North American birdwatching guides and tours recommended by Birdingpal
Canada
Mexico
USA
Canada
Alberta
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Wayne Millar, your local Birdingpal guide
Wayne holds a Province of Alberta operating authority to provide bird watching, wildlife viewing hiking and nature tours within the Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife and Provincial Recreation Area and a Parks Canada outdoor activities license for Elk Island National Park. Both Parks are adjacent to one another and comprise the major land area within the Beaver Hills area. Both Parks also made up the majority of Canada's first forest reserve established in 1895. Wayne has received significant awards of recognition of his skills, dedication to customer service, market development and environmental commitment from Travel Alberta, Frommer's International Travel Guide, Edmonton Tourism, the Economic Developers' Association of Canada and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. |
For more details please send a message to Wayne.
British Colombia
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Adrian Dorst, your local Birdingpal guide
Adrian Dorst first arrived in Tofino in 1972 to conduct bird surveys in the newly-established Pacific Rim National Park for Canadian Wildlife Service. That summer job turned into full time residency with Adrian supporting himself with occasional bird surveys, a variety of short-term jobs, wood carving and freelance nature and wilderness photography. In 1976 he co-authored the book, Birds of Pacific Rim National Park, and in 1990 had his first photographic book, Clayoquot, On the Wild Side, published. This book, depicting the wild west coast of Vancouver Island and its wildlife, became a best seller. When the photography market slumped a decade ago, Adrian turned to guiding, both birding trips and more general interpretive nature hikes. After 4 decades of birding in Tofino, he has personally seen over 290 of the 330 species ever recorded here, and his knowledge of where to find them is second to no one. Expect a relaxed tour with many stories. |
For more details please send a message to Adrian.
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Dannie Carsen, your local Birdingpal guide
Dannie Carsen has lived in Victoria since 1980 and been involved with the Victoria Natural History Society for almost 30 years. Dannie was the Christmas Bird Count leader for 3 years, and has led numerous trips for the VNHS. For several years, Dannie was also involved in organizing post-conference trips for the BC Field Ornithologists and enjoyed planning trips to the Peace River, Okanagan Valley, and Columbia Valley. In past years, Dannie spent considerable time around San Blas, Mexico helping with the International Birding Festival by collecting binoculars for local birders and leading river trips for local birders. Dannie knows the Saanich Peninsula birding hotspots and is able to get you from Victoria International Airport or the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to the interesting local specialties found in farmer’s fields, parks and waterfront locations near Victoria. “Birding by Bike” tours are available for a biking big day (or half day) with bikes provided as required. Dannie can also provide “Birds and Wine” tours of the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan Valley which starts with 5 hours birding in the morning and finishes with 3 hours of winery and ciderhouse visits on southern Vancouver Island. |
For more details please send a message to Dannie.
Newfoundland
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Jared Clarke, your local Birdingpal guide
Jared Clarke is a native Newfoundland who grew up on the northeast coast of the province and was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age – often by his grandfathers. Always a nature enthusiast, he became interested in birds while working for a local conservation group and never looked back. While his “day job” is that of a health researcher at Memorial University of Newfoundland, his passion is birding. He has led tours big and small across his province in his “spare time”, from historic St. John’s to the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of the island and many points in between. Combining his keen knowledge of local birds with a broad base of natural and cultural history, his tours can be well-rounded and informative for both birders and their sometimes less-fanatic spouses/family. ** Other customized tours are available on request. ** |
For more details please send a message to Jared.
Ontario
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David Milsom, your local Birdingpal guide
President David Milsom is an expert birder who has led tours throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Antarctica. A keen nature photographer, he has learned much about wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies and animals. His experience as an educator has enabled him to meet the various needs of his clients. His sense of humour, caring attitude and love of nature are all assets to his guiding of groups throughout the world. |
Testimonials.
Dave was an excellent leader. He was organized, well informed, interested in the various aspects of nature, most willing to share his knowledge and very accommodating. His flexibility and sense of humour were a real asset on this trip. I really enjoyed the trip, saw, learned and gathered some very memorable experiences. N.S., Winnipeg.
For more details please send a message to David.
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Terry Sprague, your local Birdingpal guide
Terry Sprague has been an avid birder for more than 40 years and has been leading interpretive hikes on all aspects of nature professionally for three decades. He identifies birds in the field by both sight and sound and has a firm knowledge of the nesting and migration habits of local birds. Terry is co-author of Birds of Prince Edward County (1984). He has lived in Prince Edward County all of his life and is familiar with all the good birding spots locally. Terry has written a column in the Picton Gazette on birds and nature since 1965, and owns and maintains his own website, “NatureStuff – Tours and Things”. He holds a diploma in wildlife management and ecology and is recipient of the 2002 Pioneer Conservationist Award from Conservation Ontario, and the 2004 Richards Education Award from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. |
Testimonials.
I have been involved with Terry Sprague for several years with some of his hikes, some of his courses and his involvement with the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. We are indeed fortunate to have Terry in Prince Edward County. He has a wealth of information and is an expert on so many aspects of our county, its environment and its bird life. He also is quick to respond to any questions that we may have regarding anything to do with nature. He makes everything he does interesting and sometimes amusing. As I tell my friends, Terry is truly great native of our wonderful county.
D L, Picton, Ontario
For more details please send a message to Terry.
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Tony Beck, your local Birdingpal guide
Tony is a freelance naturalist based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His award winning photography appears in many books, websites, magazines & calendars. He teaches Birdwatching and Nature Photography courses both independently and through a variety of institutions. As a Freelance Tour Guide, he leads groups to many exciting destinations, including: All Corners of Canada, Tropical Pacific, American Southwest, and Neotropical America. |
Testimonials.
Over the past year I have been birding the Ottawa area with Tony Beck as a member of his Birding Club. It has been a life altering blast! I never knew there were so many species of birds to be found and enjoyed in the Greater Ottawa area, and Tony makes learning about them fun.
H P (Ottawa)
For more details please send a message to Tony.
Mexico
Northern Mexico
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Rene Valdes, your local Birdingpal guide
Rene Valdes is a field Ornithologist who lives in Monterrey city. He was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, and it was there, as a teenager that he became involved in bird watching. His first sightings were at an estuary in Mazatlan looking for the deciduous forest’s species. When he moved to Monterrey, he became a specialist on psittacines field research working at both Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental conducting research on the endangered Thick-billed Parrots and Maroon-fronted Parrots. He is also expert on pine-oak forest bird diversity, and has acquired the knowledge of hot spot locations with many other endangered and endemic bird species over the past 8 years. Some of his rare or out of range bird findings had been published in journals in Mexico. Rene guides birding trips in Monterrey and adjacent areas in northeastern Mexico, and also in Mazatlan and the Durango highway. He also participated as one of the official guides of the 1st Mazatlan Bird Festival, and as well as giving a conference about bird identification. He has become a keen bird photographer. |
For more details please send a message to Rene.
Oaxaca
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Eric Antonio Martinez, your local Birdingpal guide
I was born in the village of Teotitlan de Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico. At the age of 8, because of my father's influence, I became interested in nature, birds, and tourism. Ever since then, I have devoted my life to ecology and the wonders of the natural world, especially birds. I have birded and researched birds in Mexico for 13 years. In 2006, I was certified as a federal guide by the Secretary of Tourism in Mexico City. I have also studied archaeology and anthropology. In 2008, I received a scholarship from the Long Point Bird Observatory in Ontario, Canada, to advance my birding skills. I worked as a field biologist focusing on the migration of passerines, and I honed my skills as a bird bander. In addition I study bird migration in Mexico, work for the Alamos wild lands alliance and the Navopatia Field station in southern Sonora but I also do private bird guiding, I lead bird-watching trips for passengers on cruise ships that dock at Huatulco, Mexico. I also organize and compile data for the Oaxaca Christmas Bird Count. I speak English and I am available for any trips all over Oaxaca and Chiapas. |
For more details please send a message to Eric.
Yucatan's Rio Lagartos Bio-reserve
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Luis Ku, your local Birdingpal guide
Luis was born in Yucatan and studied in the University of Yucatan. He worked for 17 years in the Botanical Garden, ”Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin” of Puerto Morelos. Luis is a specialist birding guide and one of the most experienced and qualified specialist in the Yucatan Peninsula, Luis has been guiding biologists, bird lovers and other specialists in the field. As a birder he has spent the last 20 years searching for the best places to find birds around the Yucatan Peninsula. |
Testimonials.
Sr. Luis Ku: I am writing to thank you for the incredible day of birding this past week. The attached list shows that we tallied 120 species during our visits to Muyil, Xel-Ha, and Puerto Morelos. Thirty of those species were lifers for me! Thank you very much.
I also want to make some additional comments, so that others might know of your skills and might also benefit from one or more days afield with you and Mario. First, your prompt replies to my emails were much appreciated. This was my first experience with a birding guide and your quick replies gave me confidence that our plans would be fulfilled. Second, your promptness in picking me up at my resort at 4:30am was also much appreciated. When I strolled into the lobby at 4:20am, the man on duty called my name and told me that my guide was waiting for me; I looked through the front door and there you were. Third, your and Mario's knowledge of the roads, the birding sites, the language and the customs were not only obviously helpful in getting us to birding sites, they were entertaining as well. I also enjoyed the rolls and juice when we came out from our walk at Muyil. Finally, your birding skills are excellent: you clearly knew calls very well, which led us to some very good birds. Your knowledge of the sites was also an obvious benefit. The next time I return to the Cancun area, I look forward to spending one or more days with you again. Sincerely, C. H. Lebanon, Indiana, USA
For more details please send a message to Luis.
Yucatan Peninsula
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Elmer Canul, your local Birdingpal guide
Elmer was born in the state of Yucatan in 1973, studied at a local school in the community of Rio Lagartos. He became interested in birds because of the enormous diversity of birdlife in the area. He began working with some local expert birders and in time became an expert, himself , in the bird life around Rio Lagartos. He has guided many international visitors to Rio Largartos Bisosphere Reserve and is always happy to show off his local patch to birders from around the world. He has guided a number of famous bird watchers from the States and elsewhere and is well known in the birding community. A picture of Elmer and his family. He is second from the right. |
Testimonials.
The birding was great, and the guide was fabulous....he knew his birds, was very helpful and friendly, and also a true expert, in that he knew his birds by their sound. Sincerely Chuck Zimmerly.
For more details please send a message to Elmer.
USA
Arizona
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Melody Kehl, your local Birdingpal guide
I have been leading professional birding and nature tours throughout Arizona since 1991. A long time Tucson resident; I am simply an avid birder who just loves to bird-no excuse needed Leading hundreds of tours in Arizona over the years and presently guiding over 200 days per year is an amazing privilege and pleasure. Birding by ear is my strength. I have a degree in Music Education which has served me well in the field. As an amateur naturalist, I have intimate knowledge about Arizona’s other flora and fauna and current environmental issues. I am active in the birding community and donate my time guiding for the Tucson Audubon Society, as well as other non-profit groups. I am an extra class ham radio operator to insure we have communication when in the field. Southeast Arizona is my backyard. It is where I sleep, eat and live with the birds, a truly LOCAL guide who knows how and where to look for the birds. Sharing with you my love of birds is my reason for living. Whether you need one day in the field to locate your nemesis bird or wish to spend several days to enjoy a more comprehensive tour, are obsessive or casual , Melody’s Birding will customize your tour to meet your needs. |
For more details please send a message to Melody.
Arkansas
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Allan Mueller, your local Birdingpal guide
I am a lifelong birder and a wildlife biologist retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy. For four years, I was a leader in the Arkansas search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, and served as president of the Arkansas Audubon Society and the Mississippi Ornithological Society, and on the species recovery teams for the Bald Eagle and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. |
For more details please send a message to Allan.
California
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Michael Elsohn Ross, your local Birdingpal guide
Michael specializes in walking tours at locations where a wide variety of species can be observed. These are moderate walks of 1-4 miles. More strenuous hikes may be necessary to observe alpine species, such as gray-crowned rosy finches. Besides identifying species by field marks and vocalizations, Michael shares his knowledge of life histories and specific habitat relationships. Let him help you design your own custom birding trip to search for the Yosemite bird species that you wish to see. |
For more details please send a message to Michael.
Florida
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Rick Greenspun, your local Birdingpal guide
Living and birding in Florida since 1974. North American Life List of 660 species, including 300+ Florida species. Sarasota Audubon Society - Vice President and Board of Directors Member (2002 to Present); Program Coordinator (2006 to Present); Day Trip Organizer (2004 to 2006); Leader on numerous field trips. Co-Presenter, “Birding for Beginners” workshops, University of South Florida. Developer/Presenter, Community Outreach Environmental Awareness Programs |
Testimonials.
My wife and I had the opportunity to bird with Rick for 4 days in Florida in the Tampa Bay area in February 2011. Rick has excellent and up to date information on birds and their migratory schedules and paths. He was always first to be ready at our bed and breakfast accommodation. He is arguably the best guide I have ever come across while travelling to different countries and already I have recommended Rick to many birders.
For more details please send a message to Rick.
Hawaii
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John & Heather Riggins, your local Birdingpal guide
John and Heather were both already avid birders in the early 1960's but began assisting two legendary banders (Amelia Laskey and Dr. Katherine Goodpasture ) in the mid 1960's. By 1968 both John and Heather had been issued Master Banding permits by the U.S. government. This couple first became involved with visitors interested in birding while traveling through the Birdingpal.org web site and they hosted many individuals, couples and groups. After numerous visitors praised their bird guiding skills as well as on their attention to local attractions, history, culture and the fact that they not only were knowledgeable about Kauai birds but also marine life, plants, flowers and other lore, the Riggins decided to commercially offer their services and to promise more then just a bird tour. They customize their time spent with clients based on client interests. John and Heather are still licensed federal banders and were recently honored by being asked to spearhead a banding workshop for university, state and federal employees working in a “Kaua'i Forest Bird Recovery Project” involving endemic bird species in Koke'e State Park and the Alaka'i Swamp. In a “field” setting with multiple mist nests erected, they reviewed bird banding techniques, aging and sexing criteria and prudent catch and release protocols with numerous staff of this prestigious endemic bird recovery project. |
Testimonials.
What a great day! I do so appreciate all the time and especially the knowledge you shared with us. Mike calls our birding day the highlight of our trip, B.L. CA
Our trip sure started out great when you and Heather took us around the north end of Kauai looking for birds. We sure enjoyed seeing the birds at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and at the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge plus seeing the Mannikins and the resting Laysan Albatrosses at the local places you took us to. We sure appreciate the two of you taking the time to take us around and sharing your birding knowledge with us. T. C. -- Ann Arbor, MI
We had a most lovely adventure with you both. Thanks for everything. 20 new species is very good, I understand, for any birder. H. T. -- Br. Columbia, Canada
For more details please send a message to John & Heather.
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Jim Denny, your local Birdingpal guide
Jim Denny has been guiding visiting birders along Kauai trails for more than 10 years. He is the author of The Birds of Kaua`i (University of Hawaii Press, 1999) and A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Hawai`i (University of Hawaii Press, 2010) and co-author of Hawaiian Butterfies (Mutual Press, 2001). Among the many clients he has guided are film crews and photographers from BBC London, NHK Japan, and National Geographic. His photos have appeared in many magazines including Audubon, Smithsonian, and National Geographic. His photos are also on the websites of many government and private conservation agencies. In addition, he is the producer of two videos about Hawai`i that would be helpful before visiting the islands: Hawai`Birds and Hawai`i Butterflies. |
Testimonials.
Thanks again for the Alaka'i Swamp birding walk June 3. On the way down I looked into the field between Mile 2 and 3 on Rte. 550 and, just as you said there might be, a Short-eared Owl was hovering. Going back up with my wife a few days later, we saw an Erckel Francolin cross the road in front of us, just as and where your book describes. Your longtime work in helping document what's been going on is admirable and remarkable. Your insights into the changing ecology of the island were really valuable, and I appreciated the outing very much. E.M. --- California
For more details please send a message to Jim.
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Jack Jeffrey, your local Birdingpal guide
Big Island photographer, wildlife biologist and birder, Jack Jeffrey is intimately familiar with Hawaii’s hidden valleys, remote rainforests and rare birds. He brings to his tours the knowledge from over 35 years of observation and study of Hawaii’s endemic birds, and combines a naturalist’s curiosity and technical skill to provide a wonderful experience in finding Hawaii’s endemic birds and plants. Jack is the recipient of the prestigious National Sierra Club Ansel Adams’ Award for Conservation Photography, Hawaii Audubon Society and the Hawaii Sierra Club Conservationist of the Year Awards, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Recovery Champion Award, and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii Kako’o Aina Award. Jack is co-author of two books, “Hawaii’s Beautiful Birds”, and “The Pocket Guide to Hawaii’s Birds”. His photographs been featured in numerous local, national, and international magazines, books and calendars. |
Testimonials.
As for what I've learned, wish I could have recorded everything you said, because all of the info was rich and full of substance and wonderfully historical. Information not available anywhere else. This experience has changed and enlightened my perspective of Hakalau, and though I had no previous impressions, the change in me includes awareness of this precious and precarious gift. Enchanted because red here, buzz there, clicking elsewhere, the trees were alive, and breathing, the inhabitants' needs met. Hard to imagine them all being found all the way to the coastline! Wow! Thank you for showing me the changes that have taken place with your groups of volunteers, for you and people like Jim Denny helping to teach us of the gifts there, showing us how easily they can disappear. The rich, fragrant forest versus the barren pasture/forest cemetary. Man o man, there are not words. I feel fortunate, thank you Jack. Thank you, thank you. You've made a difference yesterday in one person's life forever, many many others like me know you've made a difference. Your quest and mission is a success and it's all still going on! Like the fabulous book we read that we don't want to end. Your book's not going to end. It is so right, you're very very personable, you make people feel at ease, to ask questions, you're able to make us feel very comfortable. A. M - 4/18/11
Thanks again for the outstanding tour. It was truly perfect for us with the excellent balance between birding, botany, and having a good time. H. 4/24/11
We want to thank you for such an incredible life experience. We cannot begin to express the gratitude we feel having gotten an opportunity to see the native avian fauna at its finest with such a personable and knowledgeable guide such as yourself. The combination of your passion for birds and the natural environment and history told a story far greater than simply looking at birds. As I mentioned earlier, all of our previous Hawaii birding experiences combined did not display that many birds or in that pristine a context. What our earlier outings did though was make us realize how precious our Hakalau experience was. B. A 3-14-11.
For more details please send a message to Jack.
Nevada
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John, your local Birdingpal guide
My personal birding started in 1964, at college. Since then, I have lived and birded in South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and various locales around the United States. My only functional language is American English. Now 70 years old, I am a retired airline pilot, and spend most of my time either reading or playing golf. My life list (937) includes 410 North America and 216 Nevada birds, not greatly spectacular for one so well traveled, but there you are. I would not characterize myself as an expert, but an enthusiastic novice. I carry a Swarovski 20-60x80mm scope, and Canon 10x30 IS binoculars, and have access to additional optics if needed. |
For more details please send a message to John.
New York City/New Jersey
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Bill Elrick, your local Birdingpal guide
I have 20 years experience as a bird guide in NY, NJ, PA and GA leading bird walks for bird clubs and organizations. I have travelled and birded in Europe, Costa Rica, Belize and Canada. I have birded since I was very young and have 40 years of birding experience. I have a masters U,S,G,S, banding permit and earned a B,T,O, "A" ringing permit before emigrating to the USA. I have worked with the New Jersey Audubon during their spring banding of Semi and Least sandpiper study. I volunteered with the Delaware Red Knot study group for three years as they researched the connection between Horse shoe crab eggs and Red Knot survival. I contributed to the BTO and the NJA breeding bird surveys. |
For more details please send a message to Bill.
More Birdingpal guides around the world
Last update 22/04/2012