John Carter, Letchworth Garden City, England

I have just returned from an memorable family holiday to Florida made all the more special by having the chance to spend a days birding with Gallus and Beck. And what a brilliant day it was. Gallus was a bit worried that Hurricane Florence, which hit land in Virginia, was stopping many birds from moving south. In the end everything worked out just fine. We stopped first of all for a bird that I had always wanted to see  – Bachmans Sparrow. Within minutes we had it under the belt and great views as well. We then headed for Merritt Island where, as well getting some excellent sightings of birds I had seen on previous visits to Florida, Gallus and Beck provided me with 15 lifers including Florida Scrub Jay, Reddish Egret,  Oven bird, Northern Parula, White eyed Vireo, Mottled duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Stilt Sandpiper and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Gallus’s knowledge of birdsong was nothing short of amazing and an invaluable tool in locating birds whose call I simply did not recognise (or, in same cases, even hear!) Beck’s butterfly identification skill was incredible and I felt guilty in only being able to catch quick glimpses of some truly stupendous butterflies whilst engaged in some serious birding. I have been birding for over 45 years now and had the opportunity to see some fantastic birds in some truly amazing places and with some wonderful people. Gallus and Beck are some of these ‘wonderful people’. They are simply good to be with. I cannot recommend their services enough. They know the area, they know the birds and they know just how to keep a visiting birder with a smile on his face! I will definitely book up another birding adventure with them when I am next in Florida.
John Carter – Letchworth Garden City, England.