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.
Tours
- Costa Rica in October (1-15 October 2022) Waitlist only
- New Mexico in Winter - Santa Fe to the Bosque (3-10 February 2023) One space remains
- Puerto Rico (17-23 February 2023) Waitlist only
- The Dominican Republic (Feb 25 to Mar 5, 2023) Waitlist only
- Texas: The Edwards Plateau and Big Bend (21-30 April 2023) Waitlist only
- Alaska: Majesty of the North (11-23 June 2023 with extensions from 7 Jun and to 26 Jun) Two spaces remain
- Alaska: Fall Migration at Gambell (1-9 September 2023 with extension to 14 Sep)
- Alaska: The Pribilofs in Fall (9-14 September 2023)
- Costa Rica in October (1-15 October 2023)
Testimonials
"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."
Dr. Steven C. Guy
"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: Darien Lowlands
"Raymond was also a valuable asset to the tour. For such a young man, he is articulate, and expert birding guide, knowledgable about a wide variety of subjects."
- Mary G. on Panama: Darien Lowlands
Updated: September 2022