Inspired by wild creatures and wild places, Andy Bezener has developed a keen interest in the study and conservation of birds. Fieldwork with the Canadian Wildlife Service and a degree in conservation biology have given Andy joyful insight into the lives of many North American birds. His admiration and concern for wilderness and wildlife has led him across much of North America and southern Africa. Andy is coauthor of Lone Pine's Rocky Mountain Nature Guide, Birds of Ontario, Birds of Northern California, Birds of Boston and Birds of New York City, Western Long Island and Northeastern New Jersey.Ken De Smet is an endangered species biologist with the Manitoba Wildlife Branch. He has conducted extensive research on rare or declining grassland birds in southern Manitoba and currently works with local conservation groups and national recovery teams to help endangered species. For his master's thesis, he studied the nesting ecology of the Red-necked Grebe in Manitoba's Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. He has spent time working on managing projects for Ducks Unlimited and the Canadian Wildlife Service, and he has written numerous articles and reports on birds and wildlife conservation, including Canadian status reports for several bird species.

Much of his spare time is spent organizing and participating in bird watching, ecotourism and bird surveys. Ken lives in Stonewall with his wife Bev and their two daughters, Shannon and Melissa.