Connection

Panama has been at the heart of my work since the very beginning of Antbird Tours. Even after leading trips throughout Central and South America, it remains a place that feels deeply personal to me. From my very first visit, I was captivated—not just by the country’s extraordinary natural beauty, but by its people, its culture, and the strong sense of community that defines it.

There is something almost indescribable about Panama. The food, the rhythm of daily life, the richness of its tropical habitats, and the sheer abundance of wildlife create a world that feels vibrant beyond words. And then, of course, there are the birds. Nearly 1,000 species exist within a country no larger than South Carolina. The birding here is not just exceptional—it feels otherworldly.

A Collared Aracari peaks from its nest cavity in Panama just a few days ago.

Every time I return from a tour, it only takes a few days before I find myself longing to go back—to feel the humid air, to breathe in the scent of the tropics, and to stand beneath the towering emergent trees of the rainforest once again.

When I’m not in Panama, I’m either leading tours elsewhere or at home in Rhode Island—a place that has shaped my conservation roots. For many years, I dedicated myself to protecting the Ocean State’s habitats and birdlife, and that passion has never faded. I still care deeply about these ecosystems, and I remain committed to sharing what I’ve learned over the years with others.

That commitment is what led me to create “Bird Newport.” It’s a way to stay connected—to keep having conversations about birds, their remarkable evolutionary histories, and the urgent need to conserve them. Because every conversation matters. Each one is an opportunity to inspire appreciation and action.

Just a few days ago, I watched as Osprey fished the lagoons, ponds and rivers of Panama. This afternoon, I watched as Osprey fished a pond right here in Rhode Island.

While much of my work now focuses on the conservation of birds and cultures in places like Panama and Colombia, I continue to seek out anyone eager to learn. Whether here at home or abroad, the goal remains the same: to foster a deeper understanding of birds and to help ensure their future.