Weird? why? I am not familiar with guiding costs world wide or even in Australia, but most of the feedback I am now receiving suggests that $450 for a few hours to see one species is way and above regular guiding costs in Australia. The direct comparison with the Gurney’s Pitta, I thought, was a fair one. A bird that is on the edge of extinction, located in a tiny pocket of rainforest, with most birders being overseas visitors and, finally, the guiding offered being probably the sole income for a couple of individuals… as opposed to a species, admitedly in a difficult part of the world to access, but not completely uncommon on offer by a group of people financially well supported alrady by the government? That’s my opinion/view for what its worth!
Thhnks to everyone who has contributed – I believe the overall discussion is worth it and sincerely hope there is no long lasting effect from this situation. Presumably the Parrots will enjoy a successful breeding season this year and we can all see them for ‘free’ in the near future! One can only hope the species benefits from the improved conditions in the interior and, even if I never see it, continue to expand.
Cheers
Colin
On Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:53 +1100, “Philip Veerman” wrote: > Yes of course. I thought it quite weird to make that comparison to > Thailand………… > > I do think that $450 is a lot though. > > Philip > > —–Original Message—– > From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au > [mailto:birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au] On Behalf Of Peter Shute > Sent: Tuesday, 30 November 2010 9:31 AM > To: ‘Colin R’; ‘Birds’ > Subject: RE: RE: [Birding-Aus] Princess Parrots > > > How would US$150 compare to the average wage in Thailand? > > Peter Shute > > > —–Original Message—– > > From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au > > [mailto:birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au] On Behalf Of Colin R > > Sent: Tuesday, 30 November 2010 8:47 AM > > To: ‘Birds’ > > Subject: RE: RE: [Birding-Aus] Princess Parrots > > > > Hi > > > > I’m with Tony and Chris on this one. I DO agree that the local > > indigenous population showing some interest as bird guides is a great > > step forward – who better to offer this service? But $450? Get real! > > That’s sheer profiteering and won’t win any long term support > > from the birding community – I hope. In fact its a real pity > > that some people are actually willing to pay that kind of > > money – it simply encourages this sort of behaviour and there > > will be no turning back. Lets put it into some sort of > > reality – to see Gurney’s Pitta in Thailand one pays approx > > $150US – for a bird that is down to less than 30 pairs in > > that country (I may have the numbers wrong, but it is > > certainly much ‘rarer’ than a > > PP) and is notoriously hard to see anyway. There is no > > comparison. It is shameful that anyone, foreign visitor or > > ‘local’ is being ripped off at this price for the pleasure of birding. > > > > I would ask all of you considering going, to re-consider and reflect > > on the impact this may possibly have on any guiding or birding > > anywhere in Australia in the future – especially by the indigenous > > population. By all means encourage their involvement, but at a > > realistic price. > > > > Colin > > > > Brisbane. > >
