Me:

> Personally, I will never (never say never) go to Costa Rica
> (or Texas even) to go birding


Charles:

> Even though such trips are the exception for me I would
> advise any birder: "If you get the chance, go for it". The
> experiences you will have in a new environment are
> unforgetable and enhance your appreciation of your local

> environment as well.

I wholeheartedly agree. Just in case my comment seems a little
extreme, I was commenting on bird tourism with the aim of increasing
that all important list.

My first visit to arctic Norway in July 89 changed me forever. I'm a
total tundra junkie now and its totally unthinkable that I would not
spend at least a couple of weeks every year up there. I think I
learned more about shorebirds in 3 weeks than the previous 15 years.
Seeing nests, eggs, chicks, display flights, etc, etc was totally
awesome !!!!

Stuart