Birding and Natural History Tours
Arrange small group or individual outings for several hours, a half or full day tour to local or regional natural areas. Even if you just have an hour or two to go birding, I will take you to a good spot and help you find birds you are seeking. I will provide a spotting scope and at least one extra pair of binoculars.
- Timing: One hour to a full day
- Location: We can meet at your convenience at a mutually agreed upon spot.
- Age/Audience: Adults and kids 8+ years old.
- Advance notice of two weeks
Tours I have led include these areas:
- Union Bay Natural Area aka Montlake Fill
- Magnuson Park
- Seward Park
- West Seattle/Alki
- Juanita Bay Park
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
- Spencer Island Wildlife Area
- Skagit Flats and Upper Skagit River
- British Columbia – Fraser River Delta
Book Readings
I would love to share essays from my new book Look Up! Birds and Other Natural Wonders Just Outside Your Window with your group or organization. Previously, I have done readings at a Bird festival, at nature centers, book stores and in a home. If you have a group of 30 or more, I would be pleased to arrange a reading/signing book selling event.
Presentations
I offer the following presentations and workshops of 1-2 hours each:
- Getting to Know Your Backyard Birds
- Family-friendly Birding
- Bird Migration
- Texas: a Five-Star Birding Experience
- Where the Wild Things Still Are: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Great Salt Lake Watershed
- The Ordinary Can Be Extraordinary: Celebrating Common Birds
Conservation Nonprofit Consulting
Professional Consulting
Drawing upon my background of 30+ years working for conservation organizations and causes, I am available for consulting to conservation non-profit organizations, “Friends” groups and other entities working on land, species, habitat, trails or open space conservation. My areas of expertise include: partnership development, fundraising, grant-writing, communications and capacity-building.
For specific rates and fees:
Testimonials
Woody is a remarkable guide! His natural history guiding is done with deep knowledge and personal commitment. He is an engaging speaker too. The Friends of Ravenna-Cowen were glad that Woody could assist our organization with an engaging interpretive talk about this natural history, plants, birds, and wildlife in Ravenna Park in Seattle. Our tour groups were delighted!
I’ve met several birding “instructors,” but your ability to teach in a kind, enthusiastic and inclusive way stands out. Your extensive knowledge of birds and your warm personality inspire me to learn and appreciate the amazing world that surrounds us – even on the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Re: So… what are you reading?
by vibramhead »
Just finished a fine little book called Look Up! Birds and Other Natural Wonders Just Outside Your Window, by Seattle writer Woody Wheeler. Much of the book has a Pacific Northwest focus. Here’s my Amazon review:
This isn’t a birding guide, it’s the book you should read before you buy a birding guide. In fact, you really don’t have to be a birder to enjoy it. It’s a wonderful collection of thoughtful little nuggets on natural history, our relationship with nature, and most importantly, the importance of tearing our eyes from our phones and computers and looking up in wonder at the nature right in front of our noses, in our own neighborhoods. While birds take center stage in this book, the essays range farther afield, to wolves, pikas, Patagonia, and even the virtues of rakes over leaf blowers. If you imagine a dollop of David Attenborough’s natural history, mixed with a modern-day backyard-philosopher Thoreau, leavened by the folksy storytelling of Garrison Keillor, you have some idea of what Woody Wheeler’s writing is like. One of my favorite things about this book is its optimism. It’s full of good news about our relationship with nature: neighbors working together to save a favorite local natural spot, or visionary philanthropists saving entire ecosystems. All you have to do is look up to see it.
I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation Spring Into Birding Wednesday at the North Shore YMCA Senior National Fitness Day. It was wonderful! I learned so much, and could have listened for another hour. Besides your depth of knowledge and insights, your presentation skills are envious! Thank you so much.
What a terrific way to broaden our horizons! (Tanzania Safari presentation)