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Steve Rooke

Steve Rooke worked for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as a reserve warden for 13 years before leaving to become a Sunbird staff leader. After leading a great number of tours to various parts of the world, he took over as the Managing Director of Sunbird. Although this meant spending more time in the office, he retained the leadership of his favourite tours to Central Asia, South Africa and Ethiopia. When Sunbird closed down in 2021 as a result of the pandemic, WINGS took over the running of all the Sunbird tours and Steve now leads tours for them, as well as acting as a WINGS liaison for anyone in the UK booking on a WINGS tour.

Upcoming Tours with Steve

Testimonials for Steve

Steve is a marvelous raconteur and an excellent birder. He is calm, jovial, even tempered, and is never rattled by any dodgy situation. Steve is an expert birder and was a significant asset to our trip.

- Gina S. on South Africa: The East

It was real honor to be on a tour with Steve Rooke, who has done this trip so many times that his knowledge of the cultural aspects of the tour are outstanding. He is, of course, an excellent birder and does a great job of showing the birds to clients. His sense of humor made our tour exceptional, as there was always a joke or something humorous being shared...Steve did a great job with logistics, as well---just a really excellent tour.

- Joe T. on Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Steve has admirable knowledge of the birds, their vocalizations, locations visited and their cultural and historical background. He is calm under pressure and quick to adjust to unforeseen events without ever seeming stressed. He is fun to be around and his stories are fascinating.

- Petra W. on Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Steve is a great leader and knowledgeable about history, culture and birds. He made the trip fabulous. I loved Bukhara and Samarkand having read about the Silk Road and Central Asia. The mountains were incredible!

- Jacqueline P. on Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

The tour met and exceeded my hopes and expectations! Steve is a great leader. Knowledgeable, kind, attentive, and fun!

- Pam M. on Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

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