With over 300 species of migratory and resident bird species, the Nayarit coast is perhaps one of the world´s most bird-diverse areas; such diversity of birdlife represents aninvaluable heritage that has captivated the eye of birdwatchers for decades. Unfortunately there are several threats to this natural treasure: uncontrolled urban and tourist development, illegal traffic of species and excessive use of agro-chemical products are only a few.
The San Pancho Bird Observatory (SPBO)´s bird conservation strategy involves the creation of partnerships to integrate educational and bird-monitoring programs that support sustainable-developmentat communities. This model results in job creation in the fields of ecotourism and science, encouraging professional education and improving the decision-making process for natural-resource management.
Flame-colored Tanager
As part of an internationalpartnershipbetween the Rotary Clubs of Jaltemba Bay and Ashland, Oregon, USA; SPBO and Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO)got a proposal approvedby the Rotary International Foundation to deliver a bird-monitoring training workshopmainly for young professionals in this region. Such scientific training will take place in early 2014.
As a preparation for such scientific monitoring workshops, SPBO is developing a program to deliver bird identification workshops using online videos and educational materials at 10 different community centers in the municipalities of Bahía de Banderas and Compostela, Nayarit. Such workshops are being possible thanks to volunteer efforts at each town and the coordination of non-profit organizations, hotels, B & B´s and individuals all over the region: CambiandoVidas, Casa de la TerceraEdad, Casa Pacífica, and Majahua Resort Tapas Bar atChacala; Amigos de Jaltemba Community Center, Rotary Club and teacher GemaMárquez at Bahía de Jaltemba; Casa de los Niños and Mar al Cielo Retreat at lo de Marcos; Entreamigos at San Francisco (San Pancho); Casa Clú at San Ignacio; Casa de la Cultura, GrupoPro-Sayulita and Steve Pomeroy at Sayulita; PEACE, Punta de Mita Foundation and IMANTA resort at Higuera Blanca and Punta de Mita and Bucerías´Bilingual Community Center. Besides, the Banderas Bay Initiative helps with the creation of educational materials.
It is important to mention that despite these unprecedented collaborations,significant funds are still needed to fuel the bird -d workshops program being organized by SPBO. Tax-deductible donations are received both in Mexico and the USA; volunteers and in-kind donations of birding books and equipment are also welcome. For more information please contact Luis Morales at SPBO
Remember that even many small contributions can make a big difference, you too can be part of this change for bird conservation at the Nayarit coast!!!
Additional notes:
SPBO is part of the Banderas Bay regional bird conservation planning group which gathers individuals from public, private, academic and social sectors in the Bahia de Banderas region.
SPBO will be participating at Partner´s in Flight V conference being held at Snowbird Utah in August 2013 which will facilitate implementing bird and habitat conservation programs in this region aligned with continental bird-conservation efforts.
In March 2014 SPBO is hosting a birdwatching retreat with Audubon Society of Portland which will be a great opportunity to promote such amazing collaborative efforts being made in the region.
Luis Morales – SPBO Director
Contact SPBO: birdingsanpancho@gmail.com
Phone: 52 (1) 322 139 7242
Website: www.birdingsanpancho.org
For information on birding tours:
www.birdingsanpancho.com/tours
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