Meet the Guides for Black Belt Birding Festival 2026
We are excited to have an incredible group of guides coming from across the Southeast for the Black Belt Birding Festival 2026. Each of them brings a unique background and experience to the trips they are leading.
Regardless of the trips you choose to attend, you can expect your guide to provide a memorable experience. If you are looking to take a trip with a specific guide, you can see who is leading each trip in the Full Event Details PDF.
Some guides may not be listed.
Damion Bankhead
Damion Bankhead is a wildlife and nature portrait photographer based in Birmingham, AL, whose work goes beyond just simply capturing images—it’s about revealing the beauty of both around us and within us. Damion’s journey into photography started young, seeing the world in pictures before he even had a camera in hand. His passion took a defining turn on a simple hike when he captured a Carolina Wren in full song—a moment that connected him to the birding community and set him on a path to having his work published in Amateur Photographer and Alabama the Beautiful. With a background spanning fitness, the US Army, and law enforcement, Damion has always been drawn to storytelling, and through his lens, he aims to help people see themselves and the world with fresh eyes. He is a master at both wildlife and portrait photography, leads local nature walks in Birmingham, and is one of Alabama’s fastest-rising guides and photographers. He is also a regular VIP at Alabama Audubon events across the state.