Matt is a native of the Land of Enchantment whose fascination with birds began early—sparked by a Cooper’s Hawk gliding over the playground during recess. That moment set him on a path of lifelong curiosity. Today, he continues to explore every corner of New Mexico, deepening his understanding of avian distribution across the state and the broader Southwest.
Matt earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New Mexico, where his research focused on stable isotope composition in birds and small mammals across elevational gradients. He has also participated in multiple field expeditions to South America with the Museum of Southwestern Biology, broadening his experience with Neotropical bird communities.
Deeply involved in the regional ornithological community, Matt serves on the New Mexico Bird Records Committee, works as a statewide eBird reviewer, and helps compile seasonal reports for North American Birds. He is also the vice president of the New Mexico Ornithological Society and a Research Associate at the Museum of Southwestern Biology.
Matt brings a meticulous, science-driven approach to his guiding, paired with genuine enthusiasm for sharing the unique birdlife of the Southwest with birders of all backgrounds.
