About Me

My photo
Mission, Texas, United States
I'm Tiffany Kersten, a professional bird guide based in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. I spent 2021 traveling, birding, and gifting personal safety alarms to women birders I met on the trails along the way during my Lower 48 States Big Year. In 2022, I founded Nature Ninja Birding Tours, offering customized private tours in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

International Tours

Nature Ninja Birding Tours - International

All NNBT International tours include:

Transportation from airport 

One NNBT Guide 

One or two local guides depending on group size 

All meals 


Tour fee does NOT include: 

Airfare 

Travel insurance (not required, but recommended) 

Alcohol

Laundry services 

Tips for guides and lodge staff 

Any souvenirs


Colombia - Summer 2026


The recommended field guide for our Colombia tour can be found here


Northern Colombia (FULL / WAITLIST AVAILABLE) 

Dates: June 16 - 23, 2026

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Cost: $2750, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400

Non-refundable Deposit: $1000. Balance due 90 days prior.  

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Hawaii - September 2026


The recommended field guide for our Hawaii tours can be found here


Women's Tour - Oahu & the Big Island (8/8 spaces available) 

Dates: Sept 7-13, 2026 (7 days) 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten & Local Guide Mandy Talpas 

Cost: $4,800 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1,000.

Non-refundable Deposit: $1,500. Balance due June 7.  

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Hawaii's Islands - Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island (3/8 spaces available) 

Dates: Sept 14-23, 2026 (10 days) 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten & Local Guide Mandy Talpas 

Cost: $7,400 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1,500.

Non-refundable Deposit: $2,000. Balance due June 14.  

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Panama - Fall 2026


The recommended field guide for all Panama tours can be found here


Tropical Island Birding: Tranquilo Bay  (8/8 spaces available) 

Dates: Sept 25 - Oct 1, 2026

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Tailored to first-timers to Central America, but open to all, we'll spend six nights at the beautiful Tranquilo Bay.

Cost: $2,450 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $800. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due June 25.  

Tour fee does not include the domestic flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro and back (approx. $250 fee). 

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Tranquilo Bay 2024

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Private Tour for JBNHS Members - Canopy Tower (FULL) Waitlist Available 

Canopy Tower, Panama 

Dates: Oct 4 - 9, 2026

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Tailored to first-timers to Central America, but open to all, we'll spend five nights at the beautiful, world-renowned Canopy Tower, taking in raptor migration as well as resident birds, including daily trips to visit nearby sites. 

Cost: $2150 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400.

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due July 4. 

View the Canopy Tower Hummingbird Feeder here

*NOTE: Participants must be able ascend and descend 3 flights of stairs multiple times per day, as there is no elevator. 

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Canopy Tower 2022Canopy Tower 2023, Canopy Tower 2024, Canopy Tower 2025 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Intro to Birding the Tropics - Canopy Lodge (FULL) Waitlist Available 

Canopy Lodge, Panama 

Dates: Oct 11 - 17, 2026

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

We'll spend six nights at the beautiful and serene Canopy Lodge, including daily trips to visit nearby sites.

Cost: $2450 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due 90 July 11.  

View the Canopy Lodge Fruit Feeder Cam here

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Canopy Lodge 2022Canopy Lodge 2023Canopy Lodge 2024 (Birding & Being), Canopy Lodge 2024Canopy Lodge 2025 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


"Harpies & More" - Canopy Camp (6/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Camp, Darien (Five Nights - Harpy Eagle); tour price includes one pre-tour night at the Riande Airport Hotel in preparation for an early morning start, then morning departure on Oct 19th to Canopy Camp, departing in the morning of October 24th. 

Dates: Oct 18 - 24, 2026 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Cost: $2450 per person

*All tents at Canopy Camp are double occupancy (no single supplement option). 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500. Balance due July 18. 

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Harpies & More 2025


"Hawks & More" - Canopy Tower (8/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Tower, Panama 

Dates: Oct 24 - 29, 2026 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

We'll spend five nights at the beautiful, world-renowned Canopy Tower, taking in raptor migration as well as resident birds, including daily trips to visit nearby sites. 

Cost: $2150 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400.

*NOTE: Participants must be able ascend and descend 3 flights of stairs multiple times per day, as there is no elevator at Canopy Tower. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due July 24. 

View the Canopy Tower Hummingbird Feeder here

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Hawks & More 2025


"Harpies & Hawks" Tour (8/8 spaces available) 

Combine our Canopy Camp and Canopy Tower tours (listed above) to create a longer, 11 day tour. 

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Hawks & Harpies Tour 2023, Hawks & Harpies Tour 2024, Hawks & Harpies Tour 2025 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Costa Rica - Fall 2026


The recommended field guides for all Costa Rica tours can be found here: newest but heaviest and here: most used but a little outdated


Costa Rica: Private Tour for Kestrels Women's Bird Club (FULL 12/12Waitlist Available 

Rancho Naturalista

October 30 - November 5, 2026

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Local Guide: Mercedes Alpizar 

$2400 whether single or double occupancy. (No single supplement fee). 

Email for full itinerary. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; balance due by July 29.

Trip Report from 2025: Rancho Naturalista 2025

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Costa Rica: Women's Tour (3/8 spaces available) 

Rancho Naturalista

November 6 - 12, 2026

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Local Guide: Mercedes Alpizar 

$2400 whether single or double occupancy. (No single supplement fee). 

Email for full itinerary. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; balance due by August 6th. 

Trip Report from 2025: Rancho Naturalista 2025

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Mexico - January 2027


Birding Oaxaca  (10/10 spaces available) 

Oaxaca, Mexico 

Dates: January 21 -28, 2027

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten & Local Guide Eric Antonio Martinez 

$3,300. Single supplement: $650. 

Email for full itinerary. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; balance due by October 21. 


Puerto Rico - February 2027


Puerto Rico  (8/8 spaces available) 

Dates: February TBD, 2027

Trip Leaders: Tiffany Kersten & Raymond Van Buskirk 

$TBD. Single supplement: $TBD. 

Email for full itinerary. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; balance due by TBD.  


Costa Rica - March 2027


Kiandra's Private Tour  (8/10 spaces available) 

Dates: March 21 - 27, 2027

Trip Leaders: Tiffany Kersten & Kiandra Mitchell; Local Guide Mercedes Alpizar

$2450 whether single or double occupancy. 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due by December 21. 


Taiwan - March 2027


Taiwan Endemics: Alpine areas of Dasyueshan, Hehuanshan and Yushan 

(9/9 spaces available)

Dates: TBD 

Trip Leader: Evan Farese

This trip will target endemic species. Email for full itinerary and target list. 

Cost: $TBD per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $1000. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $800. Balance due 90 days prior (Dec).   

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Taiwan Endemics 2025,  Taiwan Endemics 2026 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Panama - Fall 2027


The recommended field guide for all Panama tours can be found here


Relaxed Pace Tour - Canopy Lodge & Canopy Tower (8/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Tower, Panama 

Dates: Sept 25 - Oct 3, 2027

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Tailored to first-timers to Central America, but open to all, we'll spend four nights at the serene and beautiful Canopy Lodge, followed by four nights at the world-renowned Canopy Tower, 

Cost: $3700 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $600.

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due 90 days prior (July 24).  

*NOTE: Participants must be able ascend and descend 3 flights of stairs multiple times per day, as there is no elevator. 

View the Canopy Tower Hummingbird Feeder here

View the Panama Canopy Lodge Fruit Feeder Cam Here

Trip Reports from Prior Years:  Canopy Lodge 2022Canopy Lodge 2023.Canopy Lodge 2024Canopy Lodge 2025, Canopy Lodge 2026

Canopy Tower 2022Canopy Tower 2023Canopy Tower 2024Canopy Tower 2025 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Women's Tour - Canopy Tower (7/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Lodge, Panama 

Dates: Oct 5 - 10, 2027

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

We'll spend five nights at the at the beautiful, world-renowned Canopy Tower, taking in raptor migration as well as resident birds, including daily trips to visit nearby sites. 

Cost: $2250 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due 90 days prior (July 5).  

View the Canopy Tower Hummingbird Feeder here

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Canopy Tower 2022Canopy Tower 2023Canopy Tower 2024Canopy Tower 2025, Canopy Tower 2026 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Women's Tour - Canopy Lodge (8/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Lodge, Panama 

Dates: Oct 11 - 16, 2027

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

We'll spend five nights at the beautiful and serene Canopy Lodge, including daily trips to visit nearby sites.

Cost: $2300 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due 90 days prior (July 11).  

View the Panama Canopy Lodge Fruit Feeder Cam Here

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Panama's Canopy Lodge 2022Panama's Canopy Lodge 2023Canopy Lodge 2024, Canopy Lodge 2025, Canopy Lodge 2026

Payment info at bottom of page. 


"Hawks & Harpies" Tour (8/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Tower (Five Nights - Hawk Migration), Canopy Camp Darien (Five Nights - Harpy Eagle)

Dates: Oct 18 - 28, 2027

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Cost: $4450 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement for Canopy Tower: $400. 

All tents at Canopy Camp are double occupancy (no single supplement option.) 

*NOTE: Participants must be able ascend and descend 3 flights of stairs multiple times per day, as there is no elevator at Canopy Tower. 

**Option to sign up only for or only for "Hawks" portion to Canopy Tower ($2150 - 5 nights) or

"Harpies" portion to Canopy Camp ($2350 - 5 nights)

Non-refundable Deposit: $1,000 for full tour / $500 for one segment of tour. Balance due 90 days prior (July 18). 

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Hawks & Harpies Tour 2023Hawks & Harpies Tour 2024, Hawks & Harpies Tour 2025

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Costa Rica - Fall 2027


The recommended field guides for all Costa Rica tours can be found here: newest but heaviest and here: most used but a little outdated


Costa Rica: Women's Tour (9/10 spaces available

Rancho Naturalista

October 30 - November 5, 2027 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

$2450 whether single or double occupancy. (No single supplement fee). 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due 90 days prior. 

Trip Report from 2025: Rancho Naturalista 2025 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Costa Rica: Private Tour for JBNHS Members (9/12 spaces available

Rancho Naturalista

November 6 - November 12, 2027 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

$2450 whether single or double occupancy. (No single supplement fee). 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due 90 days prior. 

Trip Report from 2025: Rancho Naturalista 2025

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Costa Rica: Intro to Birding the Tropics (10/10 spaces available

Rancho Naturalista

November 13 - 19, 2027 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

$2450 whether single or double occupancy. (No single supplement fee). 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due 90 days prior. 

Trip Report from 2025: Rancho Naturalista 2025 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Mexico - January 2028


Oaxaca - Private Tour for Kestrels Birding Club  (10/10 spaces available) 

Oaxaca, Mexico 

Dates: January 15 -22, 2028

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten & Local Guide Eric Antonio Martinez 

$3,300. Single supplement: $650. 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due by October 15. 


Birding Oaxaca  (10/10 spaces available) 

Oaxaca, Mexico 

Dates: January 24 -31, 2028

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten & Local Guide Eric Antonio Martinez 

$3,300. Single supplement: $650. 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due by October 24.


Taiwan - March 2028


Taiwan Endemics: Alpine areas of Dasyueshan, Hehuanshan and Yushan 

(9/9 spaces available)

Dates: TBD 

Trip Leader: Evan Farese

This trip will target endemic species. Email for full itinerary and target list. 

Cost: $TBD per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $1000. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $1000. Balance due 90 days prior (Dec).   

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Taiwan Endemics 2025,  Taiwan Endemics 2026

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Panama - Fall 2028


The recommended field guide for all Panama tours can be found here


Canopy Tower (7/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Lodge, Panama 

Dates: TBD

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

We'll spend five nights at the at the beautiful, world-renowned Canopy Tower, taking in raptor migration as well as resident birds, including daily trips to visit nearby sites. 

Cost: $2250 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due 90 days prior (July 5).  

View the Canopy Tower Hummingbird Feeder here

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Canopy Tower 2022Canopy Tower 2023Canopy Tower 2024Canopy Tower 2025, Canopy Tower 2026 

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Canopy Lodge (8/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Lodge, Panama 

Dates: TBD

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

We'll spend five nights at the beautiful and serene Canopy Lodge, including daily trips to visit nearby sites.

Cost: $2300 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $400. 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500; Balance due 90 days prior (July 11).  

View the Panama Canopy Lodge Fruit Feeder Cam Here

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Panama's Canopy Lodge 2022Panama's Canopy Lodge 2023Canopy Lodge 2024Canopy Lodge 2025, Canopy Lodge 2026

Payment info at bottom of page. 


"Hawks & Harpies" Tour (8/8 spaces available) 

Canopy Tower (Five Nights - Hawk Migration), Canopy Camp Darien (Five Nights - Harpy Eagle)

Dates: TBD

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Cost: $4450 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement for Canopy Tower: $400. 

All tents at Canopy Camp are double occupancy (no single supplement option.) 

*NOTE: Participants must be able ascend and descend 3 flights of stairs multiple times per day, as there is no elevator at Canopy Tower. 

**Option to sign up only for or only for "Hawks" portion to Canopy Tower ($2150 - 5 nights) or

"Harpies" portion to Canopy Camp ($2350 - 5 nights)

Non-refundable Deposit: $1,000 for full tour / $500 for one segment of tour. Balance due 90 days prior (July 18). 

Trip Reports from Prior Years: Hawks & Harpies Tour 2023Hawks & Harpies Tour 2024Hawks & Harpies Tour 2025

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Costa Rica - Fall 2028


The recommended field guides for all Costa Rica tours can be found here: newest but heaviest and here: most used but a little outdated


Costa Rica: Intro to Birding the Tropics (10/10 spaces available

Rancho Naturalista

Dates: TBD 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

$2450 whether single or double occupancy. (No single supplement fee). 

Email for full itinerary. 

$500 deposit to hold your spot; balance due 90 days prior. 

Trip Report from 2025: Rancho Naturalista 2025

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Colombia - Fall 2028


The recommended field guide for our Colombia tour can be found here


Northern Colombia (8/8 spaces available) 

Dates: TBD 

Trip Leader: Tiffany Kersten 

Cost: $TBD, double occupancy. Single supplement: $TBD

Non-refundable Deposit: $1000. Balance due 90 days prior.  

Payment info at bottom of page. 


Trip Deposits & Balance Payments: 


Payment methods accepted: 


Preferred methods: Zelle to tiffanykersten@gmail.com, or a mailed check. Email for mailing address. 


Other methods: Venmo/PayPal to @natureninjabirding 



****Please note: No refunds are available for deposits or balance payments.****

In some cases, purchasing travel insurance may be helpful in recovering trip costs in the event you need to cancel.