Right on Bruce.
We would all probably be surprised at what effect we have. A prime
example is the town of Mindo in Ecuador. 7 years ago when I visited it
was a sleepy birding locale with one local guide and few choices of
accomodations. The worldwide explosion of birding as a hobby has brought
an explosion of dollars (being used now in place of Sucre's) into this
community. So much so that the locals know that this is a big part of
their economy. In response, when a new oil pipeline was being built that
was destroying prime birding habitat, some locals destroyed the
equipment used for the pipeline. 7 years ago there probably would have
been no response. Not that I'm advocating that we start destroying
things, but I think that it is imperitive that we use whatever economic
clout we have to help save habitat.
It was estimated that Phoebe Snetsinger alone spent over 2 million
dollars on her birding pursuits. I was amazed at how many people were
spending what to Ecuadorians seemed like a life's fortune on birding. At
San Isidro, a hotel construction worker was floored when I told him a
night there was $80. He makes $70 a month!! Yet he also quickly realized
that without birders he was probably out of a job. Just about all the
people that stay at San Isidro are birders I might add.

An aside about Ecuador. It's no longer as safe as it used to be. I was
jumped by three guys the first night in Quito on Amazonas (an area that
was quite safe 7 years ago). Luckily I escaped with nothing worse than a
ripped shirt. Many of the Ecuadorians that I spoke with noted that
things had changed since the last El Nino three years ago. They felt
less safe as well. Much more security all over the city. I'd suggest
that if you rent a car leave nothing out, and in the city park in areas
that have guards. You will need to pay a daily fee for this service.
Ecuador is still an amazing place to bird. 1,600 species and still
counting. Butterflies are equally amazing. No one really knows how many
species. If you thought someplace like Costa Rica was incredible,
Ecuador has that easily beat.
If anyone wants more info about Ecuador, contact me and I'll try to be
of help.

Barry Levine
Seattle