Testimonials

As part of a multi-organization effort to provide training opportunities for Natural Resource Management professionals to learn more about upland and riparian habitats, Cliff has been an invaluable resource (both in the outdoor and indoor classrooms) to help everyone involved better understand and appreciate the local bird species and their respective habitat needs. In addition to truly being a subject matter expert, he uses his sense of humor to keep people’s attention and interest. He has been easy to work with, reliable, and helpful in planning and facilitating these trainings [for USDA NRCS field staff]. I would highly recommend him for your training needs regardless of your audience’s knowledge levels on birds.

Thomas S. Janke

Gouldbusk, TX

State Coordinator – Texas, Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever

Cliff was hired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct annual bird point count surveys at Little Sandy National Wildlife Refuge (“Refuge”) in Wood Co., TX, and has completed them for several years. Cliff’s expertise and knowledge in identifying birds by sight and sound was needed to conduct these surveys. His accurate identification of bird species and thorough data collection while conducting these surveys has been critical to annually monitor the distribution, abundance, and relative use of focal bird species in the landscape within the Refuge. Cliff is very professional and dependable, and he currently continues to conduct the annual bird point count surveys at the Refuge [and the Neches River NWR northeast of Palestine, TX]. His survey work is providing biological data that will be used to help inform future management decisions at the Refuge. The service Cliff provides has exceeded expectations and is a great resource for the Refuge.

David Weaver (Retired)

Broken Bow, OK

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The first time we hired Cliff was for a TxDOT highway widening project which also had paperwork requirements.  Cliff was timely, handled the field work, and is now our go-to guy for our bird surveys.

Michael Nickel

Austin, TX

Operations Manager, Digg Commercial, LLC

My wife and I have embarked on a mission of restoring 250 acres of hardwood bottomland in Southeast Texas. Wanting to take a holistic approach, Cliff was referred by our forestry agent to help identify the avian species on our property and assess their habitat needs. As we toured the property with Cliff during the initial survey, I was truly amazed by the depth of his knowledge regarding the birds and all of the intricacies of their environment. Around each corner was something new that I had never noticed. We both found Cliff to be very personable and fun to be around. He is a patient and effective educator and his service far exceeded our expectations. Most importantly he has helped us develop a solid foundational plan for our restoration project.   

Dr. Richard Fugler

Lake Jackson, TX

Landowner, Brazoria Co., TX

Cliff has been instrumental in the continued management of our endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Scrappin’ Valley and has introduced me to the world of the state-threatened Bachman’s Sparrow. He once lured one of these sparrows to within 20’ of my group and then gave us an overview of the bird. He is a great resource to have for any landowner who is curious about what wildlife they have and how to increase their numbers.

Rufus Duncan

Lufkin, TX

Landowner, Scrappin’ Valley, Newton Co., TX

Over the years, Cliff has given me an appreciation for birds, and truly all of nature, from his numerous visits, field trips, and presentations. He has led field trips identifying birds and habitat while suggesting ways to improve the habitat. He has assembled teams doing field surveys of sparrows and other grassland birds across the Daphne Prairie Preserve – a virgin prairie in Northeast Texas. I have gained an appreciation of the threats to grassland birds and how my actions in providing cover and maintaining native vegetation are essential for the existence of so many species. Cliff has a great eye for birds and can express and explain how a landscape will be enhanced and improved for birds, other wildlife, and people. I am a much better birder thanks to my friendship with Cliff.

BF Hicks

Mt Vernon, TX

Landowner, Daphne Prairie Preserve, Franklin Co., TX