Testimonials
"I have attended many courses, talks & lectures on birds over the years and listened to many speakers but I would have to say that to date, Ricki is the 'icing on the cake' . . . her knowledge seems to be endless . . . Ricki is able to hold the audience with much more than knowledge, it's her enthusiasm, delight and joy in the natural world that comes across and captures people's imagination and attention"
- Wendy Dunn, Melbourne Vic
Lynn Scott ticking a Dusky Grasswren. Larapinta Trail, Central Australia. © 2006 Ricki Coughlan. Press image for enlargement.
"I have been on birding tours all over the world but have never met anyone with the guiding and birding skills of Ricki Coughlan. Her knowledge is incredibly broad and her enthusiasm overwhelming. Even when in areas which are unfamiliar to her she manages to find any target species and more with a skill and certainty which astounds."
- Lynn Scott, Wamberal NSW
"Having run courses in speech presentation myself, I found Ricki to demonstrate all the key skills of excellent communication . . . Ricki presents her information with a delightfully infectious enthusiasm for birdwatching . . . I would be eager to attend more of her presentations."
- Jacqui Sheppard, Adelaide SA
Nic Bishop contemplating White-throated Grasswrens. Gunlom Falls, Kakadu NP. © 2006 Ricki Coughlan. Press image for enlargement.
"I recently went on tour with Ricki Coughlan across the top end of Australia. Every day her knowledge of birds, birding skills and sense of humour ensured that we had a fantastic time. I would recommend Ricki to anybody who is considering a birding tour anywhere and look forward to getting out with her again."
- Nic Bishop, Lane Cove NSW
"Your passion for every living thing stands out like a beacon. You have a magic about you . . ."
- John Young (John Young Wildlife Enterprises), Toowong Qld
"On a visit to the Broome Bird Observatory in July 2005, we had a wonderful time. This was due in large part to Ricki. Her marvellous knowledge and enthusiasm were quite infectious. Even the non-birdwatchers in our group could not help being receptive to her warmth and dedication. The adults' interest in birds was fostered by Ricki and they now look at birds with a more discerning eye. The children now have their own bird book and have started a bird list. She is a great asset to the Broome Bird Observatory where so many visitors pass through."
- Professor Peter Lloyd and Elizabeth Lloyd, Melbourne Vic
"Even though my mom and I had been birdwatching in many places, such as the Caribbean, South America, and New Zealand, it has been our experiences with Ricki Coughlan in Australia that have been the most outstanding. Her enthusiasm for life and birds is unique and infectious. Besides sharing her knowledge with me, her passion for ornithology also gets transmitted, making our time together extremely valuable.
Ricki is a true inspiration. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge and spirit that is absolutely remarkable. We first met in Broome. Then, we met up again outside of Sydney. And, now we are planning to meet up again in some locale this summer. I keep in touch with Ricki while I am in Atlanta, Georgia. . . Since I can only get to Australia once a year to go out with Ricki, I rely on her website, 'Bird Note' to keep me up to date with her work."
- Orit Sklar, Atlanta, USA