Melissa Penta

I am a front-end and WordPress web developer, as well as designer, on the Lab’s homepage, All About Birds and Bird Cams.

I have been designing and coding websites since I was in my early teens. It started out as a hobby until I realized that I could make a career out of it. My professional path started shortly out of high school. I am 100% self-taught and continue to grow my skills to this day. Working at the Lab brings together my professional talents with my passion for birds.

Spark Moment

My love for birds started behind a camera. I photographed birds around a local park that has a large pond. This is where I first saw a Great Blue Heron. The bird absolutely fascinated me with its grace and beauty. I was able to watch the heron closely one winter when it did not mind me stalking its attempts at fishing. I became hooked. I started finding other birds of interest and eventually got a field guide so I could identify the birds that I was photographing. My love for birds took off. I now consider myself a “birding photographer.”

Beyond the Lab

I am a general naturalist, focusing on birds, native plants and mushrooms – most of which I find around my rural property. I also enjoy kayaking, fishing, lifting weights, indoor/outdoor cycling and cooking.

I am also a brand ambassador for Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. One of the first adventures I had with them was traveling to Panama to see a Harpy Eagle. If you need assistance with binoculars, feel free to reach out!