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Frank Nicoletti

Frank Nicoletti grew up in New York State along the Hudson River where he started watching birds at the age of 11. His particular passion was raptors leading him to work at various locations including Cape May and Sandy Hook NJ, Braddock Bay NY and in Israel. From 1984 until 1996 he traveled throughout the country and conducted various raptor related projects which included nesting surveys, tracking winter raptors and migration work. He arrived in Duluth in 1991 to count raptors and to witness the invasion of the Northern Goshawk and he conducted the count until 2005. After moving to Duluth permanently in the fall of 1996, he conducted the first spring count of raptors migrating north in Minnesota along the West Skyline Parkway of Duluth. Frank continues to study raptors, concentrating on boreal forest owls and managing raptor banding sites, and he led or assisted on many birding tours in the Duluth area. 

He lives just north of Duluth with his wife, Kate and dog Chester. 

Upcoming Tours with Frank

Testimonials for Frank

Frank did an incredible job. His knowledge of the area is outstanding. He knew where to go, and he used his extensive network of birding acquaintances to help us find the birds.

- Marc R. on Minnesota in Winter

Frank was the best tour leader I could hope for. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge and his ID skills are amazing. He made sure everyone had plenty of time at the scope and before leaving each location asked if we were all ok about moving on. He’s a great teacher and took time to answer any questions patiently, plus he’s got a great personality and sense of humor. He’s the main reason this tour was so enjoyable. He made everyone feel welcome and included. I hope I get to bird with him again.

- Richard R. on Nebraska: The Sandhills and the Platte River

I did manage to get more lifers on this trip than I was expecting, and Frank was excellent at getting us to locations where we would see the birds.

- David A. on Nebraska: The Sandhills and the Platte River

I cannot think of anything else to improve this tour. Frank was an excellent leader and very knowledgeable about the area and where to locate target species. He was always concerned about our welfare and made sure that everyone always saw the birds. His instructions to us were always clear and easily understood. I really appreciated the excellent instructions in the pre trip packet on what to wear for this trip.

- Karen T. on Minnesota in Winter

Not only is Frank a great birder, he also has excellent people skills. This tour is enjoyable thanks to him!

- Shin-ju Y. on Minnesota in Winter

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