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

Woody with group in Yellowstone National Park

Woody with Naturalist Journeys group at giant Sitka Spruce on Olympic Peninsula

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.

Buy on Amazon

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.

Woody pointing out a bird (1) — Woody points out a bird

For specific rates and fees:

Contact Woody

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!

― Lani Johnson, Board Member, Friends of Ravenna-Cowen, Seattle

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.

― Martha, participant in Burke-Gilman birding walks

Thanks to you we understood our priorities, learned to tell our story and where to tell it. You took out the mystery and gave us direction. …If you have a group who is considering you for consultation I would be happy to offer my recommendation and answer any questions…Thank you.

― Jim Freese, Interim Executive Director at Friends of North Creek Forest

What a terrific way to broaden our horizons! (Tanzania Safari presentation)

― Susan Redd, Director of Skagit YMCA

You are the best tour guide in the world! – Hilary Hischer, Former Communication Director for Audubon Washington and The Nature Conservancy of Washington

― Hilary Hilscher

Thank you again for your wonderful way of presenting such a beautiful voyage (Tanzania Safari presentation)! You are a master of sharing.

― Janele Nelson, Director YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties