems straightforward—stand at a designated point and count the birds you see and hear in a short amount of time—it’s anything but simple. The challenge of identifying dozens of species by sound alone, often in remote and harsh conditions, requires intense focus and perseverance. But when you get the hang of it, there’s something magical about walking into a habitat and assessing its bird life within seconds.

Point counting isn’t about disconnecting from the world; it’s one of the most connected experiences I’ve ever had. For years, I coordinated point counts across the Great Plains, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, immersing myself in some of the most breathtaking landscapes. Yet, as rewarding as fieldwork is, there’s a downside—often, I was alone. While I enjoyed the solitude, there were moments of sheer beauty I wished I could share with others.

That longing to connect with people while exploring the wonders of nature is why I founded Pteravia. I started my birding tour company to bring people together, to share the awe of the natural world, and to help others discover the beauty I’ve spent years chasing.

I hope to see you on one of my trips soon! Together, we’ll explore nature, connect with amazing birds, and make memories that will last a lifetime.