Dear ,
Are you getting fed up with just listing birds? Is it too hard to keep up with all the new splits and are there just too many look-alikes after the splits are done?
Sure!
It is nice to aim for a milestone of birds seen, but shouldn't birding be more than just a numbers game? When you try to explain to your non-birding friends or your non-birding spouse, do you really talk about numbers?
No!
You probably don't!
Because birding is more than just the numbers. It is beauty and esthetics and therefore you show some nice pictures of colorful and awesome-looking birds instead.
It is easier than ever for people who have never birded before to take up the hobby. The newbies often focus on the esthetics. So they value spectacular birds and experiences that one can remember.
This is exactly what I am explaining in this concise 15 minute video. Check it out! This is a video you can share with newbie birders and non-birding friends. If you play your cards right, and adopt the 7WB strategy, they would likely love to sign up for one of these trips together with you.
Wouldn't it be great if you could have birding experiences together with the people you enjoy having around, and who are not necessary "hard core" birders?
Our five-day bucket list birding tours work wonders in this respect. I have had several non-birders and new birders on these trips - often together with experienced birders - experiencing the best birds, iconic mammals and world heritage sites together. And the experienced birder get most of the most important targets.
It becomes less about numbers, and more about quality and experiences - and keeping it short. The new birder or the non-birding spouse will not become bored, but enthusiastically participate. After all it is only 5 days. Anyone, can "put up" with 5 days of birding - especially when there are so many quality experiences involved.
Spread the word about our tours and share the video, please!
And please let me know what you think.
Birding During the Pandemic
Are we, the birders, being stupid when we continue to plan birding trips, in the midst of the pandemic?
Shouldn't we stay isolated in our houses?
On the contrary. As things are right now, an outdoors hobby like birdwatching, remains the safest activity there is. Social distancing outside is easy and we know that the virus spreads more in a closed environment indoors.
Furthermore, the air travel is very regulated to be a safa as can be. To enter Peru one needs a negative PCR COVID-test not less than 72 hours old. Therefore, we have started slowly by executing some birding tours in Central Peru. I am guiding one right now and another one is starting on November 13. Join us!
Is Peru getting close to herd immunity?
There is a Peruvian economist who argues this in this article (Google-translated) in the prestigious Gestion financial newspaper. I'd say that it is scientifically BS that we are even close to herd immunity. Regardless, the article does provide some interesting arguments - so have a look.
Additionally, have a look at this diagrams from John Hopkins Hospital from yesterday.
On Sep 29 a trend started of daily new cases going down with just above 3400 new cases that day.
In spite that Peru has opened up for national mobility and allowing for flights since the beginning of October, some 6 weeks later the number continues around around 3000 cases or lower.
The spikes you see in the graph are two days counted as one.
We are now at levels of new daily cases lower than the end of April.
At the same time the number of tests carried out in Peru are increasing. The bulk of these tests are fast antibody tests, which don't give information about active cases, but rather whether the person tested has antibodies. This person could have gotten infected anytime between March and now.
They still count as new cases.
One may extrapolate this information as follows.
- There are in reality very few people in Peru who are currently carrying the virus.
- Travellers arriving from abroad are not bringing COVID 19 with them (because of the mandatory PCR test)
- The COVID 19 policies in general are working very well.
People in the Peruvian countryside seem quite relaxed about the situation, but regardless people are washing their hands, carrying masks and constantly disinfecting with 70% alcohol.
All in all, I feel that Peru is very safe to visit right now!
If you are thinking about a birdwatching trip in the near future, Peru should definitely be on your radar! For the time being there are direct flights from the Americas, including the US. From Europe one needs a connecting flight.
Saludos
Gunnar
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Gunnar Engblom
Owner/Guide
Kolibri Expeditions/7 Wonders Birding
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P.S. North Peru in December or January anyone? There are several options available for both birders and bird photographers of all levels of expertise. Just hit me back with a reply to this email.
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