Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Chapman.
Hi Seth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have a true passion for birds and birding, and for sharing my passion through the lens self-awareness, self-discovery, and wellness.
My interest in birds dates back to my childhood. Growing up in Allegan, MI, I spent many days outdoors, dressed in full exploration gear; a pair of rubber boots, a safari-style vest with lots of pockets and netting to carry things like magnifying glasses and binoculars, a safari hat, a notepad split into two columns to tally “birds” and “squirrels”, and most of all, a sense of curiosity.
I began my lifelist (a record of every bird species seen by an individual) at the age of 10, and still treasure the field guide that helped me pursue my passion of birding; a 1983 copy of Golden Books “A Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America”, with all of my dates and locations marked in pen for all the species I began to record. A Mourning Dove spotted in Allegan on 8-16-98, a Red-bellied Woodpecker on 8-22-98, a Brown Creeper on 1-9-00, and so on.
Throughout my teens and early adulthood, I drifted away from birding being so central in my life, until I took a guided birding hike at the Kalamazoo Nature Center in 2019. It was this hike, specifically my sighting of a male Blackburnian Warbler, that rekindled my love of birds. I remembered how much passion I held for these creatures, and my desire to share the birding world with my community felt natural to me.
Recognizing the need for more mindful connection to nature, I began leading monthly bird hikes at Kleinstuck Preserve via the Ayurvedic Wellness Center. As Apothecary Manager at the wellness center, I built a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals interested in birding, community, and self-exploration. I quickly realized that this is the medicine that people need; authentic connection to nature that facilitates wellness in so many ways.
I continue to lead monthly hikes at Kleinstuck Preserve via the Ayurvedic Wellness Center, as well as an ever growing menu of events at various locations throughout Kalamazoo County that highlight unique birding experiences centered around mindfulness.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
So far, it has been a smooth road. I have found that pursuing one’s passion can be delightful and extremely rewarding, especially if you have the tools to keep yourself organized, productive, and growth-focused. The hardest thing so far has been getting my name out there, and spreading the word so that folks are aware of my programming.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My mission is to “facilitate self-discovery through the joy of birding”.
I run a local birding business that is focused on curating birding hikes, lectures, and events in the greater Kalamazoo area. As a lifelong birder, I have the passion, knowledge, and expertise to lead hikes in a way that fosters curiosity, deepens your relationship to the natural world, and builds your confidence in identifying birds.
What sets me apart from others? Thoughtfully curated birding events that you simply can not find elsewhere in southwest Michigan:
1. Monthly bird hikes: Each monthly hike at Kleinstuck Preserve, a local birding hotspot, begins with a featured bird. This species is examined before the hike begins, so that you can become more familiar with them. We discuss topics such as how to identify this species; where to look for this bird; unique behaviors and traits to be aware of; and any other pertinent information such as migration information, plumage, etc. During the hike, I weave in an element of mindfulness to enhance the experience of birding in a way that facilitates self-reflection. We may stand silent for a few minutes to bathe in the forest, we may perform a walking meditation, or we may reflect on an aspect of sacred wisdom represented in nature. I also brew and serve chai at all of my hikes.
2. Lectures: Class topics range from how to choose and use a pair of binoculars to studying how birds fall in love. These indoor lectures are a great way to stay engaged in birding through the winter months. I also teach classes on how to choose an appropriate birdfeeder for your home, how to decide what type of bird seed to use, bird nesting and egg laying, migration, and my most popular, a class all about owls. These workshop-style lectures always involve an interactive portion, so that folks can get hands on and practice using the tools and methods that I teach.
3. Experiences: These hikes are my favorite to lead! Rather than hike at a location and take note of the birds we encounter, my birding experiences are set up to witness a specific spectacle by a specific species of bird. For example, I may take you to a Great Blue Heron nesting site (heronry) where we stand in wonder and amazement at 50+ of these birds building their nests high in the tree tops, sitting on eggs, and rearing young. We may post up in a field and watch an American Woodcock perform his “Sky Dance” mating ritual. We might find ourselves watching adult Peregrine Falcons watch over their young as the young prepare to fly for the very first time! The possibilities are endless, and I want to show you where, when, and how to witness these amazing miracles of nature so that you can tap in to the delight of bird watching.
Birds are quite literally everywhere, making them accessible to anyone and everyone, so long as you pay attention. I am proud that I have found a way to share my passion with others in a way that brings joy to those involved.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
You can stay up to date at www.birdswithseth.com. I regularly add events, update my blog, and am currently developing lots of other fun features to help you become a better birder.
Pricing:
- Hikes: $20 per individual
- Lectures: $35 per individual
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birdswithseth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birds.with.seth
