Using discrete choice experiments to explore how bioecological attributes of sites drive birders’ preferences and willingness to travel

A study based on discrete choice experiments is conducted to investigate how bioecological attributes of birding sites enter the utility functions of specialized birders and affect their travel intentions. Estimates are based on generalized multinomial and scales-adjusted latent class models. We find that the probability of observing a rare or a new bird species, and the numerosity of species significantly affect birders’ choice destination. We also find that individual preferences among attributes are correlated and affected by scale and taste heterogeneity. We identify two latent classes of birders. In the first class fall birders attaching a strong interest in qualitative aspects of sites and low importance on distance from home. Class 2 groups birders addicted both on all qualitative and quantitative bioecological attributes of sites as well as on the distance. In general, we assess that the majority of birders prefer to travel short distances, also when the goal is viewing rare or new birds. Finally, we estimate marginal welfare changes in biological attributes of sites in terms of willingness to travel.

Assault on the French Canal Bridge

This chapter details the author's experience during a birding tour in Panama, when their group was mistakenly attacked by heavily armed U.S. soldiers. On December 31, 1999, forty-five years of jungle warfare training ended when the Panama Canal and the U.S. military bases in the Canal Zone, including popular birding sites such as Ft. Sherman, Ft. Clayton, and Albrook Air Force Base, were transferred to the Panamanian government. Until then, birding tours in the Canal Zone often encountered U.S. forces on jungle maneuvers. Walking through the woods along Achiote or Black Tank Road, the author's group encountered soldiers crouched in the undergrowth. Occasionally, the solder would ask if they had seen “the aggressor.” Communicating with outsiders, birders in this case, seemed to be part of their strategy.

Exploring attitudes and understanding of global conservation practice among birders and avitourists for enhanced conservation of birds

SummaryBirders are generally nature-oriented; however, their understanding of key bird conservation issues remains under-examined. We surveyed English-speaking birders online and face-to-face, asking questions related to their views on conservation, conservation funding and their understanding of a global bird conservation programme (BirdLife International’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas [IBAs]). Most birders who responded to the survey were from Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and the USA. Birders tend to value bird conservation in an ecocentric way, often citing the overarching importance of general biodiversity. The ecological roles that birds play were also highlighted, but this varied across socio-demographic groups. Despite their positive support for conservation, less than half of all birders surveyed were familiar with the IBA programme. Familiarity with IBAs was driven by socio-demographic factors, with males more familiar than females and South African birders more familiar than birders from Australia and the United Kingdom. Most birders are willing to make contributions to bird conservation when visiting key birding sites, however they also feel governments should remain the main funders of conservation. Opportunities to enhance engagement between birders and bird conservation groups exist with most indicating a desire to learn more about bird conservation at birding sites. Increasing access to relevant information and presenting opportunities to contribute to conservation at birding sites could provide tangible benefits for bird habitats, protected areas and bird conservation groups.