Ornithologists in Residence

At Bird Club, we’re serious about birding and protecting wildlife habitats, and that’s why we have ornithologists on our team. We also think they don't get the shine they deserve, and want to highlight some of the amazing work they're doing. They help us stay on top of the latest bird science and bird conservation, and patiently answer our mountains of questions. 

Every time you submit data to eBird—they’re valuable data points, contributing to the collective knowledge of bird populations and behaviors. With experts guiding us and our commitment to data-driven birding, we'll be able to think about new ways to observe biodiversity, and make valuable choices about where to go. 

Luke L. Powell, PhD

Meet Luke L. Powell, PhD, an intrepid ornithologist and conservation ecologist at CIBIO/BIOPOLIS in Portugal, where he spearheads the renowned RAINFORESTS research group. Luke's journey into the world of birds began amidst the boreal forests of North America, where he delved into the intricate lives of the rare and vanishing Rusty Blackbird.

After first stepping foot in the Amazon in 2005 (where he studied macaw use of clay licks), he was hooked on the tropics. He did his PhD research in the Brazilian Amazon, seeking to understand which birds are most vulnerable to rainforest degradation and how long it takes them to return when cattle pasture is abandoned to the forest. poorly-known birds of Equatorial Guinea, in Central Africa, which veered his career towards the Afrotropics. 

Venturing deeper into uncharted territories, and armed with a National Geographic grant, he ventured into the heart of Equatorial Guinea in Central Africa to study its poorly known avian treasures, birthing his fervent dedication to conservation and exploration in the Afrotropics.

Luke's boundless curiosity then led him to Cameroon, where he explored the intricate interplay between birds, bats, and insects in cocoa farms, unraveling the vital role they play in pest control and pollination. Returning to Equatorial Guinea, Luke now immerses himself in the captivating world of ant-following birds, elusive guardians of rainforest sanctity. They are especially vulnerable to rainforest degradation and have large home ranges and specialized habitats (they only eat insects fleeing from swarming driver ants), making them great indicators of rainforest health.

His tireless efforts, along with his esteemed colleagues, have culminated in a monumental endeavor—the creation of a vast national park in mainland Equatorial Guinea, spanning a colossal 1000 km2, teeming with endangered species like elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas, alongside a kaleidoscope of Afrotropical birds, from wattle-eyes to hornbills and the famed Picathartes oreas. With Luke at the helm, the future of Equatorial Guinea's rainforests—and its rich biodiversity—shines brighter than ever.