Testimonials.
Long-tailed Tyrant. Digiscope image ₢ Martin Hunnybun.
… we were on a high from a cracking three days with you and Elis. Exceptionally enjoyable and more productive than we had anticipated – which you may not have noticed from the constant pestering to be shown new birds! We really did end on a high with the last morning, you pulled in some real bonus birds. Always good fun birding against the clock too. Thanks again – Martin Hunnybun, UK.
Ochre-faced Tody-Tyrant. Photo ₢ Martin Reid.
At the last minute we had a spare afternoon at Sao Paulo – thank goodness we were able to find Rick Simpson to take us out birding to the Biritiba-Mirim marsh. Rick was there on time to collect us from the airport, take us to out hotel for check-in, and then whisk us off to the southeast, with productive stops at a roadside marsh on the way to Biritiba-Mirim (Sick’s Swift, Rufous-sided Crake). I was impressed that Rick had taken the care to locate a secure place to leave the car – and that he took the time to chat with the property owner there, even offering to take her down to see the bird that everybody was coming to her neighborhood to see! We got great looks at the male “Marsh” Antwren and I even managed a few photos, but I was again pleased to note that Rick did not want to pressure the bird unduly, and we left it alone after only a short while. Rick’s local knowledge was excellent, and allowed me to catch up on another much-wanted antbird: Dusky-tailed. I’d definitely recommend Rick to anyone contemplating a guide in the Ubatuba/Sao Paulo area – Martin Reid and Sheridan Coffey, Texas.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Photo ₢ Phil Gunson.
Sombre Hummingbird. Photo ₢ Carlos Rizzo.
Roadside Hawk. Photo ₢ Rick and Elis Simpson.
Burrowing Owl. Photo ₢ Rick and Elis Simpson.
I normally prefer to find my own birds but, on the recommendation of a friend, I arranged to spend a day with Rick and asked him to show me the birds of Ubatuba. It would be an understatement to say I was not disappointed. From the Pauraque on a dawn road to a Burrowing Owl at dusk he filled my day with wonderful tanagers, antbirds and hummingbirds, almost to saturation point. Add to that his intelligent conversation, enthusiasm for life and love of Brazil and I can only pass on my friend’s recommendation to you. Rick was worth every Real – Graham Langley, UK
Vinaceous Parrot. Photo ₢ Tommy Pedersen.
I had the pleasure of birding the Ubatuba area with Rick for a short day-and-a-half in mid February 2008. Rick was splendid company throughout, and felt like an old friend after the 220 km drive from São Paulo airport to Ubatuba. Highlights of the stay were many, but to mention a few; sitting on Jonas’s porch with 9 species of Hummingbirds whizzing around our ears, the two groups of Slaty-breasted Wood Rails running along the forest path in the morning, a Rufous-capped Antthrush walking past us in the forest, a Spotted Bamboowren curiously checking us out as we were leaving Angelim, a Bare-throated Bellbird seen high up in a tree, White-bearded and Blue Manakins performing, a family group of Buff-throated Purpletufts in the scope at Capricornio, 10 species of Tanager seen with Brazilian Tanager being my personal favourite. I recommend Rick as your guide if you ever should find yourself in his part of the world, not only is he excellent at what he is doing, the prices he charges are well below what you would expect for his level of service – Tommy Pedersen, UAE/Norway.
Female Giant Antshrike. Photo ₢ Michael Riffel.
Green Honeycreeper. Photo ₢ Tommy Pedersen.
Rick was a delight to bird with. His experience and familiarity with the sounds dug us out a lot of birds and at the same time he seemed like just one of the guys. Much more reasonably priced than anyone else I found in SE Brazil. I highly recommend Rick. A most enjoyable trip – Michael Greene, Kentucky.
Rufous-tailed Antbird. Photo ₢ Michael Riffel.
A British transplant to Ubatuba, Rick is a consummate birder, tour guide, and facilitator, not only to the “hard core” birders, but to the novice as well. Rick’s expertise in identifying Brazilian birds by sight and sound was apparent as we birded the various regions on the tour. I specifically appreciated Rick’s desire to get a difficult sighting right even if, on a rare occasion, it took a little time by referring to the field guides and listening again to the call/song on his iPod. Also appreciated by the group was Rick’s quick wit, which made the tour even more pleasurable. I would highly recommend Rick and I look forward to another tour with him – Dennis E. Park, California.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Photo copyright Rick and Elis Simpson.
Our recent 2 ½ weeks in Brazil was quite an experience. Our friends from Sao Paulo, drove us from Sao Paulo north to the island of Ilhabela and then on to Rio. For me, spending several hours with you was perhaps the highlight of the trip- Meeting Jonas, seeing his home, the hummingbirds, the walk through the lush forest, the birds, plants, etc. Your skill at identifying birds by sight and song was a special treat. Thank you for the time spent with us – Paul Knoop, Ohio.
I must mention Rick. He’s great company and knows his patch really well. He’s a great bird guide and if you’re in Ubatuba look him up, get him to show you a few birds. You won’t regret it – Colin Bushell, Toucan Birding Tours, UK.
My best buddy Knut & I have just spent 11 days with Rick in Minas Gerais (and lucky enough to have 3 of them with Elis), and can not even begin to express my contentment with the amazing duo.
Not only did Rick produce all of the local rarities, starting with a group of Brazilian Mergansers, ending with Plovercrest, but his British good humour and various tales from previous trips makes him the ultimate in travelling company.
I have birded with Rick (& sometimes with Elis) on several occasions the last 2 years to various destinations in SE Brazil, and am highly recommending him to anyone venturing to the Atlantic Forest and beyond.
I can only second Tommy’s previous comment about our trip with Rick. It exceeded my expectation in all regards. We birded from sunrise to sunset (or as much as Tommy and I could handle) every day. Very good “Bang for our Reais” indeed. Also, I had the opportunity to extend my trip to make it a full two week journey, ending in Ubatuba. There, we (Rick) found just about every local specialty. I was happy to be able to photograph some dull “skulkers” like a Brasilia Tapaculo as well as spectacular birds putting on a show like the Horned Sungem. Rick made it easy whether we wanted twitch new ticks or spend time taking photos.