Stories in Flight. Connecting bird lovers worldwide through the path of migration and meaning.
Bird Migration Gathering: The Encore Experience
For those ready to be moved by the stories that took flight — from those still inspired by them.
A soft-glow holiday celebration re-opening this year’s Bird Migration Gathering keynote sessions for a limited time.
Join host Kelly Miller and an international circle of storytellers, artists, and scientists as we revisit the beauty, curiosity, and connection that took flight in the original Gathering — and share it forward with new friends.
Live Event: Saturday, December 13 · 9:00 AM MT (UTC −07:00)
Includes: 365 days of access to all 10 original sessions (Sessions are unlocked at the live event)
Bonus Gathering: Game Night in The Birders Hub
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 and inspire care for birds and the places they call home.
In the Encore Experience, you’ll revisit them — or discover them for the first time.
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
Meet the storytellers, scientists, and artists whose insights carried this year’s Gathering across continents.
The Bird Migration Gathering brought together extraordinary voices from around the world — people whose work reminds us that migration isn’t just about birds, but about belonging and connection.
Among this year’s featured speakers:
Scott Weidensaul, author and migration researcher, inspires an appreciation for the globe-girdling scope of bird migration.
Julie Zickefoose, wildlife artist and author, paints the spirit and resilience of the natural world.
Jon Young, naturalist and mentor, guides us into deeper listening with birds and place.
John Muir Laws, a leading innovator and principal figure in the worldwide nature journaling movement, teaches us to draw birds.
These voices — and many others — are part of The Encore Experience, reopening their stories for a limited time this December.
Next in Flight: 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.
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.
Stories in Flight.
Not ready to join?
Even if you’re not ready to join the Encore Experience you can still follow along.
Sign up for stories, reflections, and upcoming gatherings that keep you connected to the path of migration and meaning.
It’s calm, thoughtful, and free — a gentle way to stay in touch until the next flight calls you.
Because wonder grows
when it’s shared.
“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.
Every story has a place in this global movement of care.
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.
Our inaugural Bird Migration Gathering brought together bird lovers and experts from ten countries across five continents—a celebration of story, science, and connection.
We welcome collaborators who share our passion for birds, culture, and community—helping expand the circle of care for the natural world.
Collaboration opportunities include:
Featured speaking and panel sessions
Sponsorships and brand collaborations
Artistic and storytelling partnerships
If your work, organization, or voice aligns with our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re currently connecting with potential speakers, partners, and sponsors for our next global event.
Ready to join the migration? There’s a place for every story in flight.
“My Christmas list is growing! The diverse speakers opened a door to so many new places and ideas.”
— Anne Marie, Pennsylvania
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.
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
