Steve and I birded with Mariah and Luis Gles many, many times in different places. Most of the time in the Keys or Miami area. We also met them in the Sarasota area. Every time a rare bird showed up and we talked to them, they were always ready to help us to find the bird. They work at the hawkwatch in the Keys and we enjoyed going there to spend time with them and seeing them in action. Our best anecdote with Luis Gles was on May 24, 2021, in the Florida Keys. He was driving with us and suddenly he stopped the car. He was very excited and started to take pictures of a hawk that was flying above us and far away. The bird was a Zone-tailed Hawk! That was amazing! We were able to see the hawk because he reacted so fast, and he got pretty good photos! We believe this is a 2nd record in Florida and 1st one with photos!
Mariah and Luis Gles are incredible, they have a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm. They are great at identifying any bird not only visually but also by their calls! They are also very helpful! We had a great time birding with them and hope to continue doing it!
Iliana & Steve Stokes, Florida.