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Building Strong Partnerships for Birding and Conservation
Kim Risen & Barry Noret
Tours Team
Photo Tour Collaboration with Kim Risen
Kim Risen, (owner of Naturescape Tours) a preeminent leader in bird photo tours, has been captivated by birds since age ten, when he began birding along the Mississippi River flyway. With over 40 years of experience, he has led tours across five continents, specializing in Latin America for the past 25 years. His expertise in bird vocalizations, field identification, and photography shines through in Mexico, where he set a record in 2004 by documenting 876 species in a single year.
Kim’s passion for sharing the joy of birding is evident in his tours, which span the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and Southern Africa. A skilled photographer and writer, his work has appeared in field guides, magazines, and the award-winning book Aitkin County Naturally!, co-authored with his wife, Cindy. Their latest work, Orchids of the Northwoods, earned a nomination for a Northeastern Minnesota Book Award.
Whether guiding beginners or seasoned birders, Kim finds endless delight in revealing the beauty of birds and nature. He and Cindy also mentor youth in Minnesota, fostering a love for the natural world.
We are honored to be partnering with Kim to offer some fabulous photography tours in the coming years! Many thanks for the opportunity to collaborate!
Presenting T-Shirt Artwork by Holly Nowak
Holly Nowak, a fifth-generation Texan, is an artist whose vibrant work is deeply rooted in her profound connection to nature and passion for painting Texas’ native birds. Based at Holly Nowak Fine Art Studio & Gallery in Houston’s Sawyer Yards, the nation’s largest Creative Community, she fosters a vibrant hub through open studios, monthly exhibitions, artist talks, and art lessons. Her dynamic artistic process, using acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache, reflects the vivid landscapes and wildlife of Texas, inspired by a transformative spiritual encounter at Caprock Canyons. There, her affinity for bison and the vast Texas terrain took root, shaping her art with a deep reverence for the natural world.
Holly’s love for birds, from the majestic Great Blue Heron to the delicate Northern Cardinal, drives her partnership with Birds of Texas. Through this collaboration, she shares her passion for conservation and the beauty of Texas’ avian species, channeling her art into advocacy for preserving their habitats. By partnering with Birds of Texas, Holly extends her mission to inspire others to appreciate and protect the state’s rich biodiversity.
Dedicated to empowering creativity, Holly hosts workshops in Texas and will teach The Colors of Italy at La Romita School of Art in Italy’s Umbria region in 2026. Surrounded by her lush gardens and beloved hens, "The Ladies," at her home studio outside Houston, she finds endless inspiration and has taught private lessons for over twelve years. Holly’s work and storytelling invite others to embrace the meditative power of art, fostering balance and creativity.
You may view Holly's art on her website Holly Nowak Fine Art
Follow Holly on Instagram HollyNowakFineArt and Facebook page
Birds of Texas Collaborating With Texas Artist for T-Shirt Artwork
Andrea Patton is a Texas artist based in New Braunfels, whose lifelong love of animals and nature continues to inspire her work. She began drawing at the age of six and has since explored many mediums, from acrylics to watercolors, alcohol inks, and oils. Along the way, she has studied under artists Don Kolstad, Francine Dufour Jones, Layne Johnson, and renowned oil painter Kyle Ma. Influenced by her years in both Texas and Alaska, and her travels around the world, Andrea captures the beauty of wildlife and the landscapes that surround them.
One of her dreams is to paint every bird in Texas, a passion that led her to create the Birds of Texas shirt and merchandise. “I want my art to be something you feel, you experience, you desire,” Andrea says. “When I paint, I get lost in the moment. To create something new and original is a beautiful feeling. I hope you are touched by my art—that is my greatest hope.”
In addition to her studio practice, Andrea teaches monthly art classes for beginners and intermediates just south of Canyon Lake, as well as quarterly classes at Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Aust. She also hosts private paint parties and accepts commissions, sharing her joy of creativity with others.
You may view Andrea's art on her website APattonFineArt
Her Etsy Shop APattonEtsy
Follow Andrea on Instagram APattonFineArt and Facebook page
T-Shirt Artwork by Leana Fischer and the "May We Fly" Brand
Leana Fischer is the artist behind May We Fly, creating artwork that celebrates the wonder of everyday moments and inspires others to find beauty in their own stories. The name "May We Fly" reflects her heartfelt wish for everyone: to live in alignment with their deepest values and share their unique gifts with the world.
May We Fly began in 2013 after Leana left her architecture career and relocated from Virginia to Fayetteville, Arkansas and Leana explains why painting is her true calling:
"Painting is my expression of joy, my sincere offering, and my enthusiastic invitation. I work primarily with watercolor because it feels most natural in my hands. Its unique language—one I’ll spend a lifetime learning—speaks to me through pigment, water, and movement, reflecting my deep love for the natural world. When I paint, I connect to my own nature: present, peaceful, and reverent."
After a decade as a painter, Leana sees how profoundly her art has enriched her life—not only through the joy it brings her but also through the connections she’s forged with kindred spirits. May We Fly has grown from a small website into a thriving business, allowing her to share her artwork globally, teach hundreds of students through in-person and online watercolor workshops, and collaborate with notable brands like Terrain, Trader Joe’s, and Hallmark.
Wherever she goes, May We Fly keeps Leana connected to a vibrant community of creators, celebrating their collective gifts. She looks forward to sharing her talents with the Birds of Texas community and beyond.
View Leana's art on her website May We Fly
Her Pintrest Shop maywefly
Follow Leana on Instagram MayWeFlyDesign and Facebook page
