Nick grew up in Johannesburg and developed a passion for the natural world after numerous family trips to nature reserves in Mpumulanga and the Kruger National Park. The huge variety of lowveld birds opened his eyes to the wonderful world of birds and this has subsequently resulted in him pursuing a career focused on the conservation of the natural world. Nick completed his undergraduate degree in zoology and ecology at UCT and then did further studies (Honours in Botany and Masters in Environmental Law) also at UCT. Nick is also involved in research on urban raptors with the FitzPatrick Institute.

At the start of 2015 Nick embarked on 6 months of travel through South America and Antarctica where he pursued a number of iconic bird and mammal species. Upon returning to South Africa he joined Birding Africa where he now specialises in pelagic guiding and day trips around Cape Town.