There are researchers, educators, and conservationists in Latin America and the Caribbean striving to protect birds and their habitats, but many are working without the most basic equipment, such as binoculars and field guides.
The American Birding Association’s Birders’ Exchange program collects donated new and used equipment and distributes it to our colleagues working to conserve birds and their habitats throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Birders’ Exchange is an inspired idea and a highly effective reality. It’s making a big difference throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Anyone who cares about the future of birds and wildlife should support this program.”
— Kenn Kaufman, author of Birds of North America
“With Birders’ Exchange, the need for a good pair of binoculars won’t stand in the way of developing first-class ornithologists all over the world, and can only lead to increased information and appreciation of the birds and their habitats at the local level.”
— David Allen Sibley, author of The Sibley Guide to Birds
“Birders’ Exchange must have studied the art of wizardry. With nothing more than donated birding equipment, books, and a bit if cash, they turn local communities and school kids into committed conservationists, struggling NGOs into recognized players on the international scene, and “paper parks” into real protected areas. And in the process they remind us how rewarding it is to lend a hand when none is expected.”
— Charles D. Duncan, Director of the Shorebird Recovery Project, and Director of the Executive Office of The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
