"I remember the first time I watched a sapsucker drilling sap wells on the trunk of a maple tree in early spring. I remember the ruby-throated hummingbird that drove the woodpecker off in an attempt to claim the sweet tree-nectar for itself and the golden-crowned kinglet who arrived on the scene as soon as the woodpecker and hummingbird were out of sight. What did a kinglet want with a sap flow? I watched in amazement as the resourceful kinglet picked off every fly that was attracted to the sap! I knew then that for me, birding had to be about more than species identification. Birding is a way to engage my sense of wonder and curiosity, to follow the strands of connection forged between birds and their environments. What I call Relational Birding has been my pathway to embracing my own place of belonging as part of nature's community." -Rich Hanlon, Naturalist Educator, Relational Birder, and Wild Neighbors Nature Connection Adirondack Guide

Rich has an Environmental Studies degree from Penn State, he is a New York State Licensed Guide and he is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.