Keith Clayton grew up in southern New Jersey, where his love for the outdoors and birds began early. His mother enrolled him in Nature School, and he joined every Christmas Bird Count and FeederWatch project as soon as he was tall enough to see out the window on his own. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for birds and conservation, eventually leading him to earn a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation from Delaware Valley University and an M.Sc. in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Unity Environmental University.
Keith began working professionally with wildlife in 2019. During his academic years, he conducted research on avian nest predation and water quality along the Schuylkill River. His more recent projects have focused on wildlife corridor ecology, American Kestrel breeding success, and how bird species interact with cell towers across the tri-state region. This blend of fieldwork and applied research has given him a deep understanding of bird behavior, habitat use, and the conservation issues affecting local species.
In 2025, Keith expanded his role in conservation, becoming a Distance Education Professor at Unity Environmental University and the Conservation and Research Coordinator for a nonprofit in Medford, New Jersey. He also serves as an Environmental Commissioner in his hometown and as the Research Chair for the New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators.
As a guide with American Birding Guides, Keith brings lifelong passion, regional expertise, and a research-driven approach to every outing. He aims to help birders not only find and identify birds, but also understand the ecological and conservation stories behind them.
