IN THE PAST YEAR, WHERE HAVE YOU GONE ON BIRDING TRIPS?

Eritrea, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Arizona, Nevada, California, Washington, Manitoba

Great Bend, Kansas Pagosa Springs, Colorado Black Hills, South Dakota Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

India: Kerala, Kumaon, little trips around Delhi US/Texas: Rio Grande valley lots of local trips (USA, mid-Atlantic)

Okeefenokee Park, Georgia Kennesaw Mountain Park, metro Atlanta

When I hike, I look for them. Not an avid birder by any means

Oregon, Madagascar, Colorado

Belize, our local mountains, Alaska

Hawaii, California, England, New Zealand

Brazil, Argentina, Zambia, Italy, Mexico, USA, England

Mexico, Florida, Texas

San Nicolas Totolapan, Mexico City

Michigan,USA South Africa, Northern California,USA New York,USA

Poland, Portugal, Caribbean islands

Brazil (Parque Natural Santuario do Caraca, Itatiaia National Park, Brasilia National Park),Peru (Cuzco area, Manu Road, Abra Malaga), Argentina (Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia & Rio Negro), Nicaragua (Granada area), Dominican Republic (Samana area), Mexico (Morelos, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Aguascalientes)

In the las past year I have been birding in different parts of the Yucatan Peninsula and recently in Dauphing Island Alabama. Besides that I am a Bird tour guide in my local town "Celeste" where very often I lead tours to see the 360 birds.

As I own Hotel Eco Paraíso in Celeste, Yucatan, birding is involved in my many visits to this resort. Still not a birder as time does not permit me to do this interesting activit.

Panama canal

Florida, San Luis Potosie MX, Texas borderlands (Brownsville, Big Bend, and in between)

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU SEEK FROM BIRDING GUIDES?

Knowledge of where to find birds skills in identifying all local birds resources for identifying and studying birds current knowledge of rules and regulations local habitats local plants and mammals friendly and courteous

Expert knowledge on finding birds within the area visited. Also knowledge of the country, its history, and culture.

Knowing where to go and friendliness are the most important things to me. I study field guides before I go someplace, so I can usually contribute to identifying species in the field. I'm not obsessed with "getting" as many species as possible; in some ways I use birding as a way of getting out into the field in a new/different place (I also look at the plants, the insects, etc). So, if I had to choose, friendliness and knowledge of the region are more important to me than super-sharp i.d. skills.

Don't use birding guides.

When I glance through a book, I want to see a description and picture, that helps

Knows the travel issues, uses local guides but is knowledgeable as well. Travels frequently to the area. Also knows a willing to spend time on other creatures, not just birds, though they have first priority.

Quick to identify by call and sight; quick to explain distinguishing characteristics by comparing guidebook and what we see in the field; explanations of bird's role in the ecosystem.

Knowledge, real interest in birds [rather than just listing], good english, not too expensive

Local people from the community, equipment including spotting scope, recorder and taped bird calls, spotlight. Knowledge of the birds and bird calls. Pleasant personality, commitment to conservation

Good description of both sexes, photo or good drawing, preferred habitat, breeding area, good description of songs, seasonal locations, nest description, egg size and color, unique behaviors

Good experience in field identification (both by ear and by sight); thorough familiarity with local bird guiding books; detailed knowledge of precise birding hotspots; friendliness and a good sense of humor.

To be familiar with the habitats, and Knowledgeable about the bird distribution and of course to be familiar with their local birds.

Knowledge and again, knowledge.

Accurate info on seasonal distribution, good descriptions with clear photo or drawing, difference in sexes, nesting habits, good descriptions of calls and songs, any unique behavior

IN THE PAST YEAR, HAVE YOU ATTENDED A BIRDING FESTIVAL

Yes - 10%
No - 90%

IF YOU TOOK PART IN A BIRDING FESTIVAL, WAS ANYTHING PARTICULARLY REWARDING? DISAPPOINTING?

Rewarding: the great variety of birds.

Never went to one. Sounds like fun though!

Good birds, too many people!

I have attended them in the past but they are often too basic and the trips they sponsor are too expensive.

The Tohj Bird festival is always rewarding.To share our land and birds with people from other countries that share the same passion and fun for the birds, is always fun!! Alabama Migratory Bird Festival during this festival I was surprised with the amount of people that travel a long distance to participate on the festival and how welcoming are the local people, Besides that we got the first place of the competition and one week ago I just receive a letter from Friends of Dauphin Island that tanks to the people that participate and especially to Peregrinos (My team), the City of Dauphin Island Alabama has became the smallest birding city of all United States.

Past festivals I've attended were too basic and trips were too expensive

ANY OTHER COMMENTS

I like small groups (14 max but 10 better). Birders food-a good breakfast before the morning outing. Nice but not luxurious accommodations. I like a medium speed group-willing to watch a while, not a "see it" and run to the next.

Birding is a lot of fun! I wholeheartedly recommend this fascinating activity! We need this, in order to help conserve our rich natural heritage in Latin America and elsewhere, and to provide better livelihood for local communities.

Yes to encourage people to go out and look for birds. Also to encourage to preserve bird-habitat. Have fun with birds!!!

Using a wheelchair, I find it's difficult to join in on 'traditional' birding excursions. I generally avoid them. But I do enjoy bird watching& familiarizing myself with birds of the area wherever I am.

I professionally bird for four months of the year on federal lands during breeding seasons for Golden Cheek Warblers and Black Capped Vireos. I can never get enough birding.

I love this survey! Question -- where can I learn bird watching?

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