‘Birds of Essequibo’ – a checklist for bird lovers launched

Guyana is home to many eco and nature tourism attractions which have been getting tourists to the country’s shores and, over the recent past, there has been focus on promoting the country’s birding potential.

On Monday, a Checklist of Birds of Essequibo was officially launched, by Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. The booklet highlights the many bird species and their locations.
The birding checklist was researched and produced by Vice President and Founder of the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society, Andy Narine.
Haralsingh addressing the media spoke of Guyana as a birding hotspot, being home to over 900 species of birds from 72 different families as such the country’s birding potential has been promoted by over 40 International Tour Companies which is actively selling destination Guyana.
“Much of the country’s birding potential has been promoted near and far, as bird-watching continues to be one of the fastest growing segments in eco tourism in Guyana,” he said. Recently, at the 24th British Birdwatching Fair, Guyana’s tourism potential was highlighted. A booth organised jointly by the GTA, Wilderness Explorers, Rupununi Trails and Iwokrama displayed the country’s potential.
According to GTA’s Director, while many countries continue to publicise the trade, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK injects annually over £500 for the continuation of birdwatching as a sport.
Several companies continue to place spotlight on Guyana’s birding potential including;- Limosa, Wild Wing, Avian Adventure, Wildlife and Wilderness, Clipper Cruise Line, Tropical Birding, Neo-Tropical Journey, Bird Quest and Rock Jumper.
“Guyana has a huge potential for this market….we currently have between 2,430 tours per year bringing in an average of Gy$100-$168M which not only showcases the country’s birding potential, but also put spotlight on communities,” he said.
Of the 900 species of birds found in Guyana, 600 alone are home to Essequibo. The checklist which is essential for tour guides promotes and places international attention on the simple Essequibo which was known as the only rice growing and cattle rearing region.
Narine who lauded the GTA for its commitment towards ensuring that tourism stays alive in Guyana, made a call for the Private Sector to come onboard.
“Guyana has potential to see birding escalates into a hub as in Essequibo alone there are 200 plus birds found on the island and 400plus in the mainlands….twice a year, the Austrian and Neo Tropical migrant birds fluctuate and is a good time for birdwatchers,” he said. Among some of the most popular birds found in Guyana include;- Harpy Eagle; Silver-Beaked Tanager; The Guiana Cock-of-the-Rock; Amazon Kingfisher; Yellow Oriole; Red-Billed Toucan and the Purple Honeycreeper.