I think some slide presentations before the event would be helpful. I do not get a lot of opportunities to do bird watching. Maybe a show called beginner's points, such as the differences between Altimira Oriole and Hooded Oriole, and another called advanced points, would help beginners feel a little more confident.

It was fun visiting all the different habitats in the penninsula. I think this was the high point for me.

I also enjoyed being with other beginners, as you did not feel intimidated.

I work 55 hours a week and go into relax mode when on vacation. I think some times in the 3 days just to rest or sit and space out would be nice.

Our guide was absolutely fantastic. Cannot say enough good about him.

Can you send me Alex's email? He gave it to me, but I accidentally threw it away. I was really upset. I think his last name was XCIB or CXIB. Something like this.

Thanks for a wonderful event. The whole experience was fantastic.

I had a good time, my team was the best and our guide very knowledgeable about the birds in Yucatan Peninsula.

María Rundquist (Former María Eugenia Escamilla Góngora)

Humberto Berlanga, Director, NABCI National Committee, CONABIO, México City: I want to congratulate everyone for the wonderfully successful event, and I hope to participate in many more festivals in the future.

Manuel Grosselet, Bird Guide, Oaxaca: “Thank you…thank you. It was an honor to be with all of you. Next year I will return and do better than 190 species in the bird-a-thon!”

Joann Andrews, Honorary President, Pronatura Península Yucatán: “The outsiders all complimented the knowledge, enthusiasm, energy and friendliness of the local guides. We have a fine corps of local guides and it is up to us now to find them clients.”

Judith Abbott de Mier y Terán, Mérida, Yucatán: “What a great time I had last week at the portion of the 4th Annual Bird Festival that I attended! My appetite is whetted!”

Paul y Carolyn Beckman, Sendero México, S.A. de C.V., Mazatlán, Sinaloa:
“We wish to extend our thanks for the wonderful hospitality, friendliness and helpfulness that you all showed us as out-of-state visitors. It is beautiful to see how a vision is transformed into reality, leaving in its path positive results dealing with human development and environmental conservation. As a Mexican, I congratulate all of you for your efforts and accomplishments. You are a wonderful example to follow! “

Dorothy Andrews, “snowbird” from Massachusetts: “The guides were wonderfully talented and the places where we visited were fun. You can probably imagine how excited I am to think I was on a winning team and one that found only 5 fewer species than the 'expert' team of guides!”

Rafael Chacón, Cozumel, Q. Roo: “The Festival was fantastic! I’m so very happy to have participated in the event. Thank you! “

Stennie Meadours, President, Houston Audubon Society: “This was my third Yucatan Bird Festival and the hospitality, congeniality and cultural exchange were the best! Our knowledgeable local guide, Diego Núñez, enabled us to see 117 species by 2:00 p.m.! A bonus this year was witnessing the excellent conservation and environmental education efforts underway in Yucatan. I hope to return in 2006.”

TESTIMONIES FROM PARTICIPANTS 2006