I leave for Honduras a week from tomorrow. Part of my trip will be devoted to meeting with local birding clubs in Honduras to explore the idea of establishing a network of sister birding clubs in North and Central America.
I envision several specific outcomes from establishing the
network of sister birding clubs. Initially, we can start a virtual
relationship through which we skype, share slides, stories, etc. of what is
going on with migratory birds in our areas (e.g., timing of migration, species,
seen, pictures and video of the habitats used by these birds, relationship (or
lack of relationship) between these birds and the lives and livelihoods of
birding club members, etc.). North American clubs can obtain and donate
resources (e.g., optics, field guides, etc.) to Central American clubs, which
largely lack these resources. Ultimately, I envision some reciprocal
visits. Nort Americans can go visit the small communities where these
Honduran clubs occur, stay in local (not ecotouristic lodges) accommodations,
eat in local restaurants, and make a commitment to buy shade-grown
coffee. I’d also love to have kids in the clubs start a pen-pal kind of
relationship with each other. The ideas and possibilities are
endless. I hope to learn from them what would be useful and meaningful
when I am in Honduras.
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Members of the Cayuga Bird Club in Ithaca, NY scanning Cayuga Lake
for birds in the late fall. What birds that either breed in NY or pass
through on migration will I see in Honduras? Photo credit: Jody Enck
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It's not too late to donate travel funds to this project. Please go to this link to support my travel within Honduras to meet with the local birding clubs there. Thanks!
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