30 years of experience in birding tours
World-renowned author, artist, and birder living in Cape May. Associate Naturalist with Cape May Bird Observatory conducting numerous workshops. Co-author of The Shorebird Guide, Flight Calls of Migratory Birds, and America's 100 Most Wanted Birds. Primary author of Larkwire bird sound learning application. Illustrations published in National Geographic and Peterson field guides. Specializes in bird vocalizations, field identification, and nocturnal birding.
English
Workshops, Educational programs, Identification clinics, Sound recording
$$$
Amanda Phillips
Tour date: May 12, 2024
Michael O'Brien's workshop on bird vocalizations was transformative. His teaching style is engaging and his knowledge is unparalleled. The shorebird identification session was worth every penny!
Christopher Hayes
Tour date: September 30, 2024
Michael's nocturnal birding tour was fascinating! Learning flight calls while experiencing Cape May's night migration was unforgettable. His illustrations in my field guide came to life!
Part of New Jersey Audubon, the Cape May Bird Observatory has been a leader in bird conservation, research, and education since 1976. Offers guided tours, workshops, and a 'Guide for Hire' program providing tailor-made birding services for individuals and groups during Cape May's spectacular spring and fall migrations.
49 years of experience
View ProfileMigration Count Coordinator for Cape May Bird Observatory with over 10,000 hours monitoring bird migration across all seasons at Cape May. One of the few birders who truly calls Cape May County home, Tom started a hawk migration count along Delaware Bay at age 11. Expert in bird movements, weather patterns, and geography. Co-editor of North American Birds and Avian Naturalist for Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center.
20 years of experience
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Internationally acclaimed birder, photographer, and author living in Cape May. Award-winning creator of The Crossley ID Guide series revolutionizing bird identification. Co-founder of Pledge to Fledge, Race4Birds, and The Cape May Young Birders Club. Offers guided tours and workshops exploring Cape May's famous autumn bird migration with emphasis on photography and innovative identification techniques.
35 years of experience
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