Ecuador Mountains of Magic - Ryan Dibala – Tour director and Birding Guide - Ecuadorian Andes Tour 2025 “Mountains of Magic” Birding Man Wildlife Tours www.gobirdingman.com 860-455-3224 We highly recommend this birding expedition into the Andes to the east and west of Quito – organized and guided so expertly by Ryan Dibala, the bilingual owner/operator of Birding Man Wildlife Tours. My wife and I are fairly well-experienced birders who enjoy traveling to other countries and cultures to search for new birds to add to our ever-growing Life List of avian species. From Sept 21 to 30, 2025 we traveled with Ryan throughout the Andes surrounding Quito, and this tour became one of the most extraordinary and satisfying birding adventures of our lives for a number of reasons. Ryan is an expert in the field, identifying birds by sight and sound, and he worked conscientiously to make sure that everyone in our small group (8 clients) had a chance to observe each one. By the numbers: my wife and I recorded 148 new birds to add to our Life List plus 122 previously listed birds that yielded a trip total of 270 different species. We saw 58 species of hummingbirds, 50 species of tanagers and 7 species of antpittas! We visited 19 different hotspot locations on our journey and each one simply amazed us. But it’s not just Ryan’s birding skills that are so attractive; it is his quiet but determined passion for conservation through participation that is so compelling. Ryan’s mission in organizing birding expeditions in Ecuador centers around birding, nature conservancy and the engagement of local guides and family operated reserves, miradors and accommodations. A portion of the tour cost (which is very reasonable – especially when you considered what you’re getting in return) goes directly into a major reforestation program currently ongoing in the Quijos Valley east of Quito. Ryan co-led our group with Sandra Morocho, one of Ecuador’s pre-eminent birders, who is also renowned for her work in community organizing, conservation and indigenous cultural education and outreach. What an honor it was for us to get to know her and to experience the beauty of Ecuador’s nature, culture and history through her teaching. Together Ryan and Sandra made a powerful team on so many levels and really inspired us to think, see and act beyond the scope of travelling solely to list birds. Bravo to Ryan and Birding Man Wildlife Tours; we can hardly wait to go travel with you again. H and M

Excellent Day Hike and Wildlife Viewing Experience - We were so pleased to go on Ryan's tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park! Ryan tailored the trip and hikes to our interests and requested activity level. We saw plenty of wildlife, beautiful lakes, forests, and mountain ranges on our tour. I also appreciated the nice invigorating hike by Bear Lake and up to Emerald Lake we went on!

Amazing tour. Ryan was... - Amazing tour. Ryan was very knowledge and completely customized our tour based on interest and hiking ability. Highly recommend. Worth every penny!

Wonderful and Inspiring! - The day we spent on our Rocky Mountain tour was incredible! We were extremely impressed with Ryan’s wealth and depth of knowledge. His enthusiasm for his work and his appreciation, respect, and love of nature was contagious as well as inspiring. Spending an entire day with someone you have just met can sometimes be awkward. Ryan’s warm and congenial personality made us feel like old friends. He graciously tailored our day with consideration for our substantial age difference. I, especially, appreciated that.

Great Experience - Ryan was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable of the park, animals and birds. Designed the day around our capabilities. Guided tours are great way to experience the parks. Would highly recommend Ryan for any type tour

Great Tour - I took a private tour to RMNP with Ryan and was not disappointed - we started off in Estes Park before heading into RMNP and saw quite a variety of bird life there. In terms of wildlife I saw Ground Squirrels, Marmots, Pikas, Chipmunks, Prairie Dogs, deer and a large bull Elk with a herd close up which was pretty impressive. Scenery in RMNP was beautiful - weather was perfect. Ryan is a great tour guide - highly recommended.