You Have What It Takes to Lead Bird Outings

On a warm afternoon in Chicago’s McKinley Park, Em De Blas was guiding a group of birders when they spotted a Downy Woodpecker “going ham” on a tree. In both English and Spanish, De Blas invited everyone to spend some time just watching the beautiful bird do its thing. The year before, De Blas had recognized that bilingual outings could welcome more people into the local birding community but worried that they didn’t know enough about birds to lead them. “I still remember very vividly going through the questions, the insecurities, the anxiety, the whole works,” De Blas says. Now peaceful moments like these remind them: Being a leader is less about ornithological prowess and more about helping people connect with nature. 

For birders used to joining outings as a participant, taking on the responsibilities of a trip leader can feel intimidating. “Many people who would be wonderful bird outing leaders don’t think they’re ‘good enough birders,’ ” says Freya McGregor, owner of Access Birding, a consulting and training company that specializes in improving access and inclusion for disabled birders. “Creating a friendly, welcoming space among the participants is your most important job as an outing leader, not having perfect bird ID skills.”

The learning curve for planning your first outing is largely about logistics. You have a “duty of care” as a leader to know the access features and social environment of an outing location, McGregor says, “because you are inviting people into that space with you.” Practically speaking, that means preparing event descriptions that include start and end times, how far you expect to travel and on what types of surfaces, whether there will be chances to sit or take breaks, and if you'll have extra binoculars to share. Providing as much specific, concrete information as possible invites potential participants to opt in or to ask further questions.

How you open an event can also help get everyone on the same page. McGregor introduces herself and offers each participant an opportunity to share their name, pronouns, and any access needs that it could be helpful for others to know. When leading outings with the Chicago Ornithological Society or Chicago BIPOC Birders, De Blas likes to remind attendees that no one person—leaders included—can know everything, so everyone in the group feels empowered to ask questions, offer answers, and learn together. 

Once your group sets out, keep your participants engaged by taking cues from what gets them excited, says Christopher Joe, owner of Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours. Joe welcomes visitors to the 200-acre cattle ranch that his family has farmed in Newbern, Alabama, for more than three generations. They've managed the land with habitat conservation as a top priority, which has transformed the Joe Farm into a wildlife haven for iconic species of the southeastern United States, including Swallow-tailed Kites. Birders flock to the farm to see these raptors, but Joe is just as happy talking about snakes, bugs, or cows if that’s what piques attendees’ interest. “It’s so fun, because I can take the conversation anywhere,” he says. He finds that observing all parts of nature helps visitors understand the many factors that support wild birds. 

You can hone your guiding skills by co-organizing outings with more experienced leaders and through training courses with established birding groups. Just remember that joy is your greatest asset. “Be yourself, tap into that enthusiasm, and lead with love and kindness,” McGregor says.

This story originally ran in the Spring 2025 issue as “Make the Leap to Leading.” To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.