Florida Birding Guides -

Jay Powell

I was talking with Jim Collins a few weeks before this bird outing to give him time on the itinerary. Jim Collins my bird guide down in Florida was amazing. Not sure what to expect down in the Miami area. I was staying in Marco Island and he drove down from up North and we hooked up in Naples. He also drove which was new for me I always drive so it was a change. So we started super early and headed to Pam Springs for some parrots on a golf course. As the sun rises the birds flew to the known spot. Now I’ve been birding in Florida a few times before this at my leisure. Which I do go crazy. But this was different me not driving one and he had this excursion all planned out ready to go and work back to Naples area where we met. So after getting a few lifers there on to FT Lauderdale to find the infamous spot breasted oriole. He knew exactly where they would be. Great pictures on all these species that were lifers as well. After that we headed to South Miami area for the least grebe and some other goodies parrots and parakeets. It was like every bird I needed I got and it was quick and on to the next stop. So after that it was to a rural area for the mynas ✅. Red whiskered bulbul next get out of car there’s 2 in the brush. Someone did there homework research and a little luck I would say.
I did miss 2 different macaws but with him showing me where they have been I went back by myself 2 days later and got all the rest. All in all Jim was a great leader and showed me how to bird Florida for the exotics. Thanks Jim for a lifetime experience.

Jim Murphy

I have been on several birding adventures with John. He is incredibly knowledgeable about all things bird and that passion is evident while leading trips. If you want to chase Seabirds, sort through hundreds of Gulls and Shorebirds looking for outliers or scan the tree tops looking for migrating Warblers, you want John standing right there with you. I highly recommend !!

John and Valerie Swenfurth

I went on another great pelagic trip with John G. In the Gulf of Mexico. His knowledge of birds is extensive. He’s able to spot birds of interest at a great distance which leads to productive trips. I often go to John G. as a resource when I have questions on my bird photos or general bird questions about IDs and he’s very responsive in sharing his bird knowledge. I consider John G. one of the top birders in the state of FL and it’s uncanny how he’s often the first to spot the rarities.

Tom Bisko

I've done a number of pelagic trips with John Groskopf. John has a wealth of bird knowledge and an incredible ability to make difficult identifications in real-time. His passion for birds and nature is contagious, and the trips are always a really good time. Whether you are a beginner seeking to learn or an expert chasing a needed bird, John as a guide is a perfect fit.

Shireen Gonzaga

In April 2024, I had the pleasure of birding with Jim Collins. Before the trip, we had a conversation and several text exchanges about my birding interests. What impressed me from the start was his attention to detail. He did a lot of background research before our trip, planning how to find my target species. The two days we spent birding were amazingly productive, exceeding my expectations. He knew about my interest in bird photography, and factored in timing such that the sun direction was optimal at the sites we visited. I was also very impressed by his birding skills, and thanks to Jim, I was able to get some great life birds. Jim is an extraordinary birder, and a wonderful person. I recommend him very highly!

Chuck Hignite

Kenny Miller and Kyle Matera are world class birders who are excellent guides. They have also helped me with many identification questions. They have also donated their time and expertise leading many field trips for Audubon Everglades in Palm Beach County, Florida. It’s always a wonderful experience birding with them.

Maria

I recently had the pleasure of joining a birding expedition led by John, and I can confidently say that the experience exceeded all my expectations.

What sets John apart is his meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s pointing out subtle field marks that distinguish similar species or explaining the intricacies of bird calls, he ensures that every participant, regardless of skill level, gains a richer understanding of birding. His keen eye and ear are complemented by an equally impressive dedication to teaching.

One of the most remarkable qualities of John is his kindness and patience with beginners. As someone relatively new to birding, I felt immediately at ease thanks to his welcoming and encouraging demeanor. He took the time to answer all my questions, no matter how basic, and provided tips that greatly improved my birding skills. John’s genuine enthusiasm for birding is infectious, and his dedication to fostering a love for nature in others is truly inspiring.

Marcello Gomes

I have been birding with Kenny for the past ten years and I have learned a lot from birding with him. He’s passionate about birding and is always ready for a bird chase. He is intelligent and never gives up. I’d recommend his birding services to anyone who’s looking for a great adventure while getting your target birds.