Chris -- for almost 20 years a news editor/fashion writer at The Japan Times in Tokyo -- has had an active interest in bird-watching and natural history from childhood. He is a longtime member of Portland Bird Observatory in England, and also a life member of the Dorset Bird Club. His primary interests in ornithology encompass seabirds, migration and banding, and he has written many articles on nature and wildlife for publications in England, Japan and Korea.

Chris, who used to live in Hong Kong and Seoul, has traveled and birdwatched in many Asian countries, and has assisted Dr. Mark Brazil in Japan on several occasions. He has also led Japan birding tours for the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the American Birding Association, has participated as a leader in Japan for the "Snow Monkeys and Cranes" tour organized by Seattle-based Eco-Expeditions, and has guided in Hokkaido for U.K.-based Ornitholidays. In April 2003 he led the ABA-endorsed "Birding in Wild China" tour to search for the rare Crested Ibis in central China.

He is available to lead individuals or groups throughout Japan - for one-day trips out of Tokyo, for a few days or a week or two in Japan - and also to prepare itineraries.

Chris looks forward to welcoming overseas birders to Japan.

For more information please contact Chris at japanbirdguide@hotmail.com or puncknowle2000@hotmail.com