You might think of birdwatching as a passive activity or personal hobby, a pursuit that draws only quirky, obsessive nature nerds. Well, Lilia Gonzalez and Fernando Romo, naturalist guides from Mexico, are here to change those assumptions! Lilia talks with Fernando, a marine biologist who made a big pivot in his guiding career about 15 years ago when he discovered the world of birds. Fernando found that “birding,” the act of deliberately observing birds in nature, can play an important role in conservation while positively impacting local communities, enlisting them in monitoring projects that help sustain biodiversity. Tracking birds supports our understanding of entire ecosystems – and everyday birdwatchers playing the role of “citizen scientists” are essential to the project, gathering data that shapes crucial decisions about habitat management and species protection. Birding can also develop your skills as a nature photographer. If you’ve ever been on a trip where birds are a prominent presence, from Costa Rica’s cloud forests to the mountains of China, you know the attraction of looking for and identifying them, even if you never fancied yourself a “birder.” Join us for a fun and fascinating plunge into the wonder and value of birding.

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