Hi everyone!
My name is Jon Ruddy, and I am an Ottawa-based field birder & freelance birding guide, specializing in birding tours throughout eastern Ontario. 2020 marks my fifth year as a professional bird guide and I’m more in love with birds by the day. I am a real bird nerd at heart! I enjoy reading older texts in search of fascinating tidbits about bird behaviour, migration, breeding biology and general avian natural history. While in the field, I take every opportunity to share the information I have learned through study. I first became interested in birds while studying under the tutelage of Carleton University professor and naturalist, Michael Runtz. From 2012-2014, I worked as a field biologist, conducting bird surveys in southern Ontario, southern James Bay, and throughout Manitoba and the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley. Throughout that same time, I led walks for both the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club (OFNC), Macnamara Field-Naturalists’ Club (MFNC), and Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO). I found that I derive no greater pleasure than seeing birders light up as they observe interesting bird behaviour, a particular species for the first time, or admire beautiful plumage details. Expect in-field and out-of-field consultation on all things birding. As soon as a birder becomes a client, they are included in the group emails I share with clients containing tidbits about migration timing, where and when to see certain bird species, as well as all sorts of fieldcraft tips.
Good birding and happy trails in 2020,
Jon
Photo: My lovely wife and I enjoying Lilacs in Franktown, Ontario. 30 May 2020.
Contact Information
Jon Ruddy
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
1-613-558-6821
More about Me
Myers-Briggs Personality Type: INFP
Birthdate: May 9, 1985
Interests: Reading about birds (especially older texts), adding to my birding library, studying bird songs and calls, Formula 1 Auto Racing, road running, trail running, fishing, hiking, dining, reading, Ontario travel and general sightseeing.
Strengths: Careful listener, open-minded and patient
Weaknesses: Sometimes a touch idealistic, and, I guess, stubborn!
A good night out: Dinner and a really bad movie
A good night in: Reading about birds while listening to music
Likes: Goodwill toward others and artistic expression
Favourite movie director: Stanley Kubrick
Favourite artwork: Romanticism and Victorian
Instrument of choice: Acoustic guitar
Favourite food groups: Seafood and Italian
Coffee: Dark roast with honey and a touch of cream
Pet: A “Schnorkie” (Schnauzer x Yorkshire Terrier) named Howie.
Favourite bird: Yellow-throated Vireo