Meet Our Instructors
Bird Academy instructors are united by their love of birds and their passion for helping you learn.

Jay McGowan
Sound recordist, birder, photographer, videographer
Most Recent Course:
How to Record Bird Sounds

Jennifer Fee
Expert in Science Education, Co-author of Citizen Science: 15 Lessons That Bring Biology to Life
Most Recent Course:
Let’s Go Outside! How to Connect Kids with Birds and Nature

Kathi Borgmann, Ph.D.
Sound recordist, ornithologist, science communicator
Most Recent Course:
How to Record Bird Sounds

Kelly Schaeffer
Expert in Environmental Education
Most Recent Course:
Inspiring Investigations through Citizen Science

Kevin McGowan, Ph.D.
Professional Ornithologist, World Series of Birding Champion
Most Recent Course:
The Wonderful World of Hummingbirds


Mya Thompson, Ph.D.
Instructional Designer, Expert in Animal Communication and Behavior
Most Recent Course:
Feeder Birds: Identification and Behavior

Nicole Jackson
Expert in Environmental Education
Most Recent Course:
Let’s Go Outside! How to Connect Kids with Birds and Nature

Sarah Wagner, Ph.D.
Professional Ornithologist, Expert in Foraging Behavior
Most Recent Course:
Feeder Birds: Identification and Behavior

Stephen W. Kress, Ph.D.
Former Vice President for Bird Conservation, National Audubon Society
Most Recent Course:
Spring Field Ornithology—Northeast

Melissa Groo
Wildlife Photographer, Journalist, Conservationist
Most Recent Course:
Bird Photography with Melissa Groo


Browse the Course Catalog
Get confident with your IDs, understand behavior, and even train in ornithology—find the courses that are right for you.
Course Catalog