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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

Although the tour covered just a narrow sliver of the country near the canal, it gave us access to an amazing variety of birds and other wildlife. It easily exceeded our expectations. Both Gavin and Danilo were extremely knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful leaders, and fun to be with. 

- James B. on Panama: Fall at the Canopy Tower

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

Gavin is a fabulous leader. His knowledge of the natural world and his skills with people are exemplary. Jorge and Tino were amazing guides. 

Both Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge had excellent facilities and service. Staying in just two places and having excellent food prepared for us there saved a lot of time and trouble from traveling from a-b-c and ordering as a group in a restaurant. 

- Nick R. on Panama: Spring at the Canopy Tower

Gavin has an amazing ability to find birds, point them out to people, take care of all the logistics, drive safely, keep everyone on track and generally remain in good humor, even on little sleep and long days. We appreciated his deep knowledge and obvious birding talents.

- Carol V. on Australia: Western Australia and Northern Territory