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 28 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
- Alaska: Majesty of the North (7-19 June 2022 with extensions from 4 Jun and to 22 Jun) Waitlist only
- Alaska: Fall Migration at Gambell (2-10 September 2022 with extension to 15 Sep)
- Alaska: The Pribilofs in Fall (10-15 September 2022)
- Costa Rica in October (1-15 October 2022)
- New Mexico in Winter - Santa Fe to the Bosque (3-10 February 2023)
- Puerto Rico (17-23 February 2023) Two spaces remain
- The Dominican Republic (Feb 25 to Mar 5, 2023)
- Texas: The Edwards Plateau and Big Bend (21-30 April 2023)
- Alaska: Majesty of the North (11-23 June 2023 with extensions from 7 Jun and to 26 Jun) Waitlist only
Testimonials
"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 2018
"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 2018
Updated: October 2018