Sure it is fun to go on an adventure like that if you can afford it and the bird is one worth seeing. It is a nice story. I also think the carbon offset is tokenism but it is at least something. What raised my curiosity though is the mention “and the chance to see it in Australia”. Yes that decision possibly emits less carbon etc and possibly costs rather less than to see one where it normally lives. (As I wrote before I saw two of them in China and if you pick your time, airfares to China are likely a lot less expensive than quick purchased Melbourne to Broome, but of course there are many other greater risks and considerations.) I wrote long ago that I would rather see a Secretary bird on the plains of Africa than in Canberra. I may be misunderstanding but think the implied suggestion somewhat curious that it is nicer to see a bird where it ought not to be, than in its usual habitat and range.
I wonder does it work the other way? If someone found a colony of Gouldian Finches near Port Moresby PNG, would Australian birders rather go there to see them than try their luck in northern Australia.
Philip Kambah ACT
