About Your Trip Leader

Meet David Suddjian

David Suddjian

I've been birding for over 35 years, beginning in California, and in Colorado since 2013. I coordinated DFO's Big Year 2018, leading 81 field trips for DFO that year. I love eBirding, and counting birds.

I lead all kinds of trips from low key local outings near my Ken Caryl JeffCo home to intense far ranging trips reaching out to all corners of the state. Overnight trips go to classic Colorado birding locations, and sometimes we even camp! I like to explore areas, county birding, back roads, cemeteries and sewage lagoons, developing birding by ear skills, and helping birders to appreciate the patterns of migration, seasonal occurrence and habitat associations. I love the camaraderie of DFO field trips, the new friendships that grow, and the opportunities for birders to have FUN in the field!


Meet Gigi Zarzuela

Gigi Zarzuela

I am a fellow bird enthusiast, nature lover, and life-long learner who got hooked on birding here in Colorado back in 2017. A former teacher and instructional coach, I enjoy facilitating learning experiences and making connections with people. One of the things I love most about birding is that it invites us to be mindful. We slow down, look, listen, and approach the moment with open curiosity.

I enjoy leading trips where we visit and revisit the same place across seasons, noticing how the environment and its inhabitants change over time. Acknowledging that no place is ever the same twice - and neither are we. When I am not birding, you can find me baking sourdough bread, playing board games, or hanging out with my indoor-only cats.