Ian Silverberg - LA
– Hey there — I’m Ian! Nature’s always been a big part of my life, but it was in the wetlands of Gainesville, Florida, during college, where birds really won me over. That’s when I officially became a birder, and I haven’t looked back.
These days, I live in Los Angeles, working as an Aerospace Engineer by day and chasing birds in my free time. I lead engaging and educational birding tours all over L.A. County, and I’m always stoked to connect people with the amazing birds this region has to offer.
Spark Bird: Brown Thrasher Top-rated Birding Guide
Benny Jacobs-Schwartz - LA
Owner & Founder of BIRDS by BIJS and California Birding Tours
Hi, I’m Benny Jacobs-Schwartz. I’ve been an avid outdoor recreationist since my teens, but my bird journey really took flight in 2011 during a college tropical ecology program in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Since then, I’ve been feather-obsessed and lucky enough to work professionally for over 10 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and birding guide.
I’ve had the chance to guide in some incredible places — from coastal Alaska to the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Colombian Andes, the Caribbean foothills of Costa Rica, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Wherever I go, birds and natural spaces draw me in close.
In addition to guiding, I own and operate an international birding tour company called BIRDS by BIJS, leading immersive, small-group adventures to some of the world’s top birding destinations. I also founded California Birding Tours to give local guides the platform to showcase their home regions while promoting sustainable ecotourism across my megadiverse home state – California.
I love sharing my adventures through photos and videos, keeping an active presence on social media in hopes of inspiring others to put down their phones and pick up their binoculars.
Though I recently relocated my home base to Costa Rica, I still spend time back in Los Angeles, where I was born and raised. When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me mountain biking, surfing, rock climbing, practicing yoga, or chasing birds in new places.
Spark Bird: Northern Emerald Toucanet
Matthew Schreiner - OC
I’m Matthew, a lifelong birder and naturalist based in Orange County. My avian journey began in college with mist-netting and migration monitoring at MAPS stations. This passion has led me through decades of exploring bird behavior across California’s varied landscapes and further afield.
Now, I lead thoughtfully crafted birding tours across Southern California. From rare migrants to West Coast specialties, I enjoy helping people connect with birds in meaningful and memorable ways. Let’s find what you’re looking for—or discover something you didn’t expect.
Favorite CA ecosystem - Riparian/Sage Scrub