Originally from England, Simon has lived in North Carolina for over 20 years. Prior to moving to the US he lived in Lebanon, Kenya, Yemen, and Ghana, where his interest in birds and natural history began.

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  In addition to traveling extensively in the United States, Simon spent six months in China studying the crane and bird of prey migration as a member of the British "China Crane Watch" expedition. He has served on the board of the Blue Ridge Audubon Society in Asheville, NC, and has done regular commentary on Public Radio. As owner and operator of Ventures Birding Tours, Simon has led many birding trips to over 30 countries.