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Bio

Faraaz Abdool is a wildlife photographer, author, speaker, birding guide, and environmental advocate from Trinidad & Tobago. His photographs and writings have been widely published both digitally and in print. His first book, Casual Birding in Trinidad & Tobago was released in 2020 and received widespread praise. Faraaz also provides birding tourism consultancy services for eco-lodges wishing to attract a birding clientele.

 

He has delivered talks to various birding clubs and Audubon chapters across the US on topics ranging from the birding experience in T&T to the philosophy of Casual Birding. He has appeared on radio shows and podcasts in various countries; interviews with him have been published in Audubon Magazine and all major national newspapers in Trinidad & Tobago. Faraaz also voluntarily works for Learn-the-Birds, a South African company dedicated to spreading accessible knowledge of birds throughout the world. Via this platform, he has conducted paid bird photography masterclasses, facilitated free educational webinars, and hosted a monthly livestream entitled Bird is the Word featuring guests from many different countries, with a special emphasis on the global south.

 

His roundabout journey began with a deep love for nature as a child followed by several years of intense mathematics and science. After working for a few years as an electrical engineer, Faraaz abandoned that profession to put all his efforts into the conservation and protection of the natural world. Today, he remains as captivated by nature as he was decades ago; he seeks to impart that love to any and every person possible in a bid to save the world.

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Interviews & Appearances

Positive Vibez with Dr. Chan

May 2017

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Wild Tobago

Wildlife as Faraaz sees it

February 2018

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Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds Radio Show & Podcast #808

November 2020

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Trinidad Express Newspaper

The Wonderful World of Birding

January 2021

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I Saw a Bird with Audubon: Ep 16

January 2021

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I Saw a Bird with Audubon: Ep 19

April 2021

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The Casual Birder Podcast

#98 A Focus on Birders: A Conversation with Faraaz Abdool

May 2021

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The Casual Birder Podcast

Bird Chat with Christa Rolls and Faraaz Abdool

July 2021

My son and I had the pleasure of birding with Faraaz during my visit to Trinidad & Tobago, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Faraaz is not just a birding guide; he is a true steward of nature, with a deep commitment to ethical birding practices and a profound understanding of Trinidad & Tobago's diverse ecosystems.

 

Faraaz's skill in identifying birds is unmatched. His knowledge is not just about names and plumage but extends to the behaviors, habitats, and conservation status of each species.

 

What sets Faraaz apart is his calm demeanor and his wisdom in understanding the connections between nature and humans. He emphasizes the importance of being least intrusive while birding, ensuring that your presence as a birder does not disturb the natural environment. I found Faraaz's emphasis on giving back to nature in some form inspirational, whether that is through educating people about the challenges that our avian friends face or by getting involved in conservation-focused initiatives in his beautiful country.

 

Personally, I felt a deep connection with Faraaz; he is truly a kindred spirit. Our shared musical tastes only added to the enjoyment of our time together, making the experience even more memorable and enriching.

 

Overall, our experience with Faraaz was not just about birdwatching; it was a transformative journey into the heart of Trinidad & Tobago's natural beauty. If you're looking for an exceptional birding experience guided by someone who truly cares about the environment, look no further than Faraaz.

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Ankur Khurana

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