Ron LeValley
Senior Biologist

Ron founded Mad River Biologists in 1982 and is the company's Senior Biologist. Ron is probably best known for his knowledge about the identification and distribution of birds along the Pacific Coast; he served for six years as a Northern California regional editor for AMERICAN BIRDS. A lifelong interest in marine birds and mammals was enhanced by a long involvement with Point Reyes Bird Observatory beginning in 1966, including serving as a biologist at the Farallon Island research station in 1968 and for two years during 1979-81. Among the many projects he has been involved in, Ron has co-authored and coordinated a training program under the auspices of the Pacific Seabird Group's Marbled Murrelet Inland Survey Protocol. Virtually all of the Marbled Murrelet surveyors in California and southern Oregon have gone through his training program. In 1979 Ron founded and for 15 years operated an ecotourism company specializing in marine mammals and island biology. His travel expertise extends from South America and the Galapagos Islands through Baja California to Alaska, northern Canada, Australia and Africa. As a professional photographer, Ron has compiled an impressive collection (over 30,000 images) of wildlife photographs that he uses for presentations and publications. One of Ron's outstanding attributes (and favorite activities) is sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He is particularly adept at explaining complex biological principles in understandable terms, a talent that he brings to his report writing and consultations with regulatory agencies.

Ron graduated from Sacramento State College in 1969 with a B.A. degree in Biology and received his M.A in Biology from Humboldt State University in 1980. His affiliations include American Ornithologists Union (Life Member), California Academy of Sciences, National Audubon Society, Pacific Seabird Group, Point Reyes Bird Observatory (Life Member), and Western Field Ornithologists.

In addition to his work at Mad River Biologists, he presently serves as Treasurer of the Pacific Seabird Group, an Associate Editor for Western Birds, and California Coordinator of the Pacific Coast Joint Venture.

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