Spring Birding

Gabriel Willow is a naturalist with a particular passion for birds and urban spaces. He is an environmental educator and ecological tour guide in NYC, where he leads tours and teaches classes for NYC Audubon and Wave Hill, among others. His tours focus on seeking out the overlooked and ignored elements of wildness hiding all around us, ranging from boat trips on the East River, to kayaking on Newtown Creek, to seeking the elusive Peregrine Falcons nesting on skyscrapers near Wall Street. He has created programs for Lincoln Center, the Morgan Library and Museum, the NY Botanical Garden, and more. He is also an artist, illustrator, and DJ.

Haley Scott is a BIPOC bird watcher and guide for Feminist Bird Club and NYC Audubon. She is from the Bronx, NY and is an enrolled member of the state-recognized Unkechaug Indian Nation. She has a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. It was there where she developed her passion for bird watching and environmental and outdoor education. As a college student, she spent a semester as a bird watching mentor; teaching elementary school students about native birds and local wildlife. After receiving her degree in Environmental Studies, she taught environmental education for K-5 students at a local non-profit youth development organization in The Bronx. Haley is passionate about protecting wildlife, environmental conservation, and promoting safe and accessible outdoor exploration opportunities for women, BIPOC and members of the LGBTQ community. Through her work she hopes to further educate her community about local and large-scale environmental issues and influence appreciation for and re-connection with urban parks and wildlife.