Our Journey
Mariah grew up exploring Florida’s outdoors, which sparked her lifelong love for wildlife. Photography made her notice the birds around her, and she’s been hooked ever since. After falling for birds of prey at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch, she went on to work with many species as a field technician for the Avian Research and Conservation Institute. She now guides to help others discover the birds and wildlife she loves. When she’s not in the field, she’s representing Phone Skope at shows and festivals. She’s always up for a trip and loves any chance for a new adventure.
Luis is a Colombian naturalist who grew up exploring his country’s wild places, where his love for nature and birds first took hold. He’s well known in the birding community as a hawk counter with the Florida Keys Hawkwatch and has spent more than a decade guiding tours across the US, the Caribbean and Central and South America. He has worked with several tour companies and now co-runs Woodstars Birding and Nature Tours with Mariah Hryniewich. When he’s not guiding, you’ll often find him at the Kowa booth at trade shows, phonescoping, or looking for reptiles and butterflies. His energy and genuine passion for the natural world make him a natural teacher in the field.
