VENT Leaders

VENT tour leaders are the most experienced and knowledgeable in the field, holding advanced degrees and decades of firsthand experience. Just as important, they are gifted teachers who share their insight with warmth, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm.

Scott Baker

Australian naturalist and tour leader with 30+ years of experience studying birds and wildlife across Australia and Southeast Asia.

Max Breckenridge

Australian bird guide and conservationist with deep field experience, known for his sharp ear, adventurous spirit, and dedication to bird protection.

Louise Zemaitis

Artist and naturalist from Cape May who blends art, teaching, and conservation while inspiring birders of all ages through her creativity and deep love of nature.

Barry Zimmer

Veteran birder, author, and photographer with global experience, deep expertise in North and Central American birds, and a lifelong passion for documenting the natural world.

Andrew Whittaker

Senior VENT leader and Amazonian bird expert with over 30 years of fieldwork, species discoveries, and a contagious passion for wildlife and conservation worldwide.

Rick Wright

Author and scholar who bridges history and field experience, inspiring birders through his books, lectures, and thoughtful approach to birds and their stories.

David James

Australian birder and ecologist with four decades of experience studying seabirds and wildlife worldwide, and recognized expertise in frigatebird identification and ecology.

Raymond L. VanBuskirk

Ornithologist and tour leader with global guiding experience, dedicated to conservation, mentorship, and fostering inclusion within the international birding community.

Doris Valencia

Peruvian birder and conservationist dedicated to guiding, reforestation, and empowering women in ecotourism while sharing her deep knowledge of Peru’s natural and cultural heritage.

Michael O’Brien

Artist, author, and naturalist with expertise in bird vocalizations, migration, and field identification, sharing his passion through illustration, research, and education across the Americas.

Brennan Mulrooney

Field biologist and birder with broad research experience across the United States, known for his sharp eyes, humor, and engaging approach to guiding.

Brad McKinney

Marine ecologist and lifelong birder known for his pelagic expertise, leadership at Texas birding festivals, and deep knowledge of Gulf Coast birds.

Geoff Lockwood

Bird artist, educator, and conservationist with 40 years of experience advancing birding, environmental education, and guide training throughout Southern and Central Africa.

Barry Lyon

VENT Chief Executive Officer and longtime tour leader whose lifelong passion for birding, conservation, and leadership continues to shape the company’s mission and community.

Dion Hobcroft

Australian naturalist and senior tour leader with over 40 years of field experience and unmatched expertise in the birds and wildlife of the Asia-Pacific region.

Paul Greenfield

Renowned artist, author, and conservationist whose five decades in Ecuador have shaped global understanding of the country’s birds through art, research, and ecotourism.

Steve Hilty

Renowned ornithologist, author, and longtime VENT leader with decades of experience studying Neotropical birds and guiding tours across the Americas and beyond.

Brian Gibbons

Birder and field researcher with decades of experience studying and guiding across the Americas, known for his passion, precision, and love of bird photography.

Kevin Burke

Virginia-born birder and ecotourism guide with 20 years of experience leading tours across the Americas, inspiring connection with nature through exploration and discovery.

Rafael Galvez

Birder, artist, and educator dedicated to conservation, community outreach, and the beauty of birds through art, guiding, and education across the Americas.

Erik Bruhnke

Naturalist, guide, and raptor specialist known for his field research, migration counts, award-winning photography, and infectious enthusiasm for sharing the joy of birding.

David Ascanio

Veteran Venezuelan birder and field guide author celebrated for his bird vocalization expertise and decades of leadership throughout the Neotropics.