Rudolf Koes

Rudolf Koes has birded since his early childhood in The Netherlands. He has lived in Canada since 1968 and has birded widely in North America and elsewhere. He is the co-editor for the Prairie Provinces region column in North American Birds and has contributed numerous articles in other journals. He is also the illustrator and co-author of the award-winning The Birds of Manitoba.

Rudolf has conducted annual tours to Churchill, Manitoba since 1980 and has organised birding trips to the United States, Central and South America. He has birded many countries around the world, including India. Rudolf leads our successful Eagle-Eye owl tour in Manitoba each year, and leads our Northern India tour, co-leads our tour to the High Arctic and the Northwest Territories, and leads our Colorado Grouse and Utah Canyons tour.

Testimonials:

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

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

"Excellent.  We were astounded by how much they (with K. DeSmet) 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

"Excellent. Made sure everyone had good views, was safe in getting in/out of van. Shared expertise about Winnipeg area. Top Notch!" - 2015 Manitoba Owls participant

"It was obvious that Rudolf's many years of experience in birding helped lead our group to our goals. He was very patient in explaining the different birds we saw to all levels of birding. We loved learning the history of the area." - 2015 Manitoba Owls tour participant

"Excellent. Very knowledgeable. Excellent driver." L.&B. M. 2014

"Excellent. Great guide, very congenial. Loved Rudolf! Loads of personality and a great birder. Made sure everyone got great looks at the birds. Would go on another trip with him. Unflagging energy." L.R. 2014

"Excellent. He is enthusiastic, patient, and works very hard to make the trip go well." D. & P.F. 2014

"Superb! Both faced the challenges on this trip as true professionals. Thanks!" D.H. 2013

"Excellent. They were patient enough while having to keep us on schedule. Good plan to switch seats daily - got to visit with different people." J.G. 2013

"Excellent. These guys knew their birds. Both are patient and meet needs of group. Overcame problems to achieve successful trip." R.G. 2013

"Excellent. Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, efficient." E.W. 2013

"Excellent. Good people skills - what I'd call shepherding. Making sure folks got a chance to see what they wanted, took turns, etc." S.S. 2013

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

"Very knowledgeable, pleasant to be with, helpful." P.H. 2012

"Rudolf and Ken were an excellent pairing. Rudolf is an expert birder, very considerate and helpful to all in the group." anon 2012

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

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

"Both (Rudolf and Ken) 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. Either of these two men can handle this tour on their own (if it were a 1-vehicle size) - having both of them there was an absolute gift!" anon 2012

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

“Great birder and teacher! We learned so much from him and saw more than we expected.” B.M. 2012

“Rudolf is a knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic birder and tour guide. He is expert in identifying locating and getting tour members on birds. He has excellent communication and people skills. The tour is well organized and time is efficiently used. Fantastic guide and person.” J.K./B.M. 2012

“Rudolf is a great, super, knowledgeable leader! Can’t use enough superlatives. Driving in snowy and/or windy conditions was certainly a challenge to both drivers, which they handled very well. Especially enjoyed seeing roughed grouse (a lifer for me). He took such pains to see these birds.” J.S.  2011

“Outstanding.” G.C. 2011

“Helpful – obviously knew the territory and the birds. Both (with driver Gary) had a great deal of knowledge about the region in general. Friendly, warm, relaxed, and attentive.” Anon 2011

“Rudolf was very knowledgeable, courteous, patient and fun to bird with.” A.P. 2011

“These guys (Rudolf & Steve) really worked to find the birds and provide a quality experience. And they are fun to hang out with.” J.K. 2010

“Great knowledge and warm personalities. Thank you for your major efforts.” D.P. 2010

“Lovely gents – besides being excellent bird guides, they are fun, funny, positive, a pleasure to be with.” L.C. 2010

“Knowledgeable, personable, sensitive to individuals’ requests, excellent communicators/teachers, professional. Richard – great sense of humour! Rudolf – your local knowledge was greatly appreciated.” Anon 2010

“Going on a bird-watching tour and not being a bird-watcher was a risk – it was very interesting to visit many dump and sewer lagoons instead of museums and culture centres, but I liked it!” M.D. 2009

“Very knowledgeable, expert and at the same time a lot of fun to be with. Very generous with his time and very accommodating to the needs of everyone. Was very sincerely keen to provide everyone with a great overall experience.” S.G. 2009

“Bravo! Couldn’t ask for a more pleasant person. Extremely knowledgeable. Treated all tour participants with respect and his kind and gentle manner made a cohesive group of five quite diverse persons. I can’t say enough good things.” S.E. 2009