Feathered Stories: Christopher Joe on Birding in Alabama

Meet Christopher Joe

In a world that often moves too fast, birdwatching offers a quiet invitation to slow down—to notice, to listen, to connect.

In this edition of Feathered Stories, we interview Christopher Joe, a birder and farmer rooted in Alabama’s culturally rich Black Belt region. Raised in Greensboro, with family roots deeply planted in nearby Newbern, he has transformed his ancestral farm into a haven not just for birds, but for people seeking peace, learning, and a renewed sense of place. Blending conservation, education, and hospitality, he’s redefining what it means to steward land and help others rediscover the beauty of the natural world.

Rooted in the Land, Committed to Conservation

Christopher Joe’s journey from agricultural roots to ecotourism advocate is grounded in deep family heritage and a lifelong connection to the land. Raised in Greensboro, Alabama, with ancestral ties to Newbern, he earned his degree in Agribusiness Management from Alabama A&M University in 2007. His path led him to serve as the District Conservationist for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Macon County, Alabama—a role that reflects his deep commitment to land stewardship and environmental protection.

Where Wildlife Thrives and People Belong

On October 31, 2018, Christopher Joe founded Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours, LLC, to diversify his family’s Black Angus cattle farm in Newbern, Alabama. The farm, in his family since the mid-1800s, stretches across 200 acres of open pastures, bottomland hardwoods, and a quiet creek. Six miles of trails wind through this varied landscape, providing a rich habitat for birds and wildlife.

But what Christopher has built is more than a destination—it’s a gateway to meaningful outdoor experiences. Visitors can birdwatch, walk woodland trails, bike across meadows, or camp under the stars.

He hopes these quiet encounters with nature will spark curiosity and care, encouraging others to become friends of the environment through low-impact ecotourism. At the heart of it all is a simple belief: that everyone should have the chance to enjoy and help protect wildlife and the places they call home.

A Growing Movement, National Recognition

That passion has resonated. Since its founding, the farm has welcomed more than 800 visitors and gained national recognition. It has been featured in magazines, blogs, podcasts, and television—including an episode of Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper, now streaming on Nat Geo Wild, Disney+, and other platforms. Through this growing visibility, Christopher is helping more people reconnect with nature.

From Backyard Birds to Lifelong Passion

For many bird lovers, the spark of passion often ignites in childhood, and for him, it all started on familiar soil, surrounded by open skies and the quiet magic of nature.

“Growing up having a farm allowed me to be exposed to the outdoors, and birds would be almost everywhere I looked. I began to recognize common visitors and the birds that caught my eye. Northern Cardinals were some of my earliest memories, as they were in our backyard, and the crisp, frosty morning made them stand out so much. Hard to not get bit by the birdwatching bug.”

That early fascination never faded. Instead, it deepened with time, especially when a striking new presence began appearing in the skies above his familiar surroundings, adding a sense of wonder to a place he thought he knew so well.

“My favorite bird is the Swallow-tailed Kite. What makes it special to me is that I was really amazed that something appeared in an area of my entire life that I’ve never seen before. It led to what makes people know us as the people who put on the Kite show! The Swallow-tailed Kites are returning year after year on our farm, which was previously never seen prior to 2018.”

More Than Just a Beautiful Bird

But the Swallow-tailed Kite is more than just a rare beauty—it’s a symbol of what birding means to him: wonder, discovery, and a connection to the land he stewards. Watching them soar above his fields is not just a moment; it’s a memory in motion.

“The eating of insects like grasshoppers and dragonflies by the Swallow-tailed Kites that fly over our hayfields is a sight to behold. It reminds me that this experience has always been at the heart of what we offer to visitors.”

Unforgettable Birding Experiences

Beyond daily sightings and routine observations, birding has gifted him with moments of quiet awe, meaningful encounters, and vivid memories that continue to shape his perspective.

“I remember the Green Heron that I took a picture of with my new 600mm lens, and how amazed I was that it let me practice multiple shots and not move. This helped me hone in on my birding photography style and led to one of the first photos I sold.”

Some experiences go beyond photography. In his commitment to wildlife, he has also played a role in conservation efforts on his own land.

“We hosted the release of a rehabilitated Barred Owl rescued by Auburn’s Raptor and Rehabilitation Center on our property, where we do birding and nature tours. This was one of our missions as we served in the betterment of wildlife on our property.”

His connection to birds is not limited to what he sees—it also includes what he hears. Some of his earliest birding memories are tied to sound, etched into his memory with striking clarity.

“I’ve identified birds using calls, and one of my unlocked memory favorites is the Mourning Dove. As a kid, I remember hearing them in the early morning. I can see the dew on the trees and grass, sunlight streaming through my parents’ window, and I was mimicking the call, trying to get it just right.”

A Backyard Built for Birds—and for Joy

Making a backyard bird-friendly often starts with a deep love of nature. For him, it began with a few thoughtful changes to improve both the habitat and his birdwatching experience.

“When I first bought our house, that was a top priority for me. I had to have a backyard that I could make all my bird-friendly improvements to capture them in the most photogenic yet natural way. I’ve pruned shrubs to have a perching area with perfect morning sunlight pictures and sunset pictures as well.”

Technology also plays a role in enriching his birdwatching moments, especially through the use of a smart bird feeder, which has provided some unexpected and exciting encounters.

“I witnessed the incoming and perching of a Red-shouldered Hawk as it watched from another later tree in my backyard, where I had the smart bird feeder. Some birds were using it, but they got away at the last moment. The hawk landed and looked around. I was able to get photos of it to show my social media followers the ‘Wow’ moment it had.”

Ultimately, birdwatching is more than a hobby—it has a meaningful place in his daily life. “I really do feel that this is something that brings me joy, whether I’m with a flock (pun intended) of people or complexly by myself. This is something that I enjoy as my private escape to observe birds and wildlife in their environments.”

Birding Dreams and Deep-Rooted Connections

Birdwatching isn’t just a pastime for him—it’s deeply tied to personal history, identity, and imagination. The places he cherishes and the birds he dreams of seeing are woven with meaning that extends far beyond the moment of observation.

“Our family farm is my favorite place for birdwatching. Mainly because it’s where I grew up exploring the outdoors as a kid, it’s family land that I’m a descendant of, which makes it even more meaningful.”

When imagining the ultimate birdwatching journey, his thoughts turn to ancestral roots. It’s not just about birds—it’s about honoring history and walking paths once traveled by those before him.

“I would go to Cameroon, Africa. My ancestral DNA ties back to this area, and seeing the birds that they must have seen would give me the fulfillment to witness what they saw and the path that their feet made. The bigger picture is knowing that they, too, were cattlemen, just like my family is today. This is a full circle moment because we have been operating a Black Angus cattle farm for multiple generations. 3 to be specific.”

Even closer to home, there’s still wonder to be found. One species, in particular, continues to elude him—yet hope remains alive in every new season.

“The Painted Bunting is one that I am actively searching to find this Summer in my backyard bird feeders. I felt I may have heard one year ago, but never was able to get a picture or sighting of.”

When asked what bird he’d be, his answer comes with force and clarity. “If I could transform into a bird for a day, I'd like to be a Peregrine Falcon. The sheer fact that I’m the fastest weapon on wings speaks volumes.”

Where Passion Meets Protection

His love for birds goes beyond personal enjoyment—it extends into community engagement and everyday stewardship. In his home state, he supports efforts that make birdwatching accessible while contributing to broader conservation awareness.

“I support Alabama Audubon here in the State of Alabama. They are partners that have been supporting our birding tours and tourism to always find ways to share the world of birding with people.”

Every small effort to protect birds can ripple outward, creating a more vibrant world for all.

Let Small Acts Carry Big Wings

When it comes to inspiring others, his advice is practical and rooted in personal experience. A small action can go a long way toward helping bird populations thrive.

“Making sure that you can control the habitat around where you live, if you can. This way, you can create more biodiversity in the native habitat around you. For example, I have Northern Paulas that show up and hop from vine to vine. I had a great photoshoot with it and have the memory till this day.”

Above all, he encourages fellow bird enthusiasts to begin with what’s nearby. “Just learn what common birds are around you, and it will help you be comfortable with identification as well as what birds are migratory and what birds are permanent fixtures.” Familiarity with local species not only strengthens identification skills but also deepens appreciation for seasonal bird patterns.

To Christopher Joe—And to You

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Joe for taking the time to share his story, passion, and insight in this interview. His thoughtful perspective adds depth to our ongoing Feathered Stories series and inspires a deeper connection to the world of birding and the land it thrives on.

All uncredited images featured in this article are his own beautiful work. To learn more about Christopher and his guided birding tours, you can follow him on Instagram or visit his website at Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours.

Have a birding story of your own? We’d love to hear it—submit your experience and be part of this growing community.