The Bird Migration Gathering
A global celebration of birds with those who follow their flights.
Birds trace invisible lines across our planet, and our stories follow.
This gathering is where your story joins the global migration.
We're gathering bird-lovers worldwide this Fall 2025 for an epic exploration.
The Bird Migration Gathering is a live, interactive 3-day online experience:
Bird stories rooted in culture, place, and meaning
Diverse global voices along hemispheric migration flyways
Artists, scientists, storytellers, and everyday bird lovers
A global movement toward belonging through birding
Speaker Lineup
We’re bringing together 15 inspiring voices—check back as the lineup grows.
Scott Weidensaul
Author of New York Times Bestseller "A World On the Wing", and Migration Researcher
Scott Weidensaul is one of the most recognized voices in modern ornithology and bird conservation. He has written nearly 30 books on natural history, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Living on the Wind and the New York Times bestseller A World on the Wing. His forthcoming book, Return of the Oystercatcher (April 2026), highlights global success stories in bird conservation.
Weidensaul’s career reflects both his passion for storytelling and his dedication to hands-on science—bringing to life the wonder of migration and the urgency of conservation.
“Scott Weidensaul ranks among an elite group of writer-naturalists—Bruce Chatwin, John McPhee and David Quammen come to mind—whose straightforward eloquence elevates ecology to the level of philosophy.”
—Los Angeles Times Book Review
Jon Young
Wildlife Tracker, Author & Educator
Jon Young is a nature connection mentor, wildlife tracker, and author of What the Robin Knows and Coyote’s Guide to Connecting to Nature. For more than 40 years, he has pioneered mentoring practices that blend ecology, storytelling, and cultural regeneration, inspiring audiences across North America, Europe, Australia, and southern Africa. His work has influenced educators, conservationists, and communities worldwide.
At the heart of Jon’s philosophy is the belief that deep connection with nature fosters resilience, cultural renewal, and ecological awareness. Through his teaching and mentoring, he helps people awaken to the hidden language of the natural world and weave those lessons back into their lives and communities.
"Jon Young is one of the heroes of the new nature movement . . . This elegant book will deepen the kinship between humans and other species. It decodes our common language."
Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle and Last Child in the Woods
Dan Puplett
Naturalist and Educator, Author of two Field Studies Council fold-out guides: British Bird Tracks & Signs and Mammal Tracks and Signs (2nd ed.)
Dan Puplett is a naturalist, wildlife tracker, and educator with more than two decades of experience helping people connect deeply with the natural world. He began his career in ecological restoration with the Scottish charity Trees for Life, where he led over 80 rewilding weeks, before devoting himself to wildlife tracking and nature education. He is the author of two Field Studies Council fold-out guides—British Bird Tracks & Signs and Mammal Tracks and Signs (2nd ed.)—and is currently writing a book on tracking.
At the heart of Dan’s work is the belief that tracking and bird language offer us a privileged glimpse into the lives of other species, awakening our ecological literacy and fostering what he calls “wild diplomacy.”
“It's always a pleasure to explore nature with Dan, whether in deep wilds or closer to home. His quiet but enthusiastic approach helps others to slow down, focus and so notice the subtle signs of birds, mammals and more that are there if you take time to watch, listen and learn. He's an excellent teacher, guide and traveling companion.”
DR KENNY TAYLOR
Writer, naturalist, chair of Scottish Wildlife Trust and former chair of Trees for Life
Richard Fuller
Professor of Conservation & Biodiversity
Richard Fuller is a professor of conservation and biodiversity at the University of Queensland, where he leads the Fuller Lab. His research spans ecology, conservation of mobile species, and the human dimensions of conservation, all aimed at finding solutions to avert the global extinction crisis.
At the heart of Richard’s work is the drive to understand both ecosystems and people, recognizing that effective conservation must integrate human perspectives with ecological science. His leadership continues to shape global approaches to biodiversity conservation in a rapidly changing world.
"I met Professor Richard Fuller, and that set me on the fulfilling academic path I’m on today.
My Honours year with Rich was foundational to my research career so far. I clarified to myself that I love research, and learned how to work with big datasets, so decided that this is the sort of work I really enjoy and want to pursue for the foreseeable future."
Nicola Sockhill, PhD candidate in the Fuller Lab
George Bumann
Sculptor, Naturalist, Educator, and Author of "Eavesdropping on Animals"
George Bumann is a professional sculptor, naturalist, and educator based at the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana. George’s bronze sculptures are held in collections across the United States and around the world, including permanent installations at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Brinton Museum, the Booth Museum of Western Art, and the C.M. Russell Museum.
Blending scientific training with artistic vision, George invites audiences to see wildlife with both the keen eye of an ecologist and the creative spirit of an artist.
"I enjoy George's work very much. It shows the hand of a true artist and the understanding of an experienced naturalist who captures the moment."
Robert Bateman
Julie Zickefoose
Writer, Artist & Naturalist
Julie Zickefoose is a writer, painter, and naturalist based in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio. Author of Saving Jemima and The Bluebird Effect, her art and words spring from a deep daily relationship with the land and the wild birds she observes, rehabilitates, and celebrates.
"Julie's word pictures are as vivid and eloquent as her art work. When she tells a story, she makes me feel that I'm standing beside her, sharing the experience."
Lola Oberman, author, Dial "B" for Birder
Lynn Wickersham, M.S.
Avian Biologist & Yoga Therapist
Lynn Wickersham, M.S. is a wildlife biologist and certified yoga therapist who integrates science and healing in her work. As co-founder of Animas Biological Studies, she has led extensive research on threatened bird species across the Southwest, while also building BirdSong Yoga Therapy to support health, resilience, and transformation.
At the heart of Lynn’s philosophy is the conviction that connection to the natural world and connection to self are deeply intertwined. Her teaching invites participants to draw on both ecological science and the tools of yoga to foster well-being—for people and for the birds we strive to protect.
"Lynn listens with her heart as well as her ears to individual needs and concerns to create a thoughtful, customized path of healing. She has a degree of professionalism that I have not experienced in other programs. Lynn’s treatment path has gifted me the tools I need to heal myself physically and emotionally. Thank you, dear Lynn, for caring and helping me grow."
Client, Birdsong Yoga Therapy
Marley Peifer
Nature Journaler & Educator
Marley Peifer is a nature journaler, educator, and science communicator who blends art, science, and storytelling to deepen ecological understanding. With more than a decade of teaching experience, he has led expeditions and trainings on three continents, produced hundreds of free educational videos, and collaborated widely across the Americas.
At the heart of Marley’s philosophy is the conviction that curiosity, creativity, and observation are powerful tools for learning and connection. Through nature journaling, he inspires people of all ages to engage deeply with the living world and to find meaning in their own discoveries.
"This experience was like being in a living nature journal. The pace and teaching was just right for fun and relaxation!"
Participant on Nature Journal Beach Vacation
Melissa Mayntz
Freelance Writer and Author
Melissa Mayntz is a freelance writer, author, and lifelong birder with more than 35 years of experience observing birds across North America and around the globe. Through her work as a freelance writer, Melissa has authored thousands of articles on birds and birding for National Wildlife Magazine, Farmer’s Almanac, Sweet Seed LLC, and numerous websites and blogs.
At the heart of Melissa’s philosophy is the conviction that “there is no single right way to be a birder.” Her message is one of inclusion and empowerment: wherever life may take us, we can always find joy and meaning in the presence of birds.
"Melissa is both a talented writer and an impeccable editor. Her skills with the written word allow her to create both informational and entertaining content on a wide variety of topics."
Ann MacDonald
General Manager, LoveToKnow
Elizabeth Mills
Freelance Science Communictor and Marine Biologist
Elizabeth Mills is a marine biologist and freelance science communicator who delights in sharing the weirdest and most wonderful stories from our oceans. Known for her playful and creative approach, she has produced more than 300 videos on her YouTube channel MarineMumbles, performed science shows while dressed as a human-sized starfish, and led art-fueled adventures that blend creativity with scientific discovery.
Elizabeth’s presentations inspire people to connect deeply with nature while gaining the confidence to share their own stories and encounters with birds, migration, and the wider natural world. Her joyful approach makes science accessible, memorable, and brimming with wonder.
"Elizabeth was an incredible person to work with. She’s brilliant on camera, bringing enthusiasm and skilled knowledge to everything she does, and has such a talent for making difficult science clear and easy to understand. I can’t wait to work with her again!"
Kaia Bint-Savage, Director and Creator of Britains Bonkers Beasties (The British Film and Television Institute)
Kelly Miller
Host & Storytelling Guide
Kelly Miller is the founder of Follow the Birds and host of the Bird Migration Gathering. A storyteller and community-builder with more than two decades of experience, she has guided groups through cultural and ecological experiences in southern Africa, Brazil, and beyond, while also designing and facilitating global online gatherings.
At the heart of Kelly’s vision is the belief that birds connect us—to place, to each other, and to ourselves. As host, she weaves together science, art, and story, creating a welcoming space where participants can share in the wonder of migration and discover the meaning it carries for their own lives.
“Kelly, I can hardly express my thanks for all of your hard work, tremendous patience, gentle leading (when necessary), and also gentle yet firm hand when it was totally appropriate. You were always professional and so great with the groups that headed to Zambia for Impact. All of your leadership was so much more than people realize.”
Debbie S., Zambia "Impact Ndola" Service Trip Participant
Birds don't see borders. Why should we?
They connect mountains to mangroves, deserts to deltas.
When we follow their flight paths, we rediscover our shared humanity.
Stories in Flight.
PO Box 3152
Durango, Colorado, 81303
United States
Contact Us
kelly@followthebirds.com
+1 (602) 291-7319
Mountain Daylight Time (UTC−06:00)
Follow the Birds is based in the southernmost part of the Rocky Mountains in Durango, Colorado, USA. My favorite migrating bird is the Black Swift, which migrates from sheer cliffs in Colorado to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. What's yours? ~ Founder, Kelly Miller
