About Bird Babes - Michaela & Jillian
Michaela is a birder and artist inspired by the beauty of the natural world. She grew up hiking and camping across California, raised by curious, creative parents who nurtured her love of art, science, and lifelong learning.
Her mom first introduced her to birding, sparking a passion that continues to grow. Her dad, as an designer, helped introduce her to many different ways of studying wildlife through art. Today, she spends her time observing native birds and learning about their essential roles in a healthy ecosystem.
Through her artwork and time in the field, she shares the joy of birding with others—especially those who are new to it or who simply love being outside. She believes birding can be for everyone, and she’s passionate about making it fun, welcoming, and accessible.
Michaela birding
Pelagic trip with the family
Barn Owl & Short-eared Owl Block Prints
Jillian and Michaela in Death Valley
Northern Flicker in the Snow
Jillian is a fledgling birder who enjoys seeing the world around her through a new lens.
Becoming more familiar with the birds local to the Eastern Sierra gives her a deeper understanding and appreciation of her home.
While Jillian has taken up birding relatively recently, she is eager to witness and learn more about the abundant variety of birds here and their ecosystems.
Minaret Lake
Artists Palette
Jillian draws inspiration from her home in the Eastern Sierra, focusing on the subjects most dear to her: the flora, fauna, and landscapes of this sublime area. In addition to exploring the region through art, they spend time climbing, backpacking, and skiing—experiences that color and shape her creative work.
She has always been drawn to visually representing the world through drawing and painting, but has only pursued art seriously in recent years. In 2014, she received an Associate of Arts in Surface and Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and spent several years working in that field. Ultimately, the desire to live closer to the mountains led her to shift careers.
Now based in Mammoth Lakes, she happily create art for herself and others to enjoy.
