COLOMBIA WILD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Dean of Science / Thompson Rivers University / TOURS
I started Colombia Wild Ecotours, strictly as a Birding Tour company but soon realized that Colombia had much more to offer. Colombia has spectacular landscapes, diverse cultures, and wildlife that are worth experiencing. So my decision to expand into Nature Tours and Fishing Expeditions was a logical and easy decision to make.
Emilio is our partner in Cali. He is an amazing naturalist and explorer dedicated to the conservation of Colombia's rich biodiversity who did his Botanical Studies at the University of Florida. He has traveled through most of Colombia promoting the conservation of private holdings, studying its flora and fauna, and exploring remote natural regions. He is a well rounded naturalist, specializing in... well, everything!!! Mammals, birds, orchids, heliconias, medicinal plants and indigenous cultures; you name it, he will tell you about it. He speaks fluent English and looks forward to welcoming you and showing you the best things Colombia has to offer. By the way, he is also a fantastic photographer. You can check out some of his pictures on his facebook page.
Ernest was born and Raised in Colombia. He received a Master's Degree in Conservation Biology from the University of British Columbia. He now works as an Environmental Consultant addressing terrestrial wildlife species, habitat, and conservation. Ernest moves back and forth from his hometown in British Columbia to Colombia. Ernest has been birdwatching since 1997 and has birded in Canada, United States, Costa Rica, and of course Colombia. Ernest founded Colombia Wild Ecotours to promote environmentally sustainable ecotourism in Colombia and to support local communities that protect their natural resources.
Jhon comes to us from Leticia Amazon. He has lived in the Eastern Plains for more than 16 years and fishing has become a way of life for him. He has worked hard to promote sport fishing in the area and created "Pescadores Deportivos Colombia" a Fishing group he leads. He is well respected in the community and uses this to promote environmental awareness so that future generations may enjoy what he enjoys so much. He is an excellent caster and has a great sense of humor and willingness to make all his clients feel at home. Did I mention he loves untangling lures from vegetation?
Libia is our got-to Travel Agent. She has been in the business for over 30 years. She is the owner of Capricho Travel in Miami and handles all our travel arrangements and trip logistics. She was born in Medellin and has travelled extensively throughout Colombia and the World. She can also take care of all your travel arrangements from your hometown to Colombia and will work dilligently to get you the best price possible. Libia knows what we like and will make sure we all have a great time.
Parque la Florida is located in the western fringes of the City of Bogota. This area was once a vast lake surrounded by mountains and when it drained more than 30,000 years ago, it left behind an extensive network of wetlands and lagoons. Over time, these wetlands have been drained to make way for agriculture, leaving only isolated examples of wetland habitats. Although few of these wetlands remain today, they provide sanctuary to a few species endemic to the area. One of these lagoons is located within the park. In our visit to the park, we will have an excellent opportunity to see the avian richness that this area once supported.
The Rio Blanco reserve is considered one of the top birding destinatios in the World! The Rio Blanco Reserve is managed by one of our guides who's fulltime job is as the Biologist for Aguas de Manizales, the company responsible for the water that supplies the city of Manizales. This reserve takes us through an elevational gradient where different different avian assemblages are represented. The caretakers and guides of the facility have been tending feeding stations for Antpittas. We will have a unique opportunity to see these secretive antpittas at the feeding stations, including the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta and the Chestnut-crowned and Bicolored Antpittas. As we enjoy our morning coffee prepared by our very hospitable hosts, we will be surrounded by hummingbirds visiting the feeding stations surrounding the balcony. Up to 20 species are possible. Posibilities from the balcony also include Black-billed Mountain Toucan, sickle-winged Guan and the target Masked Saltator. A walk up the reserve will allow possibilities like the rusty-faced parrot, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Golden-faced Redstart, Dusky Piha, Black-billed and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanagers, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Rusty-faced Parrot, Powerful Woodpecker, Ocellated, Blackish and Spillman's Tapaculos, Grass-green and White-capped Tanager, Black-billed Peppershrike, Plushcap, Mountain Cacique, and Golden-plumed Parakeet.
Sean is our partner in crime for our Fishing Expeditions. Sean was raised in the Interior of British Columbia,Canada and is an avid outdoorsman. Family and sport fishing are his passions. Sean has been in the Wine and Food industries for over 25 years and has travelled extensively striving to combine wine and great food with fishing adventures. Sean is the founder of the EH! Team World Fishing Expeditions and a member of the BC Sportfishing Institute.