Over the past year, we’ve profiled about 60 bird guides from 35+ countries. Each of them brings unique knowledge of their own local conditions.
Now, while continuing the series as before, we add another format. In this one, instead of one guide answering many questions, many guides answer just one. Hopefully, by putting the same question to many professional birders from around the world, we will see patterns emerge. This time, we asked
Which non-bird aspect of birding trips do your guests value most?
Variety of other wildlife, plus local culture, history, traditions, and everyday life. Gabor Orban, Hungary/Costa Rica
Scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, photography, ecology, peace, and mindfulness. Mohamed Bargache, Morocco
The love and dedication of local people in their territories. Asherita Viajera, Colombia
Food! Faraaz Abdool, Trinidad & Tobago
Local cuisine from 6 different tribal groups and their cultures in Sikkim. Dibyendu Ash, Sikkim, India
The chance to connect with nature’s quiet, unplanned moments and share calm with others. Steven An, China
Let me just say it off the top of my head: my decades of experience organizing and conducting birdwatching trips. Furthermore, I’m not just fixated on birds. I’m interested in all of nature, whether geology, botany, or other animal classes. Between you and me: my secret area of interest is herpetology. As a social worker with a degree, I’m naturally interested in the people, whether the guests or the local population, in the countries I visit. Rolf Nessing, Germany
Cultural legacy and traditions. Ernesto Reyes Mouriño and Tania Piñeiro, Cuba
Local food and uniquely Filipino hospitality! Irene Dy, Philippines
Chinese food (some guests value it least). Zhang Lin, China
They like it every time when I explain about the history, culture, and oral traditions from the Maasai people, a tribe that I am from. Issac Kilusu, Tanzania
From all the awesome feedback I’ve gotten from my clients, here’s what they really love about the non-birding side of our trips! They super appreciate the discipline we bring—think punctuality, sticking to safety guidelines (like food, personal, and travel safety), and keeping things smooth and secure. They also value how we can accurately predict which birds we might spot—one birder, a London-based financial analyst who specializes in futures trading, even gave us a big thumbs-up for this! Plus, they enjoy that we are friendly, knowledgeable, and can chat about pretty much anything. Oh, and safe driving with a calm vibe and solid skills is always a hit! Savio Fonseca, Goa, India
Most people are curious about life in Finland, and I encourage them to ask questions about it. As a non-Finn, I bring a special perspective, but I think it’s one they can greatly relate to. Samuel Bloch, Finland
Guests often say they love the peaceful atmosphere of Nyungwe and the chance to see primates, especially chimpanzees, during their stay. The friendliness of local communities and Rwanda’s safety also make the experience unforgettable. Jacques Habimana, Rwanda
I always try to weave little stories of history and local culture into my birding tours — because to me, they’re inseparable from the birds themselves. I can see the moment it clicks for my guests: suddenly, the island isn’t just a place they’re visiting — it becomes a world that suddenly belongs to them. The colors, the sounds, the stories of the people who live here — it all connects, and their eyes light up with wonder. It’s not just about the birds anymore; the stories and the culture bring Bonaire to life and make the whole experience that much richer. Susan Davis, Bonaire
Guests often appreciate the broader connection with nature and local culture beyond birdwatching — such as exploring unique plant life, understanding local ecosystems, experiencing regional cuisine, and learning about the cultural heritage of the communities they visit. These elements make the trip more immersive and memorable. Rofikul Islam, India
Our bird guides emphasized that what makes birding in their regions unique goes beyond the birds themselves. Key themes include local culture, history, traditions, and hospitality; scenic landscapes and peaceful natural settings; connections with other wildlife and ecosystems; local food; and the broader experience of sharing experiences with guests.
Photo: Meal served to the editor as a family guest in Afghanistan in 2023. Delicious, even though the editor does not normally care much for food, though Zhang Lin may find this sad.
Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow, the birds may not show up.
I agree with each of these guides and believe, 100% that, with these responses, they are definitely paying attention.
If I have to chose two I might select—well, I can’t select because there is truth and wisdom in them all. Food 100%. Who doesn’t like to try new food. Hospitality, 100%, I agree. Often astonishing. For a bunch of strangers? Yes, it seems. Discipline and timeliness, safety and all that goes with that level of planning and work. 100%. I could go on, but you get the picture. This is an excellent series.
Definitely learning about the country’s history and culture. Food of course! Although after 10 days in Costa Rica, I didn’t want to see any Gallo Pinto for a long time! Also hearing about the lives and experiences of my fellow birders.
Meeting people and learning more about them in an unforced setting (no folk dancing please!) is a major non-birding attraction as is the food & beverage element. However, never ever should any of this take away from seeing “that bird”. Important note: for the non-birding part of the journey preparation matters as much as for the birding. If the national cuisine consists of “rice and beans” you may want to just wolf down your dinner and seek out that rare owl instead.