Background -where are you from and where did you study?
I was born in the Charleston area and grew up exploring thecoastal habitats of the Lowcountry. I studied History and Environmental Science at the College of Charleston, which proved to be the perfect blend of my interests. I worked as a Naturalist for the Kiawah Island Nature Program for a few seasons and then as an Educator with Old Santee Canal Park for the past five years. I’m excited to continue my swamp journey here at Beidler!

How about any hobbies or favorite things to do?
If I’m not birding or hiking during my free time, I’m probably reading or working on my latest art project! Being a naturalist and an artist is the best because I never run out of things to paint or carve. I also enjoy running and traveling –so many places to see new birds!

What got you interested in birds?
I have always loved being outdoors, mainly for hiking and getting some fresh air. And then about 8 years ago, I started wondering about what flowers were blooming in my local park and what bird I kept seeing on my back fence. That started a lifelong journey of learning and I’ve never looked back.

Do you have a spark bird story?
At my first naturalist job on Kiawah, I had just recently gotten into birds and was excited to tag along with some of the more experienced birders on our staff. During one of our birding trips, I saw a Painted Bunting for the first time and that was it. I couldn’t believe something so beautiful was right here in Charleston. I decided then to learn more birds and try to see as many as I could.