Meet the Flock

Co Founder & Co Owner

Time with Chirp: 5 years, since the very beginning.

How did you first discover Chirp? Beth had raised her boys feeding wild birds in Moonridge, and long recounted all the associated joys. Then I had a chance meeting with Bill Downs, a former owner of Wild Wings, who impressed on me the benefits of the business. I had no idea birding was the second most popular hobby in the US after gardening. We decided to try out our vision of Chirp, and have never looked back.

What is your favorite part about working here? The connections and the people. Turns out helping people better connect to nature and to one another provides profound experiences. This business attracts many very lovely people.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? The opportunity to better their lives and our planet by simple acts of supporting and observing wild birds and the nature they inhabit.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I once sang as a child with the Carpenters on stage at the Santa Barbara County Bowl.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Depends on the day. Sometimes I am both.

What’s your favorite bird? My obvious answer is the Chirp mascot, a bluebird, inspired by a charm Beth’s grandmother gave her when she was a child. But I am also fond of the Clark’s Nutcracker, a rarer alpine jay that I associate with special wilderness areas.

Co Founder & Co Owner

Time with Chirp: Since we hatched!

How did you first discover Chirp? My version of the Chirp origin story begins with telling Randy about how much I loved feeding wild birds when I first moved to Big Bear in 1992. I told him about a cute little store called Wild Wings where I received great bird feeding advice and bought (probably literally) a ton of seed. Shortly thereafter, Randy encountered Bill Downs, former Wild Wings owner, at a meeting and they talked “bird shop”. From there, the idea of Chirp was born and Bill has been a fantastic mentor and bird walk narrator for us.

What is your favorite part about working here? The amazing people who come into Chirp, how friendly, curious and caring they are and how quickly they have formed a community amongst themselves during our various events. There is a sense of belonging at Chirp that I cherish.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? I hope they will be compelled to feed wild birds and then take time out whenever possible to stop and enjoy their awe inspiring beauty and industry. It is truly a salve for the soul and one that is even now being touted as having health and wellness benefits.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I am a California native. This is not as rare as it used to be, but still people seem surprised by it. I have lived in Southern California for my entire life and love our beautiful State.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? After years of working in a global organization where very early morning meetings were part of the daily routine, I’d have to say I am a former night owl begrudgingly converted to an early bird. Perhaps I will catch some worms?

What’s your favorite bird? Oh this is like being asked “who is your favorite child”. I really can’t choose one. Our Chirp logo is based loosely on the western blue bird, which has been a favorite of mine since childhood. I also love chickadees and ravens along with the rarer (in Big Bear) western tanagers and grosbeaks.

Assistant Manager

Time with Chirp: Started during the great Winter Blast of February ’23

How did you first discover Chirp? First time I came to Big Bear, I saw the Chirp sign at at a Bus stop. This caught my eye, as I had a beloved parakeet as a child that I named “Chirp” (attached is an old photo from highschool with my Chirp for fun!)

What is your favorite part about working here? It’s refreshing and affirming to be working for a store that is devoted to the health and wellbeing of birds and other forest critters.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? That they are making a difference with feeding and supporting bird populations.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I”m a professional (classical) violinist, spending the last 20 years teaching and performing.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Definitely a night owl. Even with a good night’s rest, I struggle waking up early!

What’s your favorite bird? I am an owl fanatic. So was my Grandma, and as children, my sister and I used to count all the owl knick-knacks in her house until we lost count.

Sales clerk

Time with Chirp: Since March 2023

How did you first discover Chirp? I had been a loyal customer since it opened. Learned about it from my time as a reporter/editor at the Big Bear Grizzly. When I retired from the Grizzly, my first thought was that it would be fun to work part time at Chirp. And here I am.

What is your favorite part about working here? The people I meet when they come to the store or go on one of our bird walks. They all share a healthy respect for nature and for birds in particular.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? That we have been able to help them with whatever they need during their visit.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.I have always loved travel and once aspired to be a travel photographer. My bucket list includes three things travel-related: a) see a game at every Major League Baseball park (I’ve been to eight so far), b) visit every national park in the USA (I’ve been to 17 so far), c) and travel abroad (have only been to Canada and Mexico so far).

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Yes. No, seriously, I am a late to sleep and early riser. So I guess you could say I am both.

What’s your favorite bird? I love seeing the white pelicans visit Big Bear every spring and fall. Growing up near the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, I often saw brown pelicans, but the white pelicans are on another level of awesomeness, at least for me.

Brand & Events Manager

Time with Chirp: Since March 2023.

How did you first discover Chirp? I was with my family visiting Big Bear for the first time on the 4th of July weekend in 2021, and happened to pass the old Chirp location. As a big bird lover and parent, seeing the logo immediately prompted me to look it up. I took a mental note to look into it more but forgot. Almost 1.5 years later I moved and was looking up ways to identify my backyard birds when I came across a useful article: “The 10 Most Common Backyard Birds In Southern California.” And who do you think it was posted by? chirpforbirds.com!

What is your favorite part about working here? The fact that my job centers around connecting people to birds and nature is still unreal to me. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this opportunity. Working with Beth and Randy has also been a breath of fresh air. I came from a corporate, advertising agency world where everything was always on fire and nothing was ever good enough, so to work with people who genuinely care about their community and acknowledge your contribution has been a healing experience.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? That birds are nature’s gift to us, and there is nothing too big or too small that we can do for them. Whether you have one feeder or five, a native plant garden or anti-collision window stickers, anything you choose to put out is directly helping your backyard birds. And that should be something to be proud of.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. While I don’t run nearly as much as I used to, I have completed 5 full marathons, 7 half marathons, 1 Ragnar Relay, and I’ve summited Mt. Whitney almost twice.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night owl.

What’s your favorite bird? Lovebirds! My earliest memories as a child involve many animals but I will always have a soft spot for lovebirds. I grew up hand rearing and caring for peach-faced lovebirds, one of which still lives with me now, Morph.

Customer Service Rep

Time with Chirp: Since March 2023

How did you first discover Chirp? I have long been a bird lover and I shopped at Chirp when it was located in the Village.

What is your favorite part about working here? I love customer service, being part of the community, meeting locals and visitors from throughout the world, and “being part of the solution” in terms of protecting species and caring for the Earth.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? I want guests to know that Chirp Nature Centers is more than just a retail business — that it’s an active participant in the global conservation movement.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. My dog was rescued on an isolated country road where she’d been dropped by a raven.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Neither, but I’ve become more of an early bird as time passed.

What’s your favorite bird? Eagles are one of my favorites, but I’m also partial to bluebirds and hope to attract more of them to my feeder.

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Time with Chirp: I’m a new hire to the Chirp family. I started September of 2023 and I’m excited to get to know the team, as well as our customers.

How did you first discover Chirp? I’ve lived in Big Bear my whole life so I had heard about Chirp as soon as it opened. My first time in the store I was walking the village and wanted to explore what items Chirp had to offer.

What is your favorite part about working here? My favorite part of working here is the view! Seeing birds and other critters outside, while behind the desk always makes for some fun during the workday.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? I want guests to leave Chirp feeling excited to connect with nature. From product choices to ambiance, the store should encourage people to take time to enjoy and preserve the nature around them.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I am a music lover! When not at work you can find me doing something music related. I can jump from performing theatre, to country line dancing. I go to punk shows, classical performances, even electronic music festivals. If I can sing or dance, I’ll be there.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? I would definitely consider myself a night owl. I’d rather stay up late than wake up early.

What’s your favorite bird? My favorite bird has always been a snowy owl! When I was a kid I visited our local zoo and saw our snowy owl, since then I’ve collected owl merch. Tee shirts, plushies, paintings, purses. If it had an owl my friends and family knew I would enjoy it.

Freelance Writer

Time with Chirp: Since 2019

How did you first discover Chirp? I was introduced to Chirp and Randy by a mutual friend and colleague.

What is your favorite part about working here? I love learning about birds and nature, and also helping educate others about how to take care of our birds, wildlife, and environment.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? That they are part of a sincere community of people that really care about each other and nature.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I am also a Zumba instructor!

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Definitely an early bird.

What’s your favorite bird? The bluebird. I love that it’s referred to as the “bluebird of happiness,” and I feel that way whenever I’m lucky enough to see one.

Website/IT support

Time with Chirp: Since 2019

How did you first discover Chirp? I was passing through the Village shortly after moving to Big Bear and came across an interesting looking shop called Chirp.

What is your favorite part about working here? I like to see people discover a passion for birds and nature.

What’s one thing you want guests to take away from their Chirp experience? I hope guests leave with a greater appreciation of their local community and the people, critters, and birds that inhabit it.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I still purchase music on cassette tape.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Night Owl

What’s your favorite bird? Great Blue Heron