Join us for a trio of dynamic bird babes in conversation about "Birding to Change the World," a new memoir by Burlington author and educator Trish O'Kane. Trish will be joined by The Bird Diva, Bridget Butler, and Rebecca Waterman, Bear Pond's own resident bird nerd. Themes of social justice, environmentalism, and education will be discussed under the lens of birding and it's greater impact. Birders and non-birders alike are welcome! 

Trish O'Kane is a writer and a senior lecturer in environmental justice at the University of Vermont, where avians are her teaching assistants. A former human rights journalist in Central America and the Deep South, she has written for the New York Times, Time, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She lives in Burlington, Vermont, with her writer-husband, their dog, and three chickens.

Bridget Butler "The Bird Diva" has been a naturalist for more than 20 years, playing match maker for the wildscape & the wonderful people who call Vermont their home. She specializes in teaching Slow Birding a mindful birding approach that focuses on reimagining how we connect with birds.

Rebecca Waterman (she/her) moved to Vermont from Oregon in September of 2022. Rebecca has been birding for over 10 years and leading outings for over 7 of those. Her interest, sparked by a Ruby-crowned kinglet, quickly led to international birding, rarity chases, patch birding, and county listing. Rebecca is a Co-lead for the Feminist Bird Club of Northern Vermont. She absolutely loves spending time with birders of all backgrounds and experience levels, and believes birding is for everybody!