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Raymond VanBuskirk

Raymond L. VanBuskirk's love for the natural world was born in the pine forests of the Land of Enchantment. He is a New Mexico native and has spent the first 30-odd years of his life following his dream of creating a career around birding. Raymond co-owns and operates BRANT Nature Tours, a New Mexico-based nature travel company with a strong commitment to both environmental and social justice. His career experience also includes multiple ornithological field research positions, including two summers as seabird research technician on the Arctic Ocean, head Rosy-Finch researcher with Rio Grande Bird Research Inc., past president of the Central New Mexico Audubon Society, board member of Western Field Ornithologists, ABA young birding camp instructor, and birding specialist for Leica Sport Optics. Raymond is a proud member of Queer Birders of North America (QBNA), the continent’s informal club for LGBTQ+ members of the birding community.

Upcoming Tours with Raymond

Testimonials for Raymond

Raymond is an exceptional tour guide, I will look for other tours that he leads. His bird finding, quick ID skills, ability to explain bird location, and broad knowledge about the state were much appreciated, and I found that he excelled in the soft skills--he was patient and accommodating, I did not see him express impatience in any situations, a rare quality when leading seven very different individuals for so many days. He seemed to genuinely enjoy the group. I believe that this trip is my favorite among the many tours that I have been on.

- Jean B. on New Mexico in Winter

Raymond is an exceptional leader and expert birder. He always starts with the ground rules, so everyone in the group knows what behavior is and isn't expected in and off the field. Over dinner, he tells us what birds, weather, terrain, etc., we are likely to encounter, and when the unexpected occurs, he explains why and how he is adjusting the schedule. Raymond shares his knowledge of birds, plants, and everything nature with the group. He is a great teacher, pinpointing exactly what field marks distinguish similar-looking species. Patient, respectful, non-judgmental, and accommodating toward everyone he meets, Raymond is the best!

- Karen M. on New Mexico in Winter

WINGS is extremely fortunate to offer the services of Raymond VanBuskirk, arguably the greatest birding talent of his generation. His encyclopedic knowledge of birds and unparalled birding expertise provide his clients with a trip experience second to none. I am not exaggerating when I say that no bird escapes Raymond's attention and he is unerringly able to ferret out and identify by sight or sound every species encountered in the field. Tireless, knowledgeable, well-organized, congenial, patient, and non-condescending are some of Raymond's more admirable qualities.

- Steven G on Alaska: Fall Migration at Gambell & Nome

Raymond VanBuskirk is an exceptional field birder. I have been birding for over 40 years and he is one of the very best birders I have ever birded with. He seems to have excellent vision which helps him ID some birds at further distances than I can. 

- Tim J. on Alaska: The Pribilofs and Utqiagvik (Barrow) in Fall

Raymond was an excellent addition to the tour. His interaction with the clients was second to none, especially considering his age and ours!

- Chris H. on Panama: Darién Lowlands