Chris Benesh grew up birding in California. After earning his degree in zoology, Chris joined the Field Guides staff, and his life underwent a wonderful transformation. The intervening years at Field Guides have taken him to many corners of the world and across both the Arctic and Antarctic circles!
Chris's passion for education has led to his serving on the Arizona Bird Committee, leading the occasional workshop, and--we must add--thoroughly explaining in admirable detail the nuances of flycatchers to tour participants and colleagues alike. Chris's schedule includes tours to many parts of North America, Panama, Mexico, Australia, and occasionally Peru. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.
Scroll down to see Chris's current schedule of tours.
Client comment
"Chris makes birding extra fun. His birding style and talent and good humor and helpfulness ensure a great trip for participants with varying levels of birding experience. I hope to travel with him in the future." A.B., SPAIN: LA MANCHA, COTO DONANA & EXTREMADURA
"Field Guides is always our favourite tour company, and we decided it would be nice to escape the northwest winter for a while. We are always keen to travel with Chris, and there were several of the more difficult Texas species that we'd not previously seen that were on the list for this trip. We got them all. An excellent overall experience. Guide Chris Benesh was super as ever..." B.M., SPRING IN SOUTH TEXAS
"I chose Field Guides, in part, because the company had great reviews. My tour experience was great. The guides were very knowledgable and committed. The group gelled well and we had a lot of fun. Chris Benesh was a fantastic guide -- he brought a supreme birding knowledge and wealth of guiding experience along with patience and a sense of humor. He made the trip fun as well as informative. This was my first birding trip and it was fantastic! I would definitely go on another Field Guides Tour." R.H., PANAMA'S CANOPY LODGE
Chris's Upcoming Tours
May 7-16, 2025 ($4125) with Chris Benesh & Alex Sundvall
Tour Limit: 7
One of the most exciting destinations in North America with a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery.
Jun 5-21, 2025 ($13575) with Chris Benesh & Alex Sundvall
Tour Limit: 14
Our fabulous survey of the best of Alaska birding: the Pribilofs, Kenai Fjords, Nome, and Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow).
Jun 23-30, 2025 ($4325) with Chris Benesh
Tour Limit: 7
A chance to spend the better part of a week birding in one of the subarctic's most famous hotspots!
Jul 19-28, 2025 ($4250) with Chris Benesh
Tour Limit: 7
An ideal time for visiting one of the best birding regions in North America: great for local specialties and Mexican vagrants.
Sep 4-13, 2025 ($5225) with Chris Benesh
Tour Limit: 7
A diverse mix of West Coast specialties, montane species, and pelagics in rugged and scenic sites.
Sep 26 - Oct 16, 2025 - Part One ($11225) with Chris Benesh & Alex Sundvall
Tour Limit: 12
In two parts for those with limited time. Part I covers the environs of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, southwest Australia, and Alice Springs. Part II begins in Darwin and continues to Queensland (Cairns, Atherton Tableland, Outback Queensland, and O'Reilly's Guest House). Both parts combine for a complete birding tour of Australia. An optional endemic-rich extension to Tasmania follows Part II.
Nov 21-29, 2025 ($4850) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 8
Two wonderful lodges for a rewarding tropical birding experience in this English-speaking country, including some regional specialties. Great as an intro to or continuation of your Neotropical birding.
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 ($4725) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 8
A superb introduction to Neotropical birds or a complement to your broader Middle American birding, all based at a charming lodge.
Jan 22-31, 2026 - Part One (To be determined / 2025=$4225) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 12
A two-parted tour to this bird-rich country exploring sites and birds not covered on our March or holiday tours.
Jan 30 - Feb 8, 2026 - Part Two (To be determined / 2025=$4350) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 12
A two-parted tour to this bird-rich country exploring sites and birds not covered on our March or holiday tours.
Mar 1-8, 2026 (To be determined / 2025=$3550) with Chris Benesh & Doug Gochfeld
Tour Limit: 14
Superb birding with two dozen Mexican endemics and fascinating ruins while based in lovely Oaxaca City.
May be combined with Mexico: Enchanted Chiapas or Mexico: Oaxaca's Atlantic & Pacific Slopes
Mar 30 - Apr 25, 2026 ($11350) with Chris Benesh
Tour Limit: 10
Exceptional seabirding opportunities on this re-positioning cruise that includes South Georgia, the Tristan da Cunha island group, and St. Helena.
May 14-27, 2026 (To be determined / 2025=$7675) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 11
A superb itinerary from the capital to the Arctic Circle, following the flow of spring migration in search of displaying grouse, nesting owls, lekking Ruffs, and special mammals, including Wolverines.
Jun 6-22, 2026 (To be determined / 2025=$13575) with Chris Benesh & Alex Sundvall
Tour Limit: 14
Our fabulous survey of the best of Alaska birding: the Pribilofs, Kenai Fjords, Nome, and Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow).
Jul 25 - Aug 3, 2026 (To be determined / 2025=$4250) with Chris Benesh & Alex Sundvall
Tour Limit: 7
An ideal time for visiting one of the best birding regions in North America: great for local specialties and Mexican vagrants.
Sep 10-19, 2026 (To be determined / 2025=$5225) with Chris Benesh
Tour Limit: 7
A diverse mix of West Coast specialties, montane species, and pelagics in rugged and scenic sites.
Sep 25 - Oct 15, 2026 - Part One (To be determined / 2025=$11225) with Chris Benesh & Alex Sundvall
Tour Limit: 12
In two parts for those with limited time. Part I covers the environs of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, southwest Australia, and Alice Springs. Part II begins in Darwin and continues to Queensland (Cairns, Atherton Tableland, Outback Queensland, and O'Reilly's Guest House). Both parts combine for a complete birding tour of Australia. An optional endemic-rich extension to Tasmania follows Part II.
Nov 20-28, 2026 (To be determined / 2025=$4850) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 8
Two wonderful lodges for a rewarding tropical birding experience in this English-speaking country, including some regional specialties. Great as an intro to or continuation of your Neotropical birding.
Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027 (To be determined / 2025=$4725) with Chris Benesh & local guide
Tour Limit: 8
A superb introduction to Neotropical birds or a complement to your broader Middle American birding, all based at a charming lodge.