Projects
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Para-ecologist Development for Neotropical Migratory Bird Research WildShare International supports bird conservation and capacity-building within El Cielo. We helped facilitate bird research between the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and local communities concerning neotropical migrant and resident bird species in the El Cielo. Local guides are being trained to conduct research and monitor birds as part of this project. Project activities include 1) research on habitat-use, over-winter survival, and pre-migratory physiological condition of landbirds relative to demographic and habitat variables, 2) outreach on bird and forest management in four communities, 3) monitoring of winter bird populations in three habitat types, 4) habitat restoration and reforestation on 22 hectares, 5) environmental education programs in four communities, and 6) the development of management strategies that benefit Neotropical migrant and resident birds on 144,530 ha. 
With the dramatic increase in birding tourism, El Cielo's proximity to the U.S. and low cost, El Cielo is a popular birding location. This poses both problems and opportunities. The communities in El Cielo have not had the infrastructure to benefit from the onslaught of tourism. Services are improving as lodging has been upgraded, restaurant services are regular, and local guides have received training in bird identification and English. A number of birders, most who are from the United States, as well as tour groups make use of birding in El Cielo however do not utilize local services.
Efrén Guerro of La Gloria and Francisco Marín of San José collecting data on neotropical migratory birds. Photo: Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory |
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