A week in July with BirdsCaribbean in the Dominican Republic: From Mangroves to Mountains

It’s all about learning, sharing, networking, making new friends, establishing new collaborations and making plans. And of course, birding in the field! BirdsCaribbean is the largest bird conservation non-profit organization in the Caribbean region,with over 2,000 members and partners in 31 countries. It has just opened registration for its International Conference in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, from July 18 to 22, 2024. Early bird registration runs until May 15. There are excellent rates for students; take a look. There is also a local registration fee for residents of Dominican Republic or Haiti to attend.

You might spot a Ridgway’s Hawk on a field trip to Los Haitises National Park during the conference. (Photo: Explora Ecotour)

The theme is “From Mangroves to Mountains: Safeguarding our Avian Treasures.” 34 endemic bird species are to be found on the island of Hispaniola, comprising Dominican Republic and Haiti; that is, those species are found on the island, and nowhere else in the world. Over 100 species stop over on their migration routes. “Safeguarding” is just the right word. These are indeed treasures, to be protected and nurtured. And the range of habitats where birds live must, equally, be protected.

Shanna Challenger, a conservation biologist from Antigua/Barbuda, will be one of the guest speakers.

Now, let’s be clear: This is not a meeting for “bird nerds” and academics only, although there will be a good sprinkling of those. BirdsCaribbean meetings are well known for their inclusivity and diversity. So there will be scientists, students, researchers, educators, creatives, civil society and environmental activists eco-tourism practitioners – and, simply, bird lovers and birders. The organization has members on every Caribbean island where it works, and, of course, beyond in the Americas, as well as even further afield. So it’s truly international.

Apart from the workshops, seminars and enthralling guest speakers, meeting attendees can join in field trips before, during and after the meeting, with expert guides and much to explore in terms of natural history, culture – and birds. There is even a hiking trip to the top of the highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte! These trips are paid for separately.

Keynote speaker David Lindo aka The Urban Birder is a broadcaster, writer, speaker, educator and bird tour leader. His mission is to engage city folk around the world with the environment through the medium of birds.

BirdsCaribbean is very strong on training in a wide range of areas, including working with the media; and on mentorship, an increasingly significant part of its work. Conference attendees can sign up as mentors or mentees. This programme was launched at the Guadeloupe conference in 2019 and covers a number of areas, including communications, outreach and education, bird monitoring, and more.

One more thing… If you think science conferences are boring and stuffy – think again! BirdsCaribbean members are the liveliest. Closing night is (believe me) enormous fun. Once dinner is done, the dance floor is cleared and attendees get down to the serious business of working up a sweat!

By the way, why don’t you become a member of BirdsCaribbean? You will be supporting valuable research, citizen science and education programmes. You will also receive discounts on meetings, educational materials, merchandise and more. The rate for Caribbean nationals and students is only US$25 per year. Of course, if you want to donate more, you know you will be part of the incredibly supportive network that BirdsCaribbean is.

The BirdsCaribbean family is passionate and committed, and the birds are beautiful and fascinating. The Caribbean is so rich and diverse in many ways.

What more could you want from a conference? It’s like no other!