Raymond VanBuskirk

Owner & Guide

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

 

Raymond grew up in New Mexico where it wasn’t difficult for him to become captivated by birds and nature. Raymond’s interest in the birds was sparked around his house at age seven but it wasn’t until a few years later that birding completely ruled his life; All it took was a curious male Western Tanager to push him over the edge. Raymond soon became very involved in a bird banding project near Albuquerque and within a few years, alongside his best friend Ryan, started what is known as the Sandia Rosy-Finch Project, a rosy-finch banding project that has since received recognition in National Audubon Magazine, Birders World Magazine and with birders all over the nation. His early interest in research paved the way for his involvement in many research projects throughout the southwest, notably, a breeding ecology study of Gray Vireos in central New Mexico and a similar project investigating the little-known breeding habits of the Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow. Raymond was one of the youngest people ever to be voted on the Central New Mexico Audubon Society’s Board of Directors and he now holds a position of President for the chapter. Although he loves field research and conservation, one of Raymond’s favorite activities is traveling and birding with his friends, especially in Latin America! He developed a vision to start a tour company through which he could share his birding passion, skills and knowledge with other people. That vision has now become a reality and he couldn’t be happier!