« Back to Leaders & Staff

Ed Corey

Ed Corey grew up with a love for biodiversity and the outdoors. When he wasn’t roaming the woods as a kid in rural Eastern North Carolina, he was poring over every field guide and natural history book he could find, reciting facts for family and friends whenever the opportunity arose (and sometimes even when it didn’t)!  He took this zest for learning with him to North Carolina State University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Zoology, Wildlife Sciences, and Botany. After graduating, Ed found his dream job as the Inventory Biologist for NC State Parks, where he has been monitoring populations of rare and endangered animal and plant species across his home state since 2006. His passion for studying the organisms around him is just as palpable with birds and mammals as it is with reptiles, amphibians, and insects. 

Since 2016, Ed has been helping as a spotter with Seabirding trips on the Stormy Petrel II out of Hatteras, NC, where he’s learned under world-class pelagic birders, Brian Patteson and Kate Sutherland. These experiences on the water have further strengthened his admiration of and appreciation for seabirds and marine mammals. Ed was previously a member of the NC Bird Records Committee. When not working or offshore, you can find him planning his next natural history trips to South Texas or Southeast Arizona.

Upcoming Tours with Ed

Testimonials for Ed

Ed was super, especially doing double-duty as the only leader. Ed was also very patient and helpful with the clients (like me) and teaching us about what we were seeing, both in the air and mammals. 

- Jeff P. on Cruise: Pacific Coast in Spring

He is enthusiastic, dedicated, pedagogical. He is on time every morning & the last one to leave. He is never tired of answering questions...

- Louise F. on Cruise: Pacific Coast in Spring

Ed Corey was an incredible trip leader. He handled all 12 of us with ease. He was at the bow of the boat every morning at 6 am and didn't leave until the last person went in, usually near dark. He was never short of frustrated when he was asked for the 100th time "what is that bird?"... I would absolutely go on another trip with Ed as the leader. WINGS is lucky to have such a professional guide leading their trips. 

- Kenna Sue T. on Cruise: Pacific Coast in Spring

Ed was excellent leading the group, going over plans, spotting, and ID-ing the birds... I still do not know how they see birds on or over the ocean with the unaided eye before anyone else...

- Harry L. on Cruise: Pacific Coast in Spring

Ed was super. He checked in with everyone and worked to make sure all saw the birds they wanted. He relentlessly called the birds most all day every day and was on deck early and late. He has a great personality also. I very much enjoyed him as a tour leader. 

- Ellen M. on Cruise: Pacific Coast in Spring
)