ABOUT US

Black Rosy-Finch © Robert Royse

Professional Birding Guides

Colorado Birding Guides is dedicated to helping you follow your passions—whether it’s discovering amazing birds, capturing that perfect photo, exploring beautiful places, or simply embracing your love of nature. Our expert guides specialize in creating personalized birding experiences tailored to your specific interests and skill level. Our unique approach combines the invaluable knowledge of local guides with the dedicated customer support provided by our administrative team. With a focus on flexibility and progressive client-centric policies regarding reservations, payments, and cancellations, we strive to create a smooth and unforgettable experience for you. We can’t wait to share our passion for Colorado’s birds with you!

David Tonnessen – Guide

Starting his birding endeavors in Colorado, David has been fortunate to travel to many corners of North America for the sole purpose of his hobby. But he always returns to the vast wild spaces and birdlife of this incredible state, where public lands make Colorado the best state to bird and explore; and he's here to show you why... (expand for more)

David is a guide for Colorado Birding Guides and guides through various festivals and events. He serves on the records committee and is an eBird reviewer for the state of Colorado, and helps train the Merlin Sound ID algorithm for Cornell University. He also maintains the “Field Marks” column for the Colorado Birds journal, which discuss es subtle and challenging field identification topics. Currently, he is a graduate student and his broader academic interests include passive acoustic monitoring, evolution, phylogeny, and migration. His bio picture is from the Sierra de Perija, straddling the Columbia-Venezuela border.

Luke Pheneger – Guide

Luke is from Longmont, Colorado, and has lived in Boulder County his entire life. He started birding at the age of 8, when his mom, who is also a birder, showed him a Ruddy Duck. Ever since then, he has been captivated by the world of birds. His birding experience has ranged across the United States and the world. However, he primarily focuses on learning more about the birds and habitats of Colorado and its 64 unique and diverse counties, having visited each numerous times... (expand for more)

Luke has worked as a field technician, banding House Wrens and conducting transect surveys, and has also volunteered in monitoring raptors in Boulder County and Baird’s Sparrows in Northern Colorado. He recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Statistics and Data Science and a minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He hopes to apply said degree to wildlife conservation.

Brian Genge – Guide

Brian is a seasoned birder with deep roots in Colorado. Born and raised in the state, he has explored all 64 counties. He knows the state’s avian hotspots and has worked hard to understand what makes great habitat. With a degree in geography, Brian combines his passion for birds with ecological insights during every tour... (expand for more)

His state list boasts over 420 species—and he is actively dedicated to growing it. However, Brian isn’t just about checklists; he’s also a talented wildlife photographer. His lens captures the grace and beauty of Colorado’s winged inhabitants. His bio picture is in Rocky Mountain National Park, a location he frequents regularly.

Join Brian for an unforgettable bird watching experience. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned birder, his enthusiasm and expertise will make your outings truly memorable.

Felipe Guerrero – Owner & Guide

Felipe started his birding career 17 years ago as a college student studying natural history and ecology in Prescott, Arizona. The more he learned about birds the more he discovered about himself and his passion for exploring the natural world around us and sharing the experience with others...

After several years of avian field surveys, graduate school, adventures in non-profit environmental education, and countless birding trips across the US and to destinations such as Chile, northern Mexico, and Dominican Republic, he started what would become American Birding Guides in 2018.

Louisiana and its spectacular birdlife hold a special place in Felipe’s heart as he lived for a time in Plaquemines Parish while surveying birds on the Mississippi River Delta following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. He rejoices at the idea of returning to this magical area and continuing to celebrate its rich natural and cultural heritage for many years to come.

Felipe is the owner and lead guide of American Birding Guides and Louisiana Birding Guides. He is currently a member of the Arizona Bird Committee, and a former eBird reviewer for Yavapai, Navajo, and Apache Counties. In the past he served as Field Expeditions Chair and board member for Arizona Field Ornithologists, as well as board member for Prescott Audubon Society.