National Audubon Society: Flyway Expeditions

Supporting Audubon and its partners in advancing sustainable development in bird hot-spots

Holbrook Travel is a supporting partner in Audubon and its partners’ conservation work in Latin America and in the Caribbean. One key aspect of that work is the strengthening of bird-based tourism as a conservation and sustainable development tool. The tours developed from this initiative are designed to help protect key target areas along the flyways for migratory and local species. These areas were selected by intersecting bird hot-spots with key Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) where Audubon and their partners are carrying out vital conservation work. By overlaying conservation work with the economic support that bird-based tourism brings, this program strengthens local communities and the long-term conservation of these areas. 

Participants on these tours have a direct economic impact on local people and communities, help preserve IBAs, and nurture an emerging ecotourism industry. By visiting these sites with our trained guides, you help protect threatened habitats by supporting local conservation and local communities that benefit from tourism.

Current Flyway Expeditions to Plan​

What makes Flyway Expeditions Different?

unique itineraries

These birding itineraries are unique in that they are designed to help strengthen and support tourism in bird hot-spots and support conservation and local economic development. The project is helping communities, local tour operators, and tourism boards attract bird watching tourists to the selected destinations and associated businesses. Participants will see the conservation activities first-hand and engage with the local community during their tours.

Extensive Guide Training

Birding guides selected for the tours have taken part in comprehensive guide training in alliance with expert guides, local tourism authorities, and Audubon’s local conservation partners. Guides are provided advanced levels of training which include bird identification, biology, ecology, and conservation alongside guiding ethics, group management, marketing, and business, plus basic English language where needed. Tours connect advanced regional guides with local guides to increase knowledge and capacity.     

supporting local businesses

The National Audubon Society project provides local guiding businesses with access to equipment, including binoculars, scopes, and guidebooks; improves trails and associated infrastructure; and offers basic business support such as marketing and customer service training. Participants on the tours will benefit from these improvements and help support the important economic incentive to promote conservation. 

community engagement

Travelers will learn about targeted environmental education and outreach programs carried out by Audubon and its partners. These include programs at local schools, using local birdlife as a hook to engage youth, and courses for adult, community, and women’s groups, and alternative livelihood programs. Tours may include a talk with community members or a school visit where participants can exchange their passion for birding. 

BIRD CONSERVATION

With greater local awareness and appreciation for ecosystems, the program supports priority endemic bird species such as the critically endangered Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, and Bahama Oriole, plus migrant species that rely on key migratory flyways like the Piping Plover, Wood Thrush and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, as well as other wildlife including the jaguar, maned wolf, and rock iguana.

 

National Audubon Society Website