SARAPIQUÍ, COSTA RICA - The 2017 Costa Rica International Birding Conference will be held at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve in Sarapiquí, located amid primary and secondary forest in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. Though small in geographic area, Costa Rica sits at the crossroads of two continents and is a major flyway for birds in the Western Hemisphere. More than 900 bird species have been recorded in the country, making it a hotspot for birding and a priority for conservation.

The conference is designed for birding organization leaders and representatives who focus on field programs. It features field trips, seminars and presentations on Costa Rica and international topics, such as National Audubon’s International Alliances Program, ABA’s Youth Birding Initiative, and local birding tours that promote sustainable development and community building. Come and learn about these hopeful efforts to protect and manage birds throughout the Americas, share with your peers, and gain insight for your community initiatives.

Join fellow bird leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts for an exchange of ideas, learning, and birding in the tropics at its best! REGISTER HERE.

Sponsored in association with American Birding Association, Birdwatcher’s Digest, National Audubon Society, and Swarovski Optik

Highlights

• Enjoy five days and four nights of field trips and activities to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Attend informative seminars on the birding market, community-building programs, youth birding initiatives, and Bird-based Tourism as an Economic Development Tool.
• Visit the world-renowned Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station and explore the 500 acres of Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve with the help of local birding guides.
• Learn about various aspects of tropical conservation including species protection, landscape management, geological history, and sustainable ecotourism.
• Get tips and insights on birding from experts, including birding guides and optics specialists.
  

Seminars and Talks

Facts and Trends in the US Birding Market

Friday, November 3, 1:30-2:15 pm

Ben Lizdas, Advertising Sales Director, Bird Watcher’s Digest

Bird-Based Tourism as an Economic Development Tool

Friday, November 3, 2:45-3:30 pm

Matt Jeffery, International Alliances Program, National Audubon Society

Field Trips and Birding Tours for Community Building

Saturday, November 4, 1:30-2:15 pm

Christine Tanzer, Field Trip Coordinator, Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Increasing Youth Participation in Birding

Saturday, November 4, 2:45-3:30 pm

Bill Stewart, Director of Conservation and Community, American Birding Association

Birding Optics Workshop – The Basics & Beyond

Saturday, November 4, 4:00-4:45 pm

Overview of the basics and latest trends in birding optics, from binoculars to scopes to lenses. Understand how to find the optics that suit you best.

Alex Villegas, Costa Rican representative, Swarovski Optik

Evening Presentations

The Meso-American Biological Corridor

Friday, November 3, post-dinner

Willy Pineda, Costa Rican biologist

Research at La Selva Biological Station

Saturday, November 4, post-dinner

Carlos de la Rosa, Director of the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)

Additional Costa Rican Nature and Birding Organizations

The conference has invited several local organizations to participate, including:

Ornithological Society of Costa Rica

Raptor Society of Costa Rica (La Fundación Rapaces)

Land Cost

$1,075 / Per person

ABOUT THIS PRICE

Land cost only. Does not include international airfare.

Single room supplement $190