Connecting with Birders through Bird Outings and Tours with Christopher Joe

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Birding Tools Podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Joe, Owner and Guide at Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours in Newbern, Alabama.

Christopher’s experience hosting and running a nature outing business provides wonderful insight into what to expect and look for in a bird outing, how to find one near you, and even how to host or start a bird outing space in your area.

Connecting with others in the birding community is a great way to enhance your birding experience and skills!

Follow Christopher and Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours on Instagram at @birdsandnaturetours!

Photo courtesy of Christopher Joe

Here’s how the episode goes

[2:30] Chris tells about how his experience growing up on a third-generation black angus cattle farm fostered his love of nature, wildlife, and birds.

[5:15] Varieties of habitats, including farmlands, have unique birding opportunities based on human activities. Chris talks about the Kites that flock to the farm during hay season, and how the habitat management practices encourage different birds to come around.

[12:00] Consider adding your local birding destination, property, or green space as an eBird hotspot location if you are interested in encouraging other birders to check out your location and add to the bird species list.

[14:15] Even recently, smaller outdoor groups are able to get out birding, so some tours are still continuing.

[16:00] Listed Birding Trails, and tours through the Chamber of Commerce and land trusts, are great ways to find places to go on bird outings or find birding tours.

[18:20] Birding outings is one of the best ways to connect with other birders, and Chris talks about how like-minded nature lovers can connect with each other through his tour company and any bird outing opportunity.

[21:20] Chris details how accessibility on his tours is really important to him to ensure others’ experiences aren’t limited. To ensure that accessibility, Chris had a custom trailer made for those with limited mobility to drive them around the property and make sure they also have a great experience.

[28:45] There are opportunities for people to create wildlife-friendly spaces to utilize their own land or green spaces in a way that benefits the local environment.

Click here to listen!

You can also read more about getting started on your birding endeavors on the Get Started page!

P.S., If you need a hand with bird ID, head over to download my free downloadable guide here!

Trail on property taken by Christopher Joe

One of the many trails that birders can enjoy on the Joe Farm during a tour with Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours. Photo Courtesy of Christopher Joe

An incredible spectacle, Swallow-tailed Kites gather and forage around an active tractor, making for a wonderful birding and photography opportunity. Photo by Greg Harber

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