Meet the Team Behind Uruguay's Premier Birding Tours

Biologists and Birding Experts Creating Exceptional Birding Tours in Uruguay

At Birding With Me, every tour is designed by passionate birders, biologists, and experienced local guides with an in-depth knowledge of Uruguay's birds, habitats, and seasonal patterns. Our team combines scientific expertise, extensive field experience, and personalized service to create memorable birding experiences tailored to each visitor's interests, goals, and pace.

Founder & Birding Tour Designer

Florencia Ocampo

Flor grew up in a family that valued wildlife, pristine landscapes, and outdoor experiences, which sparked her early interest in the natural world and biodiversity conservation.

As a teenager, she discovered birdwatching while learning about the conservation challenges faced by several of Uruguay’s native bird species. This early interest quickly developed into a lifelong passion, leading her to explore much of the country’s diverse habitats and key birding areas.

She gained extensive experience as a birding guide, co-leading tours alongside international guides and working with visiting groups from abroad. These experiences were key in shaping her approach to designing high-quality, personalized birding tours.

She studied Biological Sciences and graduated specializing in Molecular Biology. Alongside her academic work, she participated in research and conservation projects, including studies involving the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata).

In 2014, she founded Birding With Me with the aim of sharing Uruguay’s natural heritage through carefully designed birding experiences. Today, she focuses on creating tailor-made itineraries based on her extensive field experience and deep knowledge of the country’s birds and ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on conservation and personalized service.

Flor has been featured in interviews about her work in the birding world.

Explore more through the links below:

Women watching birds. The Conversation - BBC World Service.2022.

"Women Birding Guides: A growing trend" Article by Bryony Angell. Bird Watcher's Digest.2022.

Birding Tour Leader

Rafael Tosi

Rafa grew up in southwestern Uruguay, where an early interest in nature led him to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences. After studying paleontology as an undergraduate student, he completed a Master’s degree in Zoology. His research focused on the ecological interactions between the Shiny Cowbird, an obligate brood parasite, and the Rufous Hornero, two characteristic species of the region.

He went on to work in research projects and environmental impact assessments throughout Uruguay, gaining extensive field experience and developing a deep understanding of the country’s birds, habitats, and ecosystems.

Rafa is one of Uruguay’s most experienced birding guides. He is highly skilled at locating target species and has extensive knowledge of the country’s key birding areas. An avid eBird user and honorary member of eBird Uruguay, he stays up to date with recent sightings and birding activity across the country.

A native English speaker, known for combining strong scientific expertise with excellent field skills, as well as an engaging and approachable guiding style that is consistently appreciated by visiting birders.

Today, Rafa is a key member of the Birding With Me guiding team, contributing his experience and knowledge to create high-quality birding experiences in Uruguay.

Rafa has been featured in interviews about his work in ornithology and conservation.

Explore more through the links below:

Rufous Horneros: Unseen Images of Their Habits and Unmistakable Nests.

Interview with Rafael Tosi, local birdwatching guide, during the 2026 Birding & Wine Tour, on Radio Milenium "Esperando el Sol."

Birding Tour Leader

Mauricio Silvera

Mauri is a highly skilled birding guide and undergraduate student in Biological Sciences, actively involved in research and conservation projects across Uruguay. His work extends beyond birds to include a strong interest in habitats, ecology, and native wildlife, giving him a broad and integrated understanding of the country’s natural systems.

He has extensive field experience in many of Uruguay’s key birding areas, where he has developed strong skills in locating target species across a wide range of habitats. An accomplished bird photographer, Mauri understands the expectations of wildlife photographers and is skilled at helping them achieve their photographic goals in the field. He is also part of the eBird Uruguay records review team, regularly using recent sightings and updated field data to inform and enhance his guiding work.

His guiding style is characterized by patience, enthusiasm, and attentiveness to the needs and interests of each group. He is particularly skilled at adapting to different levels of birding experience, ensuring that both dedicated birders, bird photographers, and more general nature travelers have a rewarding experience in the field.

Today, Mauri is a key member of the Birding With Me guiding team, contributing his field knowledge, photographic expertise, and commitment to delivering high-quality, personalized birding experiences throughout Uruguay.

Mauri has been featured in interviews about his birding experience in Uruguay. Explore more through the links below:

BBC News Mundo - El joven uruguayo que busca al misterioso urutaú...

Mauricio Silvera: in search of the Urutaú

Commited to birds, nature and local communities

Birding With Purpose

At Birding With Me, we believe that birding tourism should create lasting benefits for both nature and local communities. Whenever possible, we choose locally owned accommodations, giving our guests the opportunity to experience authentic Uruguayan hospitality while supporting local families and small businesses. Many of our hosts are actively involved in conservation initiatives, sustainable farming, or the preservation of local traditions, adding a unique cultural dimension to every journey.

We also work closely with local guides whose knowledge of the region's birds, habitats, and wildlife greatly enriches the birding experience. Our own guiding team is made up of biologists and experienced birders actively involved in research and conservation projects across Uruguay.

By choosing Birding With Me, our guests help support a model of tourism that values biodiversity conservation, local knowledge, and the sustainable development of rural communities.

Testimonials & Media

2022

Women watching birds

The Conversation - BBC World Service

Ornithologists from Zimbabwe and Uruguay discuss their passion for birdlife with Beatriz de la Pava.

Listen now!

Birding guide Florencia Ocampo BBC interview

"Women Birding Guides: A growing trend" Article by Bryony Angell. Bird Watcher's Digest. Click here to download the article.

Interview with birding guide Florencia Ocampo for Bird Watcher's Digest.

Uruguay Birding Guide Florencia Ocampo and Nigel Marven

With Nigel Marven . February 2020. Montevideo, Uruguay

2020 “It's only the second time we see so many species in a country (the other time was in Costa Rica). All was well organized and we really enjoyed your company, and the company of the people who joined us (Fernando, Serrana, Dario, and Laura)”

Jérémie de Albuquerque & Caroline Ducasse. France.

2020 L'Uruguay, vraiment? LPO Info Printemps 2020 N°29. By Jérémie de Albuquerque

2019 “Bird Guiding in Uruguay with Florencia Ocampo". Article by Bryony Angell

2019 “Florencia was no less than outstanding at knowing where to find birds of particular species, how to coax them into view, how to point them out to clients when it was difficult to see them, and explaining their ecology and life histories to clients”

George S. Bloom, Ph.D. University of Virginia

2017 "I communicated with Florencia by email and she put together an amazing, custom 15-day tour that exceeded all my expectations. In addition to seeing over 200 species of birds, I enjoyed learning so much about the history and culture of Uruguay. I met many amazing people, visited a variety of habitats, stayed in a variety of accommodations, and enjoyed delicious traditional food. Florencia worked tirelessly to make every part of the trip enjoyable. As a biologist I was impressed with how much she knew about not only the birds but all the plants and animals we encountered. Although much smaller than its large neighbors, Brazil and Argentina, the country is safe, easy to navigate, and has a variety of habitats, home to over 450 species of birds. In my opinion, Uruguay is an undiscovered gem in South America".

William J. Pohley, PhD. USA.

wpohley@franklincollege.edu

2016 “My first opportunity to do some birding in South America was during a business trip to Uruguay in October 2012. We only had one day which coincided with a rain storm, which later developed into a hurricane. Despite the bad weather, Florencia showed me over 70 different species, most of which were new to me. So, when the opportunity to return to Uruguay came up in May 2016, I did not hesitate to hire Florencia again; this time for two full days. Florencia can not only identify the birds by sight, but she is also familiar with their calls and songs. Particularly important for me with my poor eyesight is her ability to point out or describe the exact location of our quarry. Above all, Florencia is great company and an absolute pleasure to be with. We are now good friends and I can’t wait to go birding with her again.”

Ian Misslebrook. UK.