Ben lives at Malanda, North Queensland with his wife Kerryn and daughter Teale.
Interested in nature from an early age,
Ben studied biology and geography at high school. He went on to complete
a degree in applied science, specialising in wildlife biology, at Southern
Cross University. It was here that birding became a passion.
On moving to north Queensland Ben worked as a field biologist for CSIRO,
researching the Northern Bettong and other mammals, and as a consultant
ecologist on various projects as part of environmental impact studies.
In the Early 90's Ben became involved in nature tourism, leading walking
tours in the Daintree rainforest. This led to many guiding positions,
including four years of nocturnal wildlife tours, and a season as the
head naturalist at Lotus Bird Lodge on Cape York.
In recent times Ben has co-led tours for the Danish Ornithological Fellowship
and Mark Smith Nature Tours. Cassowary tours has been set up to provide
the framework for Ben to follow his passion for birding and share his
knowledge and skills with you.
What some people have said about birding with Ben:
“We had a great trip up to Iron Range and we were very fortunate to see all the specials, thanks to you and your excellent eyes. I have birded with many excellent bird guides and you are definitely among the very best”
— Jarmo Komi, Finland.
"We had a really fantastic time in Oz, and the undoubted highlight of it was our tour
with you to Iron Range, which was absolutely excellent and certainly one of the highlights of our
birding lives. Spending time with someone like you, who knows so much not only about the birds but
about everything else there too, was great. We'd like to thank you for everything you did to make
the trip such a success - the way you get people onto birds is outstanding. Once again, thanks so
much for a brilliant trip. We have no doubt that Cassowary Tours will be a great success" — Paul and Fi, UK.
"I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful time up and around the Cape – you were great in the
Atherton, but sensational in the Cape. This has really been the absolute highlight of my birding career,
a thousand thanks" — Sue, Australia.
"This was the best day of my birding life" — Ralph, Germany.
"Thanks again for the great birding trip, we really enjoyed
the day with you" — Don, Philippines.
Cheers, Ben
"Sandi and I both had an incredible time bird-watching. It
was definitely the highlight of our trip. Thanks so much" — Zach, USA.
"We will always remember our day out with you, especially the riflebird and
the cassowary"
— Mark and Tracey, UK.
"Thankyou for an absolutely marvellous birding day - a day to remember for the
rest of my life" — Sian, Australia.
"It was a really spectacular day for me with all the good observations" — Martin, Switzerland.
"thanks again for that marvellous birding day- it was a day like no other and
I don't think I shall ever forget it" — Anwyn, Australia.
"Thank you for a great couple of days birding. I have to say they were two of the best I think I have ever had! Great places, and wonderful views of some fantastic birds. And great guiding to make it all possible! You were great company, but your approach suited me just fine too. I have been out before with guides who have just pointed out birds, identified them and that’s that. I really liked the fact that you took the time to tell us just why it was what it was, and to give us tips on behaviour/ habitat etc too. I really learnt a lot, and it is always a pleasure to be out with someone who is obviously passionate about their subject, and who is also happy to pass on what they know to those less experienced amongst us. Thanks once again." — Cheryl, UK.
