The Birding Project
 
 

Our Mission:

Educate

The Birding Project provides educational programs, guided field trips, and hands-on experiential education opportunities for learners of all ages worldwide.

 
 
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Antarctica Photos

Click here to learn more about The Polar Project!

The Vision

 
 

I started The Birding Project in 2016, with no job, almost no money, and a Subaru Outback with a full tank of gas. I wanted to see more birds.

Following my relentless passion for birding and travel, I crossed the continent in search of as many birds as I could find, stopping to interview birders along the way. As Wal-Mart parking lots became a nightly routine, I realized that this nomadic lifestyle was the perfect opportunity to reach a wider audience, and so I began teaching in classrooms across the country and connecting with people everywhere. My "EPIC" Big Year turned into an outreach emphasizing Engagement, Preservation, Inspiration and Conservation.

As an educator, I understand the importance of keeping up with the shifting pedagogies of teaching and learning. This year-long experience of teaching in the field while finishing my Master's degree online was a challenging experience to say the least. Learning and developing myself professionally in this way was something few the opportunity to do. 

Now, I strive to pay it forward, helping other birders, students, teachers, and people connect with nature in new ways.  My hope is to involve other passionate people who share my love for conservation and education, and have The Birding Project "fledge" to new heights! If you are interested in web design, telling birders stories, or outreach, please contact me and join the team!

 
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Christian Hagenlocher
Founder, The Birding Project

 
Christian takes birding to a whole new level! Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Christian takes birding to a whole new level! Gobi Desert, Mongolia

 

FALCON FREEWAY: A BIG YEAR OF BIRDING ON A BUDGET

Christian Hagenlocher’s book Falcon Freeway: A Big Year of Birding on a Budget chronicles his 2016 record-breaking big year. It is a modern-day story about birdwatching adventure. You’re sure to learn something new new from reading this book! Personalized signed copies are available exclusively from The Birding Project.

This book is hard to put down
— Bruce M. Beehler, author of North On the Wing

When you read Falcon Freeway you will almost feel the cold air above the Arctic Circle and the scorching heat of a desert in summer. You will feel like you have traveled to the extreme corners of the continent. You will feel the rush of excitement during a chase and gritting it out through a tough miss. You will be doing all of this with the challenges of a budget.

-Greg Miller, Big Year birder

 
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How It Began

The Birding Project started as an EPIC Big Year, with the purpose to Engage, Preserve, Inspire, and Connect people with birds everywhere.

Learn More

 

Our Impact

The Birding Project has reached thousands of people worldwide, through travel, social media, birder interviews, field trips, education, and community service. Now, we want you to join and be a part of connecting people with birds.

 

Event Schedule

The Birding Project connects people nationwide through engaging programs, hands-on workshops, and keynote talks about all things birds.

For booking inquiries, contact thebirdingproject@gmail.com

 
 

Offerings

Programs

From birding Attu to Antarctica, The Birding Project has a variety of engaging programs for birding festivals, Audubon chapters, and groups of all ages and experience levels.

 

Workshops

Wanting to learn practical hands-on birding skills? From raptor identification, digital photography, The Birding Project hosts workshops focused on everything birds

 

Guided Trips

If you are planning on traveling and want a birding guide, our expert guides are available for hire at a variety of locations around the US and abroad.