Stories in Flight. Connecting bird lovers worldwide through the path of migration and meaning.
Enrollment Closes December 13
A short seasonal window before these stories migrate again.
Unlock all ten keynote speaker sessions.
Bird Migration Gathering: Encore Experience
The stories that moved so many — reopened for a limited time.
For a short seasonal window, you can unlock all 10 keynote speaker sessions from the 2025 Bird Migration Gathering — the voices, perspectives, and moments of wonder people are still talking about.
These sessions return only briefly before they migrate again.
If you missed the Gathering — or want to revisit what inspired you — this is your chance.
Enrollment: $100
Includes instant access to all 10 keynote sessions from this year's Bird Migration Gathering.
Access remains open throughout the season, so you can enjoy it at your own pace.
Participant reflections from the inaugural 2025 Gathering
"It’s a great thing just to have the possibility to join with all the other bird freaks here. I love it."
— Simone, Germany
Stories That Took Flight
Each story that took flight in the Gathering continues to move hearts long after the event ended.
This gathering is where your story joins the global migration.
“What struck me was the heartfelt, sincere, authentic discussions we had with John Muir Laws, Jon Young, Julie Zickefoose—everyone really. It made me feel hopeful that we have these wonderful people in our community.”
— Della, California
“I wasn’t aware of the migration route via Asia from Alaska to Australia… I’m very much inspired, and I’m happy that I joined, even if I only partly joined.”
— Regina, Germany
Catch the Encore Experience to feel the inspiration for yourself — before these stories migrate again.
This gathering is where your story joins the global migration.
Meet This Year's Featured Speakers
Catch the Encore Experience to feel the inspiration for yourself — before these stories migrate again.
Click here to see all speakers → See All
Stories Meant to Migrate
An ecological rhythm inviting each of us to journey further.
Follow the Birds moves with the seasons — intentional, gentle, alive.
Like the birds themselves, these stories travel by rhythm and by care.
Twice each year, the Gathering sets a movement of ideas in motion.
This seasonal Encore is part of that rhythm — a way for the stories to continue traveling, reaching those who missed them the first time.
Places to return, listen, reflect, and follow what moves you.
Next in Flight: February/March Bird Migration Gathering 2026
The next Bird Migration Gathering takes wing February 27–March 1, following new species, new stories, and new skies.
Together, we’ll explore how birds connect continents, cultures, and the shared human longing to belong.
“The thing that really strikes me is increased awareness… access to these talks is a wonderful asset — a way of expanding awareness and understanding.”
— Rick, Colorado
Our shared flight begins Friday, February 27, with live morning kickoffs, interactive Q&A sessions, and evening Happy Hour gatherings that carry us through Saturday.
We’ll land gently on Sunday, March 1, with a relaxed Connection Session — a space to reflect, celebrate, and connect before the next migration begins.
Connect Globally
Meet bird lovers from around the world through live kickoffs, interactive sessions, and evening fun.
Be Inspired
Hear stories that expand how you see and experience birds — and yourself.
Know Belonging
Celebrate birds and the people who follow them in a global circle of connection.
Right now, the Encore Experience is your chance to begin.
Enrollment: $100 for access to all ten keynote speaker sessions through the season
About Follow the Birds
Follow the Birds is a global storytelling project connecting bird lovers through migration and meaning.
Founded by Kelly Miller, it’s a place where curiosity becomes care — and stories become flight paths that unite us all.
Through events, memberships, and community gatherings, Follow the Birds celebrates the wonder that connects every life along the flyways of the world.
Together, we’ll create a space where voices and flyways cross.
Turn Birding Into a Shared Global Experience
Here, you’ll join stories of migration from scientists, artists, storytellers, and bird lovers worldwide.
What you'll experience at the Bird Migration Gathering:
Stories that inspire — culture, place, and meaning in every flight path.
Global voices sharing migration journeys across continents.
Guidance from artists + scientists to expand how you see birds (and yourself).
A movement of belonging — birding as shared joy, not just a solo pursuit.
This Is Where Birding Becomes Community
Your joy in birding becomes a shared celebration — every story expanding your world, every voice reminding you that you belong.
Meet the guides who will inspire and connect you with a worldwide circle of bird lovers.
“Scott Weidensaul ranks among an elite group of writer-naturalists.”
Los Angeles Times
Scott Weidensaul
New Hampshire, USA
Following Migration Across Hemispheres
Craig Foster
Cape Town, South Africa
Intimacy With the Wild
Dan Puplett
Scotland, UK
Reading Nature’s Hidden Stories
Julie Zickefoose
Ohio, USA
Personal Habitats, Avian Individuals
VIP Live Q&A on Thursday, 10/23 @ 2 pm MDT
Jon Young
California, USA
Bird Language and Ancient Wisdom
VIP Live Q&A on Friday, 10/24 @ 10 am MDT
George Bumann
Montana, USA
Sculpting Stories of the Wild
Lynn Wickersham
Colorado, USA
Mindful Science in the Field
VIP Live Q&A on Friday, 10/24 @ 2 pm MDT
John Muir Laws
California, USA
Drawing Birds for Nature Journaling
Richard Fuller
Queensland, Australia
Migration Without Borders
Elizabeth Mills
England, UK
Connecting Seas and Skies
Want more? Go VIP: Extended Access with keynote Q&As + Game Night Sessions live October 23-25.
Explore the Daily Lineup – See Where Your Journey Can Lead
Your place in the Gathering awaits
Join live kickoffs, intimate gatherings, and presentations you can revisit anytime.
Imagine hearing a migration story from halfway across the world — and realizing it echoes your own.
This is how you join the Gathering:
Claim your spot today
Connect early — Get instant access to The Gathering Place community forum.
Belong everywhere — Join live sessions and on-demand presentations during the 3-day event, October 23-25.
“Jon Young is one of the heroes of the new nature movement.”
Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle
Left to right: Kelly Miller (Host), Jon Young (Bird Language & Ancient Wisdom), and
Craig Foster (Intimacy With the Wild)
Choose Your Ticket
Event Access – $50
7 days of connection and discovery — access to each session (through November 1, 2025)
Daily live gatherings — kickoffs and interactive sessions
Flexible pace — stream new talks each day when it fits your schedule
VIP Extended Access – $100
365 days of inspiration — revisit every presentation all year long (through Oct 26, 2026)
Exclusive live Q&As — connect directly with select keynote speakers
Community fun — Thursday & Friday Game Night Sessions included
Return anytime — rekindle your sense of wonder and belonging whenever you need it
Don’t Bird Alone. Join the Flock.
Birds don’t see borders. Why should we?
From mountains to mangroves, deserts to deltas — their migrations remind us of our shared humanity.
Imagine swapping bird stories with someone from halfway across the world — and realizing you’re part of something bigger. Join bird lovers across continents in one shared Gathering.
Because wonder grows
when it’s shared.
A gentle reminder that you’re not just watching sessions —
you’re joining a global rhythm of curiosity, connection, and care.
“I’m so impressed with the thought and skill that went into creating this. For a first-year event, it was mind-blowing.”
— Jackie, New Mexico
“These three days carried us through so many landscapes of thought and feeling — migration, creativity, connection, and care.”
— Kelly, Host, Closing Session
Collaborate. Participate. Belong.
Follow the Birds connects people and stories worldwide—through migration, meaning, and shared care for the natural world.
Throughout the year, we gather global voices—from scientists and artists to storytellers—celebrating migration and the human spirit it inspires.
Whether you’re a partner, presenter, or participant, Follow the Birds offers ways to connect your story with the shared rhythm of migration.
“My Christmas list is growing! The diverse speakers opened a door to so many new places and ideas.”
— Anne Marie, Pennsylvania
Creators and Collaborators: Ways to Join the Journey
Delight your audience
Collaborate through shared stories, co-created experiences, or affiliate partnerships.
Engage birders globally
Align your brand with a global celebration of curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world.
Spread your message
Share your voice, research, or artistry with a global audience inspired by birds and belonging.
Catch the Bird Migration Gathering Encore Experience
Take it from those who barely caught it live, you don't want to miss this!
“I was drinking my morning coffee and thought, oh, I’ll check Facebook real quick—and there was Julie Zickefoose’s post about this event! I thought, How did I miss this? How did I not hear about it?”
— Ann, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you decide if the Encore is right for you, here are a few quick answers:
How long do I have access to the Encore sessions?
Once you join, you’ll receive season-long access to all ten keynote sessions from the 2025 Bird Migration Gathering — available through February 26, 2026.
You can watch at your own rhythm — no deadlines, no rush.
What exactly is included?
Your Encore pass includes:
All 10 keynote speaker sessions from this year's Bird Migration Gathering
A quiet space to explore the sessions whenever you wish
The ability to revisit the stories that moved so many people this year
Is this the full Gathering?
Yes. The Encore Experience reopens all ten keynote sessions, exactly as they appeared during the live Gathering.
When do I get access to the sessions?
Immediately.
As soon as you enroll, all ten keynote sessions unlock inside your Follow the Birds account.
Is there a schedule I need to follow?
No. The Encore is intentionally flexible.
There are no events to attend and no deadlines — just meaningful stories ready whenever you have room for them.
Are the sessions downloadable?
The sessions stream through your private Follow the Birds account.
(This helps us honor the speakers’ intellectual property.)
But you can watch and rewatch as often as you like all season long.
Is this a good fit if I’m new to birding?
Absolutely.
The Gathering weaves together storytellers, artists, scientists, naturalists, and cultural voices — all offering accessible, human ways of seeing the world.
You don’t need advanced knowledge, just curiosity.
What if I attended the Gathering but didn’t upgrade to VIP?
This is your moment to step back into the full keynote library for the whole season — without the VIP price.
Email kelly@followthebirds.com for your Participant discount link.
Can I give this as a gift?
Yes. Many people choose the Encore as a gentle, meaningful seasonal gift.
Just reply to your purchase confirmation and I’ll help you set it up.
Will the Gathering return?
Yes — the next Bird Migration Gathering takes wing February 27–March 1, 2026.
The Encore is the final chance to experience this year’s stories before the next migration season begins.
Experience the Heart Behind the Encore
If you’re curious about the kind of depth and connection the Encore offers, here’s something to help you step into that space right away.
It’s a free guide drawn from seven of this year’s keynote speakers:
7 Practices for a More Meaningful Birding Life
Inside, you’ll find simple, field-tested ways to:
Notice more in the places you already bird
Build a practice of presence, curiosity, and meaning
Experience the quieter, story-rich layer beneath ordinary bird encounters
It’s a beautiful primer for the Encore Experience — a way to feel the depth and spirit of the Gathering before unlocking the stories for yourself.
Start exploring the world the Encore invites you into — download the guide below.
PO Box 3152
Durango, Colorado, 81303
United States
Contact Us
kelly@followthebirds.com
+1 (602) 291-7319
Mountain Daylight Time (UTC−07:00)
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 travels from sheer cliffs in Colorado to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. What's yours? ~ Founder, Kelly Miller
