Leaders
Mark Finn lives on the Black Isle in Scotland and is the principal leader of Birdwatching Breaks, having formed the company in May 1987. In 2005, Mark set up Black Isle Birding for tours based in Scotland. Mark originally trained in hotel management and catering before pursuing careers in the Merchant Navy, industrial catering and, finally, as a sales representative. He has travelled widely in search of birds both whilst leading trips and on reconnaissance trips for future tours. His travels have taken him to a wide variety of destinations around the world. Mark is also a member of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. In between leading tours, Mark deals with the administration work of Birdwatching Breaks. He has a keen interest in sport, particularly cricket and soccer, and enjoys wine and good food.
Kent Ove Hvass lives and works in Skovde in central Sweden. For many years he has worked in education, however his main passion is for the birds that reside on and around Lake Hornborga, where he spents much of his time studying owls, woodpeckers and the annual migration of cranes.
Abdoulie Jallow lives in the coastal city of Mbour, Senegal with his family. Abdoulie has a lifelong passion for birdwatching which was kindled in his younger years watching flocks of Red-billed Queleas. This encounter still affects him today. After the completion of his senior secondary school education he underwent a training course under the government Department of Wildlife and Parks. This helped sharpen his skills and knowledge about Senegal's flora and fauna. Outside birding Abdoulie enjoys cooking, learning other cultures, reading bird books and watching wildlife documentaries. Abdoulie is also multi-lingual and speaks French, English, German and four domestic languages namely Fula, Mandingka, Wollof and Jola.
Kiwako Minami lives in Sapporo on Hokkaido, the most northerly of the main Japanese islands. Kiwa, as she is fondly known, is just starting out on her birding career. Among her many strengths are her outstanding understanding of the English language and the humour associated with it. Kiwa is an essential part of our Japan tours, making sure that everything runs to perfection and ensuring guests gain a fascinating insight into Japanese life.
Simon Papps lives in Waltham Abbey, Essex. Simon is a vastly experienced birder having travelled to more than 50 countries in pursuit of birds. He was formerly sub-editor at Birdwatch magazine, the highly respected monthly publication for birders. Currently, he works as publisher for natural history books at New Holland Publishers based in London. Away from birding, Simon enjoys all sports, but particularly kayaking, running, mountain biking and football.
