Tykee James (He/him)

Tykee James has been a leader in the birding community for over a decade as an advocate for equitable access to the benefits of nature for all. From his first job as an environmental educator in his own neighborhood to his current role as a lobbyist at a land conservation organization, Tykee shares his passion for birds to build trust, coalition, and power.

In his free time, he likes to dance and cook, and he just picked up sewing so he can tailor his own clothes.

Favorite bird: Belted kingfisher. It’s a great-looking bird and it's the female that has the belt! #BirdNames4Birds

María-Elena Montero

María-Elena Montero was raised in Takoma Park, Maryland, where she first fell in love with the outdoors. An avid birder, María-Elena is an advocate for equity and accessibility in public spaces. She servers on the board of Rodney's Raptors, an organization working to build wellness through nature. María-Elena is a graduate of The University of Maryland at College Park and Howard University. She currently lives in Silver Spring, Maryland where you'll find her teaching a yoga class, hiking, writing, or of course, birding ... always looking up. 

Favorite Bird: The next one I see!

Adam Kron (He/him)

Adam grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, but his first introduction to birding was through his grandparents, who were avid birders in Wisconsin. Adam has lived in DC since 2009. When not on a DC Audubon bird walk, he spends his time as an attorney with an environmental nonprofit, gardening, and exploring the District and its natural spaces with his junior birder daughter and son. Adam joined the board in 2019 and serves as Secretary.

Favorite bird: His favorite bird is the charismatic Gray Catbird, which often can be seen and heard singing and “mewing” in the understory of woodlands (and especially feasting on the berry bushes and dogwood in Adam’s yard).

Aparna Ananthakrishnan (She/her)

Aparna Ananthakrishnan grew up in a bustling city of over 10 million people in Southern India and found refuge in the lush tropical forests along with her father who introduced and nurtured her passion for birds and nature. Primarily a backyard birder, she was amazed at the various creatures that made the urban sprawl their home, in India and in other cities across the countries she lived in, most recent of which was Thailand. A public health professional by training, Aparna is enthusiastic about the positive influences of natural spaces on human health and wellbeing and is a keen advocate of equitable access and availability of these refuges to all peoples. A resident of Ward 8, Aparna loves biking along the Anacostia River Trail, finding DIY home hacks, gardening and discovering new restaurants and cuisines. As she begins a new chapter in DC, she is inspired by her fellow birding community and excited for all the winged friends she is yet to meet and greet.

Favorite Bird: The great Indian hornbill whose majestic flapping wings can be heard from miles below.

Allyson Shaw (She/her)

Allyson Shaw is an animal lover and nature enthusiast at heart. She's also a writer, editor, and digital producer for Nat Geo Kids and Nat Geo Family; her passion is informing kids about environmental wonders and challenges, and giving them the tools to help protect our Earth. Allyson grew up in Kansas but has called Capitol Hill home for over a decade. She hopes to help create more opportunities to appreciate and protect her winged neighbors.

Favorite Bird: Lately Allyson has been completely charmed by the waddling American woodcock. 

Hunter Raab

Born and raised in Seattle, WA, birding has helped Hunter develop a stronger connection to nature, as well as provide a peaceful and easy way to relax in day-to-day life. In his free time he enjoys photography, skateboarding, biking, chess and of course...birding. Professionally he creates videos for a wide array of companies and people.

Favorite Bird: Northern Cardinal :)

Matthew Schantin

Matthew Schantin was a lifelong Oregonian before moving to Washington D.C., instilling a deep love of the outdoors and eventually birds. During the pandemic, he became an avid birder going on hikes in the PNW, but garnered coast to coast birding experience from his time at Rider University in New Jersey. There he studied political science and sustainability, furthering his passion for environmental conservation and walking the same woods environmental philosopher Aldo Leopold once wandered. Now living in D.C., Matthew is a public affairs professional working on a wide range of issue areas. Outside of birding, he enjoys running around the monuments and playing board games with friends in his free time. 

Favorite Bird: Steller's Jay - A brilliant blue bird with a stellar black crest!

Bradley Williams

Bradley grew up across the US in South Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, before moving to Washington, DC in 2022. It was through exploring the deserts and swamps across the country that his deep appreciation for nature blossomed. He currently leads wildlife policy and advocacy work at the Sierra Club, fighting tirelessly to preserve the nation’s most vulnerable species. In his free time, you can find him birding in Rock Creek Park or exploring new nature spots around the Nation's Capitol."

Favorite Bird: Wood Stork