NT Bird Specialists

We went on a 4 day tour in August comprising sites around Darwin , Fogg Dam, several spots in Kakadu and Pine Creek. Luke our guide was knowledgeable personable flexible tolerant observant and proficient at once. As birders with some experience we saw many new birds including red goshawk (!) and other NT specialties.There were less experienced people in our party well catered to and the food was surprisingly fresh delicious (and healthy) for an outback tour.We are definitely hoping to do another tour with NTBS in the future…!

Luke is an incredible guide. His knowledge of birds, his ability to listen and find them and the locations he takes you too are just incredible. We had such an amazing Finch Frenzy trip. On top of all of this he is just a great fun person to be around. Couldn't have asked for more. Such a professional specialist tour company.

I have gone on multiple tours with Luke now and he is excellent. His knowledge in birds, wildlife and flora is unfathomable. He is always full of smiles and goes the extra mile to make sure all his guests are happy. I cannot recommend NT Bird Specialists enough!

We have had the good fortune to have experienced guided birding tours in many countries. In July 2022, we joined a birding tour of the Northern Territory and part of Western Australia led by Luke Paterson of Northern Territory Birding Specialists. This ranks as one of our best birding tours.We were impressed with• Luke’s leadership, personality, and overall birding expertise.• The outstanding preliminary organisation and communication by Luke and his wife, Sarah. Transport, food, and accommodation were of a high standard. Luke had great empathy and understanding of everyone.• The way the daily programme provided not only great birding, but included nature tourism, and the local histories and cultures of the indigenous people.• How our group of individuals became a team with everyone helping each other. The more experienced and expert members willingly mentored those who were relatively new to birding. Luke’s positive leadership contributed to this.We have no hesitation in recommending Northern Territory Bird Specialists to all birders. We loved everything about Luke, Sarah, and their Company!

We can't speak too highly of Luke, Sarah and Northern Territory Birding Specialists. In July 2022 we did the 10 day Ultimate Top End Birding Adventure with Luke. He is everything the other reviews say he is - professional, organised, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, caring.... He not only knows his birds and where to find them, but his patience and attention to every member of the group meant we all saw them well and time was given for photography. All communication and planning were faultless, the accommodation and food were of a high standard, and the transport was very comfortable. The provision of food for breakfast and lunches in the field surpassed anything we have had on birding trips with other companies. We saw an amazing number of birds, came face to face with Aboriginal rock art, and Luke spotted unusual creatures for us. The atmosphere he created resulted meant a very happy and united group of birders. The early morning drive to the finches' water hole was a special highlight that should not be missed. We highly recommend NT Birding Specialists and hope to join Luke again on another birding adventure.

What a great trip to see our target birds (hooded parrot and Gouldian finches) thanks to Luke’s expertise and knowledge of the area and birds. We had a most enjoyable time travelling with Luke and thanks to Sarah’s work behind the scenes it all went perfectly. Will certainly be using NT Bird Specialists again.

I did the Finch Frenzy trip in July 2022 and I can highly recommend the trip and NT Bird Specialists who do a fantastic job on every front - organisation, good food, good company and an energetic and passionate guide in Luke who will make sure you see 'that' bird if it is humanly possible!

This is my second trip with NT Bird Specialist. I will be back again as soon as I can! Both Luke and Sarah were excellent in the organisation and in the tour, everything went well. On my first trip there I got 56 new birds, last trip I got 42 new birds! A remarkable achievement for me! I was able to obtain birds which I thought were impossible to even find, but Luke guided me to the right areas. I am not a good photographer and I do not recognise bird call at all, so Luke skills, knowledge and competencies were a blessing for me. I was able to obtain pictures of birds such as little kingfisher, black bittern, rainbow pitta, red goshawk, Gouldian finch, and sandstone shrike-thrush. The accommodation was excellent, and the explanation of aboriginal drawings was well done. I gained may insights into aboriginal culture and conservation through this tour. Plus, he is a good cook as well!Luke is renowned for his spotting skills. When we were on a trip with about 20 other people and the guide from the Yellow River Water Cruise, who mentioned the golden tree snakes often chase eggs from birds, Luke said he could see one on the shore. We were about 40 meters from the shore, and no-one could see it. Luke insisted that it was there and so we went closer to have a look. By the time we were 10 metres away, a few said they could see it, when we were 2 metres away, most could see it, I eventually found it!! The snake was less than 60 cm long.I have been on birding trips around Australia, most were great, this was outstanding!

This is a once in life time experience. As a keen birder I was amazed by the knowledge and experience shown by the tour guide in finding and identifying new bird species to our group.Our guide Luke Paterson was only too happy to go the extra yard to ensure the experience was a memorable one. I think we came back with about 40 new species that were photographed and recorded.The highlights of our private tour were the 2 river cruises that gave a great insight into Kakadu and its diverse environment and wildlife.During our tour Luke Paterson was extremely professional giving equal time to the each and every photographer on tour.The purpose built vehicle was excellent for our needs and Luke gave constant information as we traveled along. A real learning experience from a man who is passionate in what he is doing. And for this I would recommend this tour for the young and old.

I have been on two trips now with Luke. On both occasions, I have been amazed by his knowledge of birds and where to find them! Also got some great photography tips. I'm looking forward to the next trip now