Brad McKinney began birding during the winter of 1987–88, a landmark season for rare Mexican species appearing in South Texas. That early excitement ignited a lifelong passion that has taken him across North America, Mexico, Central America, and Hawaii on countless birding and photography adventures.

A specialist in coastal and pelagic birding, Brad has guided Texas pelagic trips since 1995, many departing from his home on South Padre Island. He has long served as a tour leader for the Rio Grande Birding Festival and has led numerous birding tours across Texas and Mexico. His leadership and expertise have made him a respected figure in the regional birding community.

Brad earned his biology degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in marine ecology from the University of Texas at Brownsville. He served six years on the Texas Bird Records Committee and coauthored A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Valley, a key reference for birders in the region.

When not guiding, Brad enjoys nature photography, surfing, and snowboarding with his son, Will. He lives on South Padre Island with his wife, Janette, and their dog, Sam.