When you’ve traveled to over 100 countries and are obsessed with seeing rare birds, as I am, you’re bound to have strange things happen. From my start in the 1960s, long before it was cool to be traveling just to see nature and birds, I led groups of intrepid nature seekers to remote places on seven continents and the seven seas, most not accustomed to foreign visitors.

My career evolved into scouting out, designing, and leading many of the first bird, wildlife, and cultural land tours, safaris, and small boat adventures around the world. Of all the trips I’ve lead, from tented safaris to private jet tours, I’m proud to say everyone who’s traveled with me came home alive, with stories to tell, and a much larger bird list.