David Shackelford is an avid naturalist as well as an accomplished wildlife and bird photographer. He has extensive experience leading birding and natural history tours across the world traveling through more than eighty countries spanning every continent. After many years living abroad he now heads up the United States division of Rockjumper Birding Tours based in the heart of his home state Texas. His fascination with ecology and excitement for the natural world has led to a lifelong passion of studying wildlife behavior, observing birds, and enjoying the many facets of international travel and culture. David has an advanced knowledge of the countries being guided, consistent and dependable handling of tour logistics backed by a business degree in International Management, and an expert understanding of bird and wildlife ecology throughout the world.

“Our trip was well organized and David handled all of the difficult travel situations (like border crossings) unusually well, so we could concentrate totally on seeing the birds and wildlife. He knows his birds and worked tirelessly to show us both common as well as rare and difficult-to-spot endemic birds, with great success. He was easy to travel with, while his energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the local birds, wildlife, flora and fauna made our trip a rich and exciting experience. His unfailing good humor, curiosity, and sense of adventure added a special dimension to our trip. We expect to take other birding and wildlife trips and David will be at the top of our list.”

Jane and Gerry Chelius

With Kagu, New Caledonia	Stuck in Papua New Guinea