Ken De Smet

Ken De Smet combines an avid interest in birds with a career in wildlife biology.  Ken is an Avian Species at Risk Specialist with the provincial Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch (Manitoba Conservation), and has conducted research and conservation efforts for a variety of declining grassland birds in southwestern Manitoba since the mid-1980s.  Ken participates on numerous National Recovery Teams and Provincial Recovery Action Groups for species at risk in Manitoba.  Ken also has coordinated Breeding Bird Survey efforts in the province for over 20 years, and participates in a number of other volunteer wildlife monitoring initiatives, including several recent record-breaking Big Day bird counts in southern Manitoba.  He has written numerous articles related to birds and co-authored Manitoba Birds and Birds of Canada   - two popular Lone Pine books.  Much of his spare time is spent organizing and participating in bird watching, ecotourism, and volunteer wildlife surveys.   He has been involved in birding and wildlife tours in Manitoba for over 25 years.

Testimonials:

"Both (K De Smet & R Koes) were knowledgeable, friendly, easy going and accommodating. They made sure everyone saw every bird." - 2016 Manitoba Owls participant

"Both (K De Smet & R Koes) knew their stuff and were super friendly. Really felt welcome." - 2016 Manitoba Owls participant

"Excellent.  We were astounded by how much they (with Rudolf Koes) knew, how they were able to see and identify birds at great distances and how well they were able to transfer their enthusiasm for the subject." - Saskatchewan Whooping Crane 2015 participant

"Lots of energy - lots of knowledge - well organized." G.W. 2012

"Ken and Rudolf were an excellent pairing." anon 2012

"Not only well-prepared, professional, but also good manager, and courteous." M.N. 2012

"Both (Ken & Rudolf) were really knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and willing to wait for everyone to see the bird of the moment." J.G. 2012

"Both (Ken & Rudolf) worked hard to find birds in scopes and ensure all of us had seen birds. Flexible with bathroom stops - great! The coffee and snacks and mints worked very well. Both are safety conscious/good drivers. Ken rocked with the 3-toed hunt down. He never gives up! Either of these two men can handle this tour on their own (if it were a 1-vehicle size) - having them both there was an absolute gift!" anon 2012

"Ken and Rudolf were excellent and knowledgeable leaders. They were easy-going and flexible." P.F. 2012

"Ken's local knowledge and connections, unfailing good humour, energy and determination that we should all see as much as possible make this trip great fun and very productive." Anon 2012

"Seemingly untiring. Great knowledge of all aspects of nature. Kind to all. Thoughtful re pit stops. Tracked down all our requests." N.M. 2012