Nature Tours & Art
About Gabriel
Gabriel Willow is a naturalist with a particular passion for birds and urban spaces. He is an environmental educator and ecological tour guide in New York City, where he leads tours and teaches classes for The NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and Wave Hill, among others. His tours focus on seeking out the overlooked and ignored elements of wildness hiding all around us, ranging from boat trips on the East River, to kayaking on Newtown Creek, to seeking the elusive Peregrine Falcons nesting on skyscrapers near Wall Street. He has created programs for The Audubon Society, Lincoln Center, the Morgan Library and Museum, the NY Botanical Garden, and more. Gabriel is a past Vice President of the Linnaean Society of NY. He is also an artist, illustrator, and DJ.
Featured Tours
Montauk is best-known as a summer destination, but it’s equally beautiful in winter, and it’s very special to be there when hardly anyone else is around. See the scenic beaches and lighthouse, and experience the incredible gatherings of sea ducks around Montauk Point, which hosts the largest winter concentrations in New York State.
The Christmas Bird Count on Montauk Point consistently tallies from 125 to 135 species, one of the best totals in the Northeast. Species that come to feed in the Point’s rich kelp and mussel beds include Common and Red-throated Loon, Common Eider, all three Scoter species, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Great Cormorant, and Red-breasted Merganser.
Harlequin Duck and King Eider also occur here regularly during the winter. Other rarities like Razorbill, Dovekie, Iceland Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Snowy Owl are all possible. Transport by passenger van from NYC and accommodations at the newly renovated Daunt’s Albatross Inn included. Limited to 10. $550 ($150 single room supplement).
Explore the amazing landscapes and incredible birding locales of one of the most bird-rich countries in the world. From the historic city of Quito to the cloud forests of the Choco Bioregion to the paramo and snow-capped mountains of the high Andes, we will see an incredible array of ecosystems and an equally incredible array of species - over 400 bird species are possible, as well as innumerable butterflies, frogs, and if we’re lucky, maybe even a Spectacled Bear!
On this very special trip, we will stay at Gabriel’s new Eco-Lodge in Santa Rosa, Ecuador - These super-diverse cloud forests are home to 15-17% of the planet’s plant species and almost 20% of its birds; they are a haven for those who love the natural treasures of our planet. Visit the ancient trees and rushing rivers – and all the creatures who live among them – with a stay at El Refugio De Intag Cloud Forest Lodge, a rustic reserve at 6,000 feet surrounded by extraordinary wildlife.
This lodge is located in the southern Choco bioregion, one of the richest ecosystems on the planet, and a center of biodiversity for hummingbirds, orchids, and frogs.
We will also visit the famous artisan markets in Otavalo, a sustainable coffee farm, and more.
Limited to 8 participants.
Programs & Tours
Learn More About Gabriel’s Upcoming Tours, Classes, and Programs
Art
A Selected Portfolio of Gabriel’s Wildlife Art
“Fairly recently, I had the good fortune to be introduced to bird-watching with Gabriel Willow. I want to share with you that this has been life changing. I discovered the joy of being. Being present. Discovering a world of charming creatures with whom I share this ever-changing and fragile planet. What was life changing for me, is that I am no longer a seeker… I experience myself as a ‘being’... and that has changed everything. Thank you, Gabriel and the beautiful community of fellow bird watchers.”
— Marcy J, New York, NY
"My first bird walk with Gabriel was a winter owl walk in Central Park. There were two clear highlights from that day; a beautiful long-eared owl in a stand of conifers near the Bethesda Fountain and Mr. Willow himself! No doubt, he had a passion for birds and a thorough understanding of the natural world. But what struck me most was his disarming humor and natural ease at creating a meaningful and enriching experience for the entire group. Since that first long-eared owl, I have followed Gabriel to countless parks, trails, fields and waterways around NYC (and beyond). Gabriel is knowledgeable, passionate, funny, caring and an instinctual teacher."
— Jeffrey K, Brooklyn, NY
Contact
Get in touch if you have any questions or to arrange a private nature tour, program, or class:
