Roger is a Panamanian bird guide and field naturalist from Bocas del Toro. He grew up in the small community of California, on the edge of San San Pond Sak Wetland National Park, where his love for wetland birds began.
Before turning to birds, Roger was part of field research teams and spent years exploring Panama’s mountains. That work led to the discovery of Bolitoglossa cathyledecae, a salamander that is endemic and endangered. As a birder, he has helped add five new species to Panama’s national bird list and has documented new records in the west of the country. He is a member of Panama’s National Bird Records Committee and a specialist in the Pacific and Caribbean highlands, wetlands and lowlands.
Roger is also one of Panama’s leading sound recordists, with a trained ear that often finds birds before anyone sees them, and a volunteer regional eBird reviewer.
His commitment to conservation goes beyond fieldwork. For years he has worked as an environmental educator in Panama, and he has taken part, as a regional representative, in several national management plans for migratory birds and shorebirds.
He works at Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge, where he has gained extensive field guiding experience leading birders from around the world. As a Naturetrek leader, Roger brings the eye of a scientist and the patience of a local guide, helping you find Panama’s most elusive birds and understand the ecosystems they live in.
