Connecting with Birds and Nature, LLC. Goes Birding

Christopher Joe is busy these days! He’s just returned from leading a birding tour for the 2022 Festival of Cranes at the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, located in his home state of Alabama. His social media family is growing thanks to his engaging and relatable posts, and the family farm got a spotlight in the October/November issue of Garden and Gun magazine. Though the Joe family farm started with cattle, Christopher is introducing bird and nature tours to their land. He spent some time telling us more about the farm, birding and his approach to conservation. 

TSC: We are so excited to have you, Christopher! Let’s start with your family’s farm, where you are inviting folks for your birding and nature tours.

Christopher Joe: The Joe’s Black Angus farm is a multigenerational farm in Newbern, Alabama. It’s been in the family since the late 1800’s, and is currently being led by my father, Cornelius Joe, who assumed the role after his father passed away. 

TSC: What makes your farm special?

Christopher Joe: We use best management practices and current conservation in our daily operations of our cattle farm, keeping it friendly for birds and wildlife. My father is a retired agribusiness educator and I am a graduate of Agribusiness Management. We are working to promote conservation and wildlife habitat protection by providing opportunities for people to visit a private property, participate in tours, and meander through and experience the unique and memorable natural world.

TSC: Your commitment to conservation is inspiring. Is that where your idea for the tours started?

Christopher Joe: I started the tours to diversify the farm and create a space for people to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. Birders and nature lovers are often left to observe from a roadside, which is dangerous. Some people simply do not have access to property that will allow them that freedom.

TSC: You must have big hopes for your tours and the farm! What does the future look like for Connecting with Birds and Nature, LLC?

Christopher Joe: I want to provide more opportunities for people to experience unique species of birds. I hope the farm is a space where young and old can take advantage of the therapeutic benefits from being outdoors and to diversify economical opportunities and create new revenue streams for regional and underserved communities. 

TSC: Sounds like you are well on your way. Since you’re going to be doing a birding series for us, what should we know about you as a birding guide?

Christopher Joe: I’m very relatable and make my visitors comfortable being open to the experience and adventure that we provide. I can explain complex things in the most common terms and give people the relief that they don’t need a PhD to enjoy birding. It’s about making the right now a thing that people can see and be a part of. I am delighted that people heard of us from others and want to come and experience the safe and family-centered space that we have created.

TSC: What’s the favorite part of your tour?

Christopher Joe: Seeing people that had no clue what to expect when they came to visit us not wanting to go when it’s time to leave. They stay to chat and relive their adventure they didn’t expect to see or experience. It’s my favorite part because it brings joy to my family to know that something passed down to us is bringing enjoyment for others. 

TSC: You know I have to ask - what’s your favorite bird to spot?

Christopher Joe: Swallow-tailed Kites. I love to watch the faces of people as they see them on tours. They normally start showing up in late May and stay through August. They are so acrobatic and put on a show during hay harvest season.

Christopher Joe is a regular at his local TSC, where he and his dad go to find everything they need for life out here. His favorite thing to find? Bird feeders, of course. He’s been spreading his birding influence far and wide (including to his mother), and will be joining Life Out Here for more on how to start your own backyard birding area.