About Feathers with Furr
Melanie Furr founded Feathers with Furr in 2025 after a long and satisfying career as Director of Education at Birds Georgia where she developed, managed, and taught bird-focused education programs for all ages and backgrounds. She co-created Birds Georgia’s K12 curriculum for youth, as well as organized and led immersive professional development workshops for educators. She has also partnered with the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for more than 10 years, bringing the joy of birding to people living with disabilities.
As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for more than 15 years, Melanie has had extensive hands-on experience with birds ranging from hummingbirds to herons to hawks. While at Birds Georgia, she was the federally-permitted custodian of three hummingbird education ambassadors. She currently serves as the outreach committee chair on the board of directors for Wild Nest Bird Rehab in Decatur, GA.
An avid birder, Melanie has led several group birding tours domestically and abroad, as well as regional trips in the southeast. In her home state of Georgia, Melanie has birded in all 159 counties, though her own backyard is her favorite patch. Her current eBird checklist streak is approaching 3,000 days.
Feathers with Furr is excited to spread the joy of birding in Georgia and beyond. Connecting people with birds and building community with each other can help us create a better world for both people and birds.
Check out Melanie and Sibley, Ambassador Hummingbird, featured on Georgia Outdoors on GPB!
I met Melanie when she taught my Master Birder Class in 2019. Her enthusiasm for birds was infectious, and I really enjoyed field trips with her. I learned so much. In time I joined her weekend trips to Florida and Alabama, as well as a 10-day trip to Spain. Her patience, guidance, and sense of fun made these trips very enjoyable. She is a great educator, birder and guide. --Trish Killian
〰️ Melanie is always very thorough in her preparation, and it pays off for clients. My wife and I have enjoyed both US and European adventures with her so we appreciate her superior organization. As an excellent educator and birder, Melanie is always teaching us on her trips. --Max & Carolyn Brown
〰️ Melanie was the group leader on my first trip as a novice birder. She has good communication and depth of knowledge, displays professional behavior, is adaptable as required, and is clearly passionate about her job. She is the reason I continue to go on other birding trips. I definitely recommend her as your birding resource. --Anupa Doraiswam
I met Melanie when she taught my Master Birder Class in 2019. Her enthusiasm for birds was infectious, and I really enjoyed field trips with her. I learned so much. In time I joined her weekend trips to Florida and Alabama, as well as a 10-day trip to Spain. Her patience, guidance, and sense of fun made these trips very enjoyable. She is a great educator, birder and guide. --Trish Killian 〰️ Melanie is always very thorough in her preparation, and it pays off for clients. My wife and I have enjoyed both US and European adventures with her so we appreciate her superior organization. As an excellent educator and birder, Melanie is always teaching us on her trips. --Max & Carolyn Brown 〰️ Melanie was the group leader on my first trip as a novice birder. She has good communication and depth of knowledge, displays professional behavior, is adaptable as required, and is clearly passionate about her job. She is the reason I continue to go on other birding trips. I definitely recommend her as your birding resource. --Anupa Doraiswam
Feathers with Furr in Print
Articles I’ve Written:
Banding 750 Royal Terns: A Day in Bird Conservation, Georgia Ornithological Society GOShawk, September 2025
Articles I’ve been featured in:
You Might Accidentally Be Killing Hummingbirds, Vox, June 10, 2025
What to Do If You Find a Hummingbird on the Ground (and What to Absolutely Avoid), Martha Stewart, May 10, 2025
‘Fly High Sibley’ Wildlife community mourns death of bird ambassador, Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 6, 2022
When You Should—and Should Not—Rescue a Baby Bird, Audubon magazine, May 2, 2018
Atlanta Park Champion: Melanie Furr, Atlanta magazine, June 16, 2015