Meet the staff of Kolibri Expeditions
Meet the crew. We are producing more birders.
It is high time to present to you our staff for the season 2009-2010. Here is the Kolibri Expeditions family and the latest additions to the pool of future Peruvian birders. This is a great Peruvian company with high spirits and friendship although quite small in size. You must get to know all the people that are involved in the operation of our successful birdwatching holidays. I enclose the birthdays of everyone if you want to send your saludos to us (hihi!) once a year.
Commander in chief
Gunnar, Luciana and Elia
Gunnar Engblom (Jul 25, 1960) – that is me. No need for too much information if you are already reading this blog. Just check the About Gunnar Engblom and Kolibri Expeditions page. In BirdingPeru news 6 I presented my daughter Luciana born Jan 26, 2007. Recently on July 31st this year her sister Anahi was born. In the same newsletter I have also presented my wife Elia Gallo, who is a good dentist from prestigious Cayetano Herredia University in Lima. Be sure to let us know if you would like to combine inexpensive quality dental treatment in Peru with birding or other touring.
Anahi Engblom Gallo 2 months old
More birds need more birders.
It is time to present some of our other collaborators. Many of us are producing offspring. The Peruvian birdguides of the future are secured. I have not yet all the photos wanted for this article, so come back in a few days to see the additions.
Office:
Jorge Quevedo
Jorge Quevedo (Jul 20, 1954) is the office manager doing almost everything you can think of, except guiding birders. Jorge has two grown-up boys in their early twenties.
Antonio Hurtado Account.
Antonio Hurtado (Nov 17, 1975) keeps our accounting in order. Serene and practical. No kids in sight.
Andres Garcia Programmer.
Andres Garcia (Feb 21, 1985) is programmer and is responsible for the birding peru data base and the Kolibri Expeditions web-site. Here Luciana tries to teach Andres about birds.
Drivers:
Julio Benites
Julio Benites (Jul 24, 1969). King of the roads in Peru, our mechanic and extremely skilled driver is a favorite among our clients. Her e is Julio on tour in Chile.
Julio's two sons. Rodrigo (Oct 18, 2007) and Piero (Jun 19, 1996). Piero has already accompanied dad on some trips and enjoys the birds.
Juan Jose Villanueva
Juan Jose Villanueva (Jan 7, 1972) often drives our Lima excursions. He has a daughter Diana who just turned 1 on Sep 22. From the Diana's birthday-party I can't resist to include this cute flick of Diana walking over the floor towards the camera below.
Bird Guides:
Alex Duran (Apr 22, 1973) is now leading guide for Kolibri Expeditions. He is one of the sharpest birders in Peru and especially strong in the rain forest. He never quits. From 2010 Alex guides exclusively for Kolibri Expedions.
Alex's son Mayer was born Abr 15, 2009. Alex’s wife Sara is also studying to become a guide. Sara has been helping us with practical details in Cusco as well as cooking for some Manu groups.
Alejandro Tello
Alejandro Tello (May 31, 1968) guides many of our groups in Lima and Junin. Alejandro is a recognised photographer and well known wetland conservationist. No kids yet, an but amorous trip with partner to Colombia recently may have sown some seeds.
Antonio Coral
Antonio Coral who also guides in the SE rain forest and Central Peru got married to Ant researcher PhD laureate Megan Frederickson a few years ago. He spends half the year in the Amazon and the other half in US or Canada. No plans for kids for now.
Antonio Coral is native from Puerto Maldonado and has interesting stories to tell. Once a Puma entered the boat when he was working as motorist in Tambopata.
Juan Jose Chalco
Juan Jose Chalco (Feb 26, 1964) guides Southern Peruvian Andes around Arequipa and Puno, as well as Central and Northern Peru.
Juan Jose's son Juan Ignacio (Oct 29, 2006) is almost the same age as my Luciana.
Ashley Banwell
Ashley Banwell (Aug 16, 1969) is responsible for our forth-coming Asia, New Guinea and Africa programs (shall be uploaded within a few days). Ash has also guided extensively in Peru in the past. Here he is at the British BirdFair at Rutland representing Kolibri Expeditions with his wife Claudia and Kim Arut of Kumul Lodge on Papua New Guinea. Ashley and Claudia are expecting a daughter in February 2010.
