What they say about me.

Serra do Mar Tyrannulet. Photo copyright Tommy Pedersen.

At the last minute we had a spare afternoon at Sao Paulo - thank goodness we were able to find Rick Simpson to take us out birding to the Biritiba-Mirim marsh. Rick was there on time to collect us from the airport, take us to out hotel for check-in, and then whisk us off to the southeast, with productive stops at a roadside marsh on the way to Biritiba-Mirim (Sick's Swift, Rufous-sided Crake). I was impressed that Rick had taken the care to locate a secure place to leave the car - and that he took the time to chat with the property owner there, even offering to take her down to see the bird that everybody was coming to her neighborhood to see! We got great looks at the male "Marsh" Antwren and I even managed a few photos, but I was again pleased to note that Rick did not want to pressure the bird unduly, and we left it alone after only a short while. Rick's local knowledge was excellent, and allowed me to catch up on another much-wanted antbird: Dusky-tailed. I'd definitely recommend Rick to anyone contemplating a guide in the Ubatuba/Sao Paulo area. - Martin Reid and Sheridan Coffey, Texas.

We came to Ubatuba with no experience of birding in the region, but Rick Simpson proved to be a first-class guide under conditions that often made visual observations difficult. His enthusiasm and good sense of humour were matched by his desire, and that of his assistant, to be of service whether we were bird-watching, travelling, or finding good accommodation and restaurants. His services are strongly recommended. - Peter & Maria Bayley, Belize.

When you pick a birding guide from a website, you are always taking a chance. Picking Rick Simpson for a week birding in Ubatuba was a brilliant move on our part. Rick picked us up at the airport, treated us like long lost American cousins, catered to our every need, found nearly 200 bird species for us and when he dropped us off back at the airport, we departed not clients, but friends. - Chuck Geanangel, Florida.

I normally prefer to find my own birds but, on the recommendation of a friend, I arranged to spend a day with Rick and asked him to show me the birds of Ubatuba. It would be an understatement to say I was not disappointed. From the Pauraque on a dawn road to a Burrowing Owl at dusk he filled my day with wonderful tanagers, antbirds and hummingbirds, almost to saturation point. Add to that his intelligent conversation, enthusiasm for life and love of Brazil and I can only pass on my friend’s recommendation to you. Rick was worth every Real. - Graham Langley, UK.

With just a couple of days to spare for birding at the end of a work trip to São Paulo, and with no previous experience of the Mata Atlantica, I was delighted to find that a fellow Brit and birding enthusiast offered just what I was looking for – knowledgeable guiding combined with hospitality and door-to-door service, at a very reasonable price. Not all the birds were cooperative (some took playback as a cue to disappear into the forest). But some came hurtling out to investigate us, and despite the intermittent rain we saw plenty of species. Without Rick’s knowledge of the calls, and unerring identification skills, I wouldn’t have found half of them, and I can heartily recommend him as a guide. - Phil Gunson, Caracas.

I had the pleasure of birding the Ubatuba area with Rick for a short day-and-a-half in mid February 2008. Rick was splendid company throughout, and felt like an old friend after the 220 km drive from São Paulo airport to Ubatuba. Highlights of the stay were many, but to mention a few; Sitting on Jonas's porch with 9 species of Hummingbirds whizzing around our ears, the two groups of Slaty-breasted Wood Rails running along the forest path in the morning, a Rufous-capped Antthrush walking past us in the forest, a Spotted Bamboowren curiously checking us out as we were leaving Angelim, a Bare-throated Bellbird seen high up in a tree, White-bearded and Blue Manakins performing, a family group of Buff-throated Purpletufts in the scope at Capricornio, 10 species of Tanager seen with Brazilian Tanager being my personal favourite.
I recommend Rick as your guide if you ever should find yourself in his part of the world, not only is he excellent at what he is doing, the prices he charges are well below what you would expect for his level of service. - Tommy Pedersen, UAE/Norway.

Rick was a delight to bird with. His experience and familiarity with the sounds dug us out a lot of birds and at the same time he seemed like just one of the guys. Much more reasonably priced than anyone else I found in SE Brazil. I highly recommend Rick. A most enjoyable trip - Michael Greene, Kentucky.

A British transplant to Ubatuba, Rick is a consummate birder, tour guide, and facilitator, not only to the "hard core" birders, but to the novice as well. Rick's expertise in identifying Brazilian birds by sight and sound was apparent as we birded the various regions on the tour. I specifically appreciated Rick's desire to get a difficult sighting right even if, on a rare occasion, it took a little time by referring to the field guides and listening again to the call/song on his iPod. Also appreciated by the group was Rick's quick wit, which made the tour even more pleasurable. I would highly recommend Rick and I look forward to another tour with him. - Dennis E. Park. California.

For an antbird enthusiast, a visit to Biritiba Mirim is a 'must' and I arranged a day trip with Rick when I was last in Brazil. Everything went like clockwork. Rick collected me from my hotel near Guarulhos Airport, we birded the site and he delivered me back to Guarulhos in good time for my flight home. The marsh antwren performed superbly and I was pleased to note that whilst Rick was keen I should see the bird well he was equally keen to ensure minimal disturbance to the bird. The red-eyed thornbird was much less cooperative but nothing was too much trouble and Rick was patient while I waited to see the bird properly. Add to this the fact that he was great company and you will understand why I'm currently working up a 'wants' list for a much longer targeted bird trip with Rick. - Duncan Ritchie. UK.