guide

Phil Brown

“I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance than I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Phil Brown (he/him) is a seasoned naturalist and bird conservationist whose life has been devoted to connecting people with the avian world. Raised in Staten Island, New York, where pockets of green space ignited his passion for nature, Phil pursued degrees in natural resource management at Rutgers University and environmental studies at Antioch University New England. His career spans over two decades, including 17 years as Director of Land Management at New Hampshire Audubon and his current role as Bird Conservation Director at the Harris Center for Conservation Education.

Phil’s expertise encompasses managing conservation research projects for species like the American Kestrel and Broad-winged Hawk, overseeing the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory, and leading initiatives that promote sound land stewardship. His approach to birding is not just about observation; it’s about fostering a deep, transformative connection with nature.

As a guide for The Dreamcatchers, Phil brings his wealth of knowledge and good-natured enthusiasm to curated birding and nature experiences. Whether leading a serene morning bird walk or an immersive nature adventure, he ensures each journey is enlightening, enjoyable, and tailored to inspire a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Phil resides in Hancock, New Hampshire, with his wife, Julie, and children, Laurel and Alden. In his free time, he enjoys being playful with his kids, exploring diverse habitats close to home by foot, bike, and kayak, making maple syrup, tending a small fruit orchard, and defending his bocce title from unworthy competitors (Ignacio). His commitment to conservation and education, as well as the comfort and inclusion of all participants, makes him an invaluable member of The Dreamcatchers team, guiding guests toward meaningful encounters with nature.

My Latest Thoughts on the DREAMCATCHERS BLOG

Featured
The Big Sit – Counting Birds and Improving Your Health
The Big Sit – Counting Birds and Improving Your Health

I found myself under the weather on a recent fall weekend with crisp colors and ideal hiking weather. This was not part of the plan, as fall offers so many festivals, fairs, and outdoor activities, but I had to listen to my body. ‘SLOW DOWN’ it was saying. The weather was so perfect, though, so I decided to lounge outdoors with binoculars around my neck, and keep my germs to myself. Besides, it was ‘Big Sit’ weekend, so I felt somewhat validated in this choice. 

Paddling Powder Mill Pond and the Pace of Observation
Paddling Powder Mill Pond and the Pace of Observation

Come late summer, you’ll find me out exploring one of the area’s many wetland waterways by kayak or canoe. This must-do destination at this time of year is a broad impounded section of the Contoocook River known as Powder Mill Pond, which straddles Hancock and Bennington. There are other, wild places that I’ll leave to your own (and mine) imaginations and personal lists. I don’t go to Powder Mill to hide out, but when I do paddle here, I’m often the only watercraft in sight on this broad, dammed river. Most may know the boat launch on Route 202 where old railroad tracks lie alongside the pond edge and people fish on summer weekends. From here stands your best chance of viewing the nesting bald eagles from the roadside. Their nest tree, a tall pine on the northern point of a wooded island in the pond, is a prominent feature – if you know where to find it. And, of course, there is the official NH Fish & Game boat launch in Greenfield by the covered bridge, an excellent approach in its own right.

About PHIL

City of birth: Staten Island, NY (don’t hold it against me)

Professional areas of interest: Avian conservation research; place-based education; community science initiatives; land stewardship; raptor biology

Number of international birding tours: 20

Favorite places: The ‘SuperSanctuary’ of sw NH; Monhegan Island, Maine; The Everglades; the Costa Rican cloud forest; the boreal forest of Canada and the northern US

Birding ‘life list’: doesn’t know offhand (it’s not about the numbers to me)

Philosophical approach: Be more present; enjoy the birds in front of you; birds and nature as a grounding presence and connection to our world

Favorite groups of birds: warblers, raptors; whatever birds I’m spending time with (ok, maybe not gulls so much - they’re too complicated!)

Kindred animal spirit: