Jaida Aguilar Marinas grew up in the San Jose area of California’s Bay Area. From a young age, she had a big heart and a deep interest in learning about and helping wildlife. Visits to zoos and trips to local parks to watch ducks are among Jaida’s fondest childhood memories. One of her favorite memories is feeding ducks with her mom at a local pond while learning the differences between the plumages of male and female Mallards. Ever since then, waterfowl have remained her favorite group of birds, and watching them continues to be one of her favorite pastimes.
Jaida holds a degree in Biology with a minor in Analytical Chemistry. Coursework in taxonomy, entomology, and animal physiology helped strengthen her knowledge of and passion for the natural world. Through her experience working in environmental conservation and restoration, Jaida developed a love for fieldwork, especially wildlife surveys involving arthropods and birds. She particularly enjoys wetland habitats, which remind her of her earliest fieldwork experiences conducting bird surveys and identifying species. Her academic and professional background allows her to create engaging birding experiences for beginning, casual, and advanced birders alike.
Jaida is also an active volunteer with the Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, Reno’s local Audubon chapter, where she serves as both a field trip leader and chair of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee. She contributes by giving educational presentations, leading community field trips, organizing fundraisers, and participating in community outreach. Jaida also assists with community science projects such as the Christmas Bird Count and avian surveys for endangered species, including the Pinyon Jay and Greater Sage-Grouse. Since 2024, she has led monthly Let’s Go Birding Together walks, a community initiative focused on encouraging underrepresented groups to become involved in their local birding communities.
Jaida’s birding expertise is strongest along the coasts of Northern California, including the Bay Area and Monterey, as well as throughout northern Nevada, including Reno, Lake Tahoe, Fallon, and Carson City. In addition to ornithology and community volunteering, her interests include insects, sewing, crocheting, baking, and chess. Jaida is always excited to meet fellow naturalists and share her love of the natural sciences with others.
