Federico Fiorillo is an Italian nature guide and content writer based in the magnificent Val de Bagnes, Switzerland. He’s an avid hiker and snowboarder and he travels to the great wilderness areas of the world to see the wildlife and birds he’s passionate about.
In 2008 and 2011 he joined two Brazilian wildlife field trips in Bahia and decided that observing birds in their habitat was going to be one of his driving passions. He completed a birdwatching course with EBN Italia in 2013, and then in 2014 and 2015 he travelled to South East Asia, Australia and the United States where he joined a photographic workshop at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah.
From 2016 to 2018 he lives in New Zealand, where he collaborates in environmental projects at the Otorohanga Kiwi House, which since 1971 protects kiwi and other New Zealand native birds, among the projects he worked hands on the most rewarding was the one aiming to release Brown Kiwis into the wild.
In 2017, he completes a backcountry survival course obtaining the skillsets needed to thrive in-stead of just survive in the face of adversity in the wilderness. In 2017 he also joins a NZ Bird Photography Tour in Ulva Island and at the Royal Albatross Center of the Otago Peninsula, home to the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony.
After his travels across the South Pacific, following his experiences in 2018 he moves in the Swiss Alps where he’s now a nature guide leading tours in the alpine region between Switzerland, Italy and France. Leading nature walks and overnight hiking trips, teaching tourists and locals the secrets of the plants and animals living in this alpine region.
Inspired by an alternative lifestyle he believes in the importance of being in connection with the natural environment and feels the responsibility of interpreting the natural wealth of a site, educating and informing other of the different aspects of that particular area.
The great white pelican is an imposing bird; its huge beak has a bag of skin attached to its underside which is used to collect the fish it has caught. The decreasing numbers of this species is mainly due to human related activities. While once it...
The rock dove, also known as common pigeon, is a bird with which we have a rather controversial relationship. It often populates city squares and is rather despised because it’s considered a carrier of diseases such as salmonella. In truth, it’s not...
The house sparrow is probably the most widespread and well-known species in Europe, both in cities and in the countryside. It’s a very sociable bird and, out of the reproductive period, it usually meets in groups of at least ten individuals. It...
On the banks of streams and small mountain creeks, it’s not difficult to meet a striking and lively species due to the bright lemon color of the feathers and the snappy movements of the tail: it’s the grey wagtail! Unlike most species, the grey...
With its melodious flute song, which sometimes resounds already in January, the blackbird is one of the first heralds of spring. He likes to sing from exposed places, such as rooftops or treetops, so that his singing can be heard from far away. The...
Considered the progenitor of all domestic duck breeds, the mallard is widespread in our ponds and waterways, nowadays adapted to live both in the countryside and in the city – as long as they offer an adequate environment for its stay. Its...
The Alpine chough is a familiar figure for mountain-goers: an acrobat of the air, it sails effortlessly around the highest peaks facing the most impetuous winds. Winter tourism allows these birds to resist even during the cold season at altitudes of...
The Bullfinch is the jewel of our woods: the bright colours of the male contrast with the elegant sobriety of the female. However, it is a discreet bird, which does not like to show itself in the open. Its short, sharp-edged beak is a great tool for...
Six months of uninterrupted flight, never landing: this is how the Alpine swifts spend the entire wintering period in West Africa, it even manages to enjoy some form of sleep while continuing to soar in the air. This distinctive behavior was...
A spectacular flight characterized by fast ascents, reckless swoops and sudden attacks on the prey, a very sharp sight, a majestic and elegant profile. No wonder that the golden eagle has been loved and venerated by mankind in every age and culture...