Book a Guided Birding Tour in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of the Roanoke, Virginia area.
About Your Guide: I’m a retired ornithology professor and I’ve lived in the southeast USA most of my life. Whether you are looking for your first birding experience, a fun family excursion, or if you are an experienced birder looking for a particular species, I’m happy to guide you.
The Details: Guided birding tours are generally available on any weekday morning or afternoon (when the birds are active), and some weekends all year round (email to inquire about availability). Tours typically start at ~7am and last until around noon, or if you prefer an evening tour we can arrange a ~4pm to ~8pm time slot (varies depending on time of year/sunset).
Half-day tours are $75 per person (minimum 2 people, or $150 fee).
We will meet at a predetermined spot and proceed from there to additional birding hotspots. I can pick you up from your hotel if desired. Your group can ride with me (4 person maximum) or you can follow along in your own vehicle if you prefer, or if your group is larger than 4 people (8 person maximum; so we don’t scare away the birds :). You will be provided with a bottle of water and a snack (chips, apple, or similar). I can provide binoculars if needed (and instruction on how to use them), and will bring along a spotting scope for seeing birds at farther distances.
Photography and social media are allowed and encouraged. Just let me know what kind of experience you desire and I’ll plan something just for you. Even experienced birders can benefit from having a local tour guide that is familiar with local birding spots, when to visit them, and how to get to them quickly. Please click on the link below to email me directly with any questions and to schedule your tour. When you email, please include the following information:
- Your name and where you are visiting from
- The number people in your party
- Preferred tour date
- Morning or afternoon time slot
- Any special requests (dietary or physical constraints, need to borrow binoculars, etc…)
“Neil was very knowledgeable, very polite, and quite entertaining. My family really enjoyed our birding experience and we plan to do it again next time we visit Roanoke! ” – Birchum Family, Summer Shade, KY.
“I was finally able to add an Appalachian Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius appalachiensis) to my life list! And Neil also knows all the best restaurants around the Roanoke area :).” – Mary T., New Orleans, LA
Note- Full payment is required to reserve your tour slot. However, if your plans change you can reschedule for free, or request a full refund of your payment up to 1 week before your scheduled tour (minus a $40 administration and transaction fee).
Return clients are eligible for a 15% discount.
Do you have a layover of 3 hours or more at the Roanoke airport? I can pick you up at the airport, take you birding and get you back in time to catch your next flight. Email me to discuss details and book a tour.