Education and Conservation
When I started birding back in 2015, I had no idea of the world I was getting into. Soon, I found out there was a lot more than just watching birds. For instance, I started getting involved in different projects that provide tools for the conservation of the bird species and their habitats.
CITIZEN SCIENCE
One of the first aspects of birding I embraced was citizen science. While studying the local species, I discovered eBird to be an invaluable resource—and I knew that once I moved from books to the field, I wanted to give back to the project.
From 2018 to 2022, I served as the coordinator for eBird’s Global Big Day and October Big Day in El Salvador, helping the local birding community achieve impressive participation and results in recent editions. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to train individuals and institutions in how to use the eBird platform effectively, promoting both conservation and community engagement.
ENVIROMENTAL EDUCATION
I realized that in order to show the beauty of our birds to visitors, I first had to help the local communities discover and fall in love with them too. When people become aware of the incredible bird species in their own region, they’re more likely to protect both the birds and their habitats.
With the support of institutions like the Delegation of the European Union in El Salvador, my wife and I have worked closely with local communities—especially children—with the goal of promoting bird conservation and the protection of diverse ecosystems.
VOLUNTEERING
Since the early days of my birding journey, I’ve been actively involved as a volunteer in various conservation projects.
I’ve contributed to the Central American Waterbird Census, the International Shorebird Survey, and the Fonseca Gulf Waterbird Census. I also take part of El Salvador’s participation in the annual World Shorebird Day count every September.
Each of these initiatives plays a vital role in monitoring bird populations and supporting regional and global conservation efforts—and I'm proud to be part of them.
PUBLICATIONS
Guiding took me to Birding, Birding took me to Citizen Science and Citizen Science took me to Science. Back in 2017 I had the chance to do my first publication.
We discovered a couple of Pearl Kites nesting,
I had the chance to plan regular visits to observe the chicks progress and eventually that led to the publication of article in the neotropical raptor newsletter Spizaetus.
