Today we’d like to introduce you to Benny Jacobs-schwartz
Hi Benny, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After spending over a decade in the outdoor industry, I felt it was time to channel my passion into something uniquely my own. My excitement for the natural world was always present, but my love for birding truly took flight during a college study abroad program in Costa Rica. The first time I peered through binoculars at the dazzling array of tropical birds was an out-of-body experience. I was instantly transported into their world and have been enchanted by it ever since.
This newfound obsession grew as I worked seasonally as a biologist, land steward, and naturalist guide, exploring diverse landscapes like coastal Alaska and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Each new environment broadened my knowledge and deepened my appreciation for birds.
Upon returning to my hometown of Los Angeles, I began offering local birding walks to the public. It was here that I witnessed firsthand how crucial nature connection is for city residents. They were having profound experiences right in the city, discovering new places they had never visited, all in their own backyards. I was pleased to see such a positive response from the community; folks were learning a lot and having a great time!
Building on the success and interest in local offerings, I expanded my lineup with bird-inspired socks, t-shirts, and hats. I then began taking private clients on custom itineraries to target their most-wanted species. Following that, I introduced gift certificates to make it easier to give the gift of birding experiences.
As my business naturally began to grow, I felt the impetus to develop my ultimate vision: international birding tours. I got to work creating a lineup of multi-day tours, drawing on my extensive travels and contacts in Latin America. 2024 was my first year bringing my own clients on tour, and it was a fantastic experience! We ran three tours in Ecuador and one in Costa Rica. We have exciting tours planned for 2025 in Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, with 2026 tours in development and some great plans in the works!
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the fruits of my labor and passion. It hasn’t always been easy to keep betting on myself, but the hard work is paying off, and I’m deeply grateful for it all. From your backyard to the heart of the tropics, my mission is to make birding fun, educational, and most of all, rooted in conservation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t know if there’s ever been a road to follow—definitely a trail but not a road. Becoming a professional birding tour guide isn’t something you can exactly go to college for. It takes years to learn about the birds, build relationships with providers, scout the itineraries, market the tours, and reach clients. There’s so much that goes into it, and there isn’t really a playbook on how to build a birding business. I just followed my intuition and winged it. I started slowly, focusing on providing engaging experiences and building relationships. This chapter of my business is just getting started, which makes it hard to project into the future, so I try not to. I’m just focusing on doing great work and having a good time along the way!
We’ve been impressed with BIRDS by BIJS, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run a birding tour business and lifestyle brand that offers local guiding and birding tours in Southern California, as well as multi-day international tours to tropical destinations like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia.
With a background in biology, environmental studies, and outdoor recreation, I bring over 14 years of professional guiding experience to the table. My specialty is crafting immersive birdwatching experiences that are not only enriching but also filled with positive energy and remarkable avian encounters.
What sets my business apart is our focus on building deep, trusting relationships. Whether clients are joining us for a week in the Amazon or 10 days in the Colombian Andes, I prioritize professionalism and personal connections. One way I foster these relationships is through my 2-hour local birding tours in Los Angeles. These affordable, low-stakes excursions offer a chance for potential international tour participants to experience my passion and personable approach, often sparking interest in longer tours.
I also maintain an active online presence, sharing engaging and educational content from my birding travels. This authentic storytelling resonates with fun-loving, passionate nature enthusiasts. As one participant, John, shared, “What made this trip unforgettable was the camaraderie that blossomed among us. Benny’s warm nature united eight strangers through our shared love for birds.”
A unique feature of my tours is my fluency in Spanish. My cultural knowledge and language skills enable me to form strong connections with local guides in Latin America. This close relationship enhances our clients’ experiences, making them feel safe and supported. As John remarked, “Overall, my experience with BIRDS by BIJS wasn’t just a birding trip; it was an unforgettable journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s natural wonders, guided by passionate and knowledgeable leaders. It was an experience that transcended individual pursuits and forged a bond of friendship amongst birding enthusiasts from all walks of life.”
I am most proud of the personal connections we build and the exceptional experiences we create. My mission is to make birding not just a hobby but an unforgettable adventure, whether it’s discovering local gems or exploring vibrant tropical birdlife.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My folks have played one of the most important roles in support of my business. They never pressured me to be something or do something, instead they were supportive of my passions. Since starting my business they’ve always been open to hear my thoughts, share feedback, and most of all, celebrate my successes. My pops, also led by example in his professional life. Over the last 30+ years he has build a successful business selling vintage swiss watches, another industry where there isn’t a playbook, and one where his unique vision and knack for building relationships has taken him far!
Pricing:
- LA Private Tour Half-Day/Full Day – $325/$400
- Costa Rica Northern Region – $3,450
- Colombia Western and Central Andes – $4850
- NW Ecuador – $3,850
- Ecuador Amazon Birding & Wildlife – $2,850
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birdsbybijs.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/birdsbybijs
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/birdsbybijs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bennyjacobs-schwartzbirdsb4591
Image Credits
BIRDS by BIJS
