“I just got through with another birding hike this morning led by Josiah. After every one of these hikes, I have a feeling I can only compare to being a kid on Christmas morning! Maybe it was the six kinds of ducks we spotted on the lake at Sandy Creek Park or the magnificent colors of the female Eastern Towhee we saw at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. Spotting a Black-and-white Warbler on the tail end of the hike was also really special! Josiah’s passion for birds grabs you immediately. He has a vast knowledge of not only their physical traits, but also vocal and behavioral characteristics that are so helpful in identifying the various species. His academic background in Ecology allows him to discuss the relationship between these amazing birds and their environment which makes every birding trip a tremendous educational experience above and beyond the thrill of observing birds!
– Lesley Smith
“Birding trips with Josiah Lavender consistently prove valuable in many ways. Each time I learn more than just how to identify the birds. Josiah describes their nesting habits, behavior, songs, calls, migratory patterns, competitive strategies, and more. His wholistic approach to guiding allows a deeper understanding for reach individual whether an expert or a beginner. I highly recommend Josiah Lavender for anyone interested in guided birding trips!”
– Liz Conroy, Retired Journalist
“I was fortunate enough to participate in a multi-day guided birding experience with Josiah. I was amazed at the diversity of species we observed. Josiah was able to spot birds that I would have never seen, and locate them by recognizing their songs and calls. His knowledge of bird behavior, as well as a multitude of other information enriched my experience enormously. I highly recommend Lavender Birding Tours.”
– S. Dugger, Retired Educator
Throughout life’s journey, one encounters a few individuals who embrace a genuine desire to make a tremendous impact upon others. Josiah has proven to be that type of person in a way that captures curiosity while enriching my aspiration to grow in the knowledge of birds. A few weeks ago, I met Josiah in one of his amazing educational discussions, followed by a guided tour. I immediately held a desire to book another adventure with him as soon as possible. Josiah’s extensive knowledge of bird behavior is eloquently joined with his sincere desire to develop in others an appreciation for conservation. If you are searching for someone who is exceptionally knowledgeable yet provides an opportunity to explore your personal desire to learn about surrounding habitats, then Josiah is without a doubt the person to contact. A guided walk with Josiah will encourage you to peacefully slow down and appreciate being surrounded by nature in a way that will make a lasting impression upon your interest in birds. Josiah has allowed me to cultivate an inward desire to draw near to one of my favorite quotes by E.E. Cummings: “May my heart always be open to little birds who are the secrets of living.”
– Dr. Donna Patrick, Retired Education Administrator
“I recently got to participate in a guided bird watching tour with Josiah that he led for a group of about ten of my fellow community members exploring some of our properties abutting the Middle Oconee River. As others have said, Josiah’s extensive knowledge, understanding, and passion for birds and nature is impressive and a joy to witness. He is very patient, calm, and considerate and stays very attentive to his surroundings and to the people in his group. I was very impressed at his ability to hear, see, or somehow sense when birds were near us, and I was also impressed with his awareness of the people in his group and our needs. We were never rushed and there always seemed to be time to ask Josiah questions. I happily recommend Josiah for individual or group tours for people with any level of experience.”
– Dave Slutzky, Math Professor
“Birdwatching with Josiah is like traveling to a foreign country with a local guide who is fluent in the language and knows all the special places that truly bring the place alive. In short, it’s a wonderful experience! Josiah is a born teacher. Not only does he know an astonishing amount about birds, but he loves to share that knowledge with his clients. He seems to derive as much joy in the sighting of even a common species as does the novice birdwatcher. It’s sheer delight to walk in the world with Josiah!”
Sally W. Coenen
Lavender Birding Tours 