Post by tmanson on Jul 3, 2007 17:21:55 GMT -8
Hi Fraser Valley Birders:
When my wife and I were down in Cuba this winter, we met a nature guide, named Oscar, who really impressed us with his dedication, as well as his knowledge of the local flora, and fauna. He also spoke very good English, which was a real bonus for us, because our Spanish leaves a lot to be desired.
Although Oscar was not strictly a birding guide, when he discovered my interest in birds, he really went out of his way to point out the local bird life. Specifically, he was guiding us through Humboldt National Park at the extreme eastern end of Cuba near, Baracoa.
To make a long story shorter, I was amazed at Oscar's knowledge of the birds of the park, despite the fact that he didn't have a pair of binoculars, or even his country's guidebook, the Birds of Cuba. His hiking boots were donated by a Dutch tourist, and he even relied on donated sunscreen, because he couldn't afford it.
I wondered about how it would be possible to try to get him a pair of bins, and the book, knowing that the Cuban postal system basically, isn't!!
I belong to the ABA, and was aware of their Birder's Exchange Programme, where they try to get equipment, and other birding materials, into the hands of keen birders in developing countries, where cost is a factor.
I was surprised to discover that they actually have a programme in Cuba, despite their country's trade embargo with Cuba. I contacted their programme director, and she responded saying that it would be relatively easy for them to get a pair of binoculars, and the guide to Oscar, if I would send them to the Birder's Exchange address. I will be following this up.
The reason I am writing this message is to publicize the Birder's Exchange Programme. If you have a pair of binoculars collecting dust, and you would like to donate them to an enthusiastic birder, in a developing country, who, otherwise would not be able afford it, you can visit the ABA website to find out more, at www.americanbirding.org/bex, or write them, or send a donation to: ABA/BEX, 4945, No. 30th St. Suite 200, Colorado Srpings, Colorado, U.S.A. 80919. The Director, who is very accomodating and helpful is Betty Petersen. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
When my wife and I were down in Cuba this winter, we met a nature guide, named Oscar, who really impressed us with his dedication, as well as his knowledge of the local flora, and fauna. He also spoke very good English, which was a real bonus for us, because our Spanish leaves a lot to be desired.
Although Oscar was not strictly a birding guide, when he discovered my interest in birds, he really went out of his way to point out the local bird life. Specifically, he was guiding us through Humboldt National Park at the extreme eastern end of Cuba near, Baracoa.
To make a long story shorter, I was amazed at Oscar's knowledge of the birds of the park, despite the fact that he didn't have a pair of binoculars, or even his country's guidebook, the Birds of Cuba. His hiking boots were donated by a Dutch tourist, and he even relied on donated sunscreen, because he couldn't afford it.
I wondered about how it would be possible to try to get him a pair of bins, and the book, knowing that the Cuban postal system basically, isn't!!
I belong to the ABA, and was aware of their Birder's Exchange Programme, where they try to get equipment, and other birding materials, into the hands of keen birders in developing countries, where cost is a factor.
I was surprised to discover that they actually have a programme in Cuba, despite their country's trade embargo with Cuba. I contacted their programme director, and she responded saying that it would be relatively easy for them to get a pair of binoculars, and the guide to Oscar, if I would send them to the Birder's Exchange address. I will be following this up.
The reason I am writing this message is to publicize the Birder's Exchange Programme. If you have a pair of binoculars collecting dust, and you would like to donate them to an enthusiastic birder, in a developing country, who, otherwise would not be able afford it, you can visit the ABA website to find out more, at www.americanbirding.org/bex, or write them, or send a donation to: ABA/BEX, 4945, No. 30th St. Suite 200, Colorado Srpings, Colorado, U.S.A. 80919. The Director, who is very accomodating and helpful is Betty Petersen. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
