John W. Vanderpoel (born October 11, 1949) is an American birdwatcher,[1][2][3] birding guide,[4] and author born in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines Illinois.
With a degree in biology focusing on ornithology Vanderpoel completed a birding Big Year in 2011 where he saw 744 bird species[5] in North America, placing him one species away from the all-time record.
[6][7][8] His book Full Chase Mode details his adventures during 2011.
His father was a well-respected financier and conservationist whose love of nature was passed down to John.
John attended Barrington High School[11] and the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied biology.