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Gavin Bieber

Gavin Bieber was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He developed a very early interest in birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles and has steadily pursued these interests while growing up in British Columbia, Virginia Beach, Great Britain and Denmark. Gavin graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. He studied for a year at the University of Southern Mississippi where he collaborated with their Migratory Bird Study Group. While still in university he taught waterfowl, shorebird and passerine identification workshops for the Victoria Natural History Society and led field trips for the university’s ornithology classes. Since graduating, Gavin has worked as a field assistant on a variety of ornithological research projects including studies of the wintering ecology of Henslow’s Sparrow, the breeding biology of the Interior Least Tern, the stopover ecology of Swainson’s Thrush and Gray Catbird and a population fitness study of auklets. In addition he conducted point counts for the National Park Service in Arizona and New Mexico and assisted in setting up a riparian bird survey for the University of Arizona. From 2002 onwards he has maintained a long-term interest in the avifauna of the Pribilof Islands, AK, spending a cumulative two years living on Saint Paul Island. He has also traveled extensively through much of Western Europe, parts of Africa and South America, Thailand, the Philippines, New Guinea and Australia. Gavin enjoys sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of the natural world with others, and welcomes the chance to share his love of the natural world with new people.

Moving to Tucson in 2000 he became involved in the environmental community, serving as a board member for the Tucson Audubon Society, and on the Arizona Bird Committee from 2007-2010. He currently lives in Vienna, Austria, with his wife Celina, his son Roland, and a loveable Labradoodle. 

Upcoming Tours with Gavin

Testimonials for Gavin

Gavin made a dedicated effort to meet the individual goals of each participant and would zealously ensure that as many birds were seen as possible. As my group was also interested in butterflies, mammals, plants, and lizards, these were also incorporated into the tour to make it a smorgasbord of the southeast Arizona natural world.

- Jennifer S. on Arizona: Owls and Warblers

This was an excellent trip, relatively relaxed because of staying mostly just in two places, and the birding and guides were outstanding. Gavin was well organized, excellent at keeping us informed about what to expect on the schedule, and extremely knowledgeable on a number of natural history subjects, especially birds of course. He was an excellent bird spotter and provided great directions to get on the bird. He had lots of interesting and amusing tidbits to share, on various subjects. We have been on a number of birding tours but I would have to say that Gavin was the best leader that we have ever had. I really enjoyed him. 

- Wille D. on Panama: Spring at the Canopy Tower

The Darien tour was excellent. I honestly don’t see how I could have enjoyed myself more. 

- Evan M. on Panama: Darién Lowlands

The Western Australia and Northern Territory tour was possibly the best I’ve ever been on. The mix of habitats, number of unfamiliar birds and great leadership made for an unforgettable time. Gavin combines a relaxed style with outstanding birding knowledge, a perfect leader. Peter Taylor’s local knowledge and quiet style was great. Tim Dolby combines local knowledge with an exuberant personality -- most appealing. 

- Vicky G. on Australia: Western Australia and Northern Territory

Gavin is an excellent leader. Organized, knowledgeable, and personable.

- Ann K. on Australia: Victoria and Tasmania