Guest Reviews for Destination: Wildlife

Carol S., Michigan
Winter Owls and Others, New York and Ottowa, 2024

I have recently returned from the "Winter Owls and Others" tour that was organized by Destination: Wildlife. It was a wonderful tour that I would highly recommend to those who are interested in winter birds that we do not always get to see south of Canada. There was the added benefit of being able to support Project Snowstom financially in the work they do studying Snowy Owls. On this tour, the weather was not always cooperative, nor were all the birds. But we did make the most of every opportunity see what was to be seen and to give the photographers in the group every chance at good shots.

It is hard for me to choose a favorite part of the trip because I enjoyed it all. Even though some plans unexpectedly fell through, the leaders did everything possible to ensure that our expectations were met. I think that for me, the best part was our guide. Kim Risen is very pleasant, courteous, and a very good driver. I always felt safe. But what makes him stand out is his knowledge about so much more than just identifying birds. He was always teaching, in a conversational way, about habitat, bird characteristics, behavior, geology, birding, and photography equipment, photography methods, and so much more.

This was a wonderfully organized tour of just the right time spent and distance traveled. Our guide made this as enjoyable and educational as possible. I look forward to being able to another trip with Destination: Wildlife

Diane L., Mississippi
Winter Raptors of the New York Grasslands, 2024
Buddy and I would like to thank you both for an amazing adventure this week in NY. It was great getting to know you both and have your expertise during our stay. While neither the weather, nor many of the raptors were very cooperative, it was still a wonderful experience.

Roberta R., New York
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture, 2024
Exceed - Roger was amazing… talented, professional, passionate about his work, skilled, kind, helpful in every way, and a good sense of humor.        

Cathy H., Maryland
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture, 2024
It was a10+. Communication was great. I feel taken care of on your trips. 

Doug J., Utah
Winter Wolves in Yellowstone, Watching and Learning, 2024
Thanks for a wonderful trip. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with everyone involved. It was the best trip of its kind that I have attended. All in all, it was a grand time, and I look forward to another adventure with you. I really like the learning mixed with the photography. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with everyone involved. It was the best trip of its kind that I have attended.

Amy G., New York
Winter Wolves in Yellowstone, Watching and Learning, 2024
An absolute 10!!! This trip was a total home run and delivered on wolves and wildlife well above my hopes and expectations.[What was your favorite part of the trip?]  Definitely getting to see wolves in the wild-- but really all of our wildlife viewing was exciting and spectacular. Cara McGary [Guide] was an absolute gem--the depth of her knowledge and experience, as well as her personality, elevated the experience, and you did an excellent job in seeing that all arrangements, meals etc. ran timely, that accommodations were comfortable etc. Looking forward to future trips-- and definitely Namibia.

Read: Can a Bird and Wildlife Safari in Namibia Save Grassland in New York?
Read: The Grassland Bird Trust Heads to Africa for the Second Annual International Birding and Fundraising Adventure

Kathy R., New York
Birding and Safari in Namibia, 2023
We were so impressed with Destination Wildlife's meticulous organizational skills as well as the wonderful choice of lodges. Marc (the guide) more than exceeded our expectations. What was your favorite part of the trip?  Seeing new birds for the first time with all of our new friends on the trip.

John C., Connecticut
Birding and Safari in Namibia, 2023
[What was your favorite moment?] I am at a loss, as the whole trip was filled with so many memorable moments. One just has to go and see, and they’ll understand. The guides were more than expected and so knowledgeable in so many other areas. Roberta, Les, and Destination Wildlife met my expectations 100%. The whole experience for me was a 10.

Read About: The Grassland Bird Trust Heads to Costa Rica

Liz and Alan G., New York
Birding Costa Rica, 2022
We are in awe of the care that you took to make our trip successful. The attention to detail, your ready availability when things didn’t go as plan. Your excitement as our trip progressed and supervision to the very end to make sure everything turned out alright. Thank you for all that you do.  

Roy (the guide) ... made the whole experience a joy.  He is extremely knowledgeable not only about birds but Costa Rica in general. He was very concerned with our safety and comfort.  He was flexible and open to suggestions.  He was the perfect companion and guide. 

Read About: The Exploring Wome’s Winter Wolf Trek, 2022

Noreen Q., New York
Exploring Women’s Winter Wolf Trek, 2022 
The trip was fabulous and couldn't have been much better. …I was impressed that you did a Zoom call rather than just sending a gear list - it is an example of how much personal attention you devoted to us.

Jeannie W., New York
Exploring Women’s Winter Wolf Trek, 2022

So many favorites! If I have to answer one, it was watching intense interactions between Bison and Wolves on two occasions.

Another favorite was observing wildlife in the field in combination with meetings with experts who did the deep dive with us into scientific and behavioral research. Including running into other experts sporadically on our daily forays, who were extremely gracious in sharing not only research but stories that made one’s eyes open wide with amazement, 

Another favorite was the history of Wolf #1228 and actually seeing her several times. Particularly when suddenly she stuck her head over a hill with a Golden Eagle a few feet next to her. Both wolf & eagle were intensely peering over the hilltop, observing two coyotes finishing a meal on a young elk (which 1228 likely killed earlier). 

Added to all that were two dozen ravens meandering around near the coyotes, awaiting their turn for scraps. Topped off by an occasional not-too-serious coyote charge if they got too close. A random hop-hop-hop dance by the ravens added to the whirl of activity. 

Wow!