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Riviera Nayarit offers the best bird watching

Steve Howell, an ornithologist and bird watching tour guide states that Riviera Nayarit is the best place in the world to enjoy this activity

He’s been bird watching since he can remember, or at least that’s what he says during his official presentation – and then jokes about it, saying that he probably doesn’t have that good of a memory. However, there is certainly one fact that guarantees his expertise: Steve Howell has been leading ornithologist expeditions for over 30 years, he has published a number of books on this topic and he attests that San Blas is the best place in the world for those who enjoy this activity.

In 2010 Howell came to Riviera Nayarit to celebrate Christmas. He then waited for a group of eight bird watchers that would arrive three days later to embark in an adventure to discover the endemic species of this region, which are as interesting as the amazing migration that birds do to arrive to this paradise.

“San Blas is a truly privileged place; I can’t understand why some ornithologists have stopped coming. This is the best place in the world to do bird watching and the conditions in this place are still top-notch – there’s nothing that can spoil the experience”, he assures.

Steve knows well what he’s talking about. In 2010 he directed expeditions in Asia, Australia and in a large part of the American Continent, including other locations in Mexico like Chiapas, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Veracruz. “Ecuador is also an interesting location which is attracting large number of tourists, but honestly San Blas hosts a large number of species that can’t be found there”, he said.

Born in Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the United Kingdom, Howell spent his school years bird watching throughout the UK. Once he finished college, Howell spent two years traveling until he arrived to Mexico, where he began a 14-year adventure that culminated with the publication of A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.

Steve is known worldwide for his extensive knowledge of maritime birds, and after spending a large part of his life in coastal regions he is now familiar with about 95% of the main coastal species. He currently lives in California and works for Wings, one of the largest businesses that specialize in bird watching in the world.

His visit to San Blas to lead this eight-day expedition is important not only to bird watchers, but also to the destination. Since Howell loves to write, his adventures in Riviera Nayarit will soon find a place in the most prestigious media that specialize in bird watching.

DON’T MISS ITThe International Migratory Bird Festival 2011 in San Blas is celebrating its 7th edition. The event will take place on January 23 to 30, and will include bird watching, conferences, activities for children, dance presentations, plays and music.

For more information, visit: www.avessanblas.uan.mx

HOWELL IN PRINTThe following is a list of Steve Howell’s published work, which serves as a guide for the most passionate bird watchers.

A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America (with Sophie Webb)

A Bird-finding Guide to Mexico (1999)Hummingbirds of North America: the Photographic Guide (2002)The Peterson Reference Guide to Gulls of the Americas (2007, with Jon Dunn)

The Peterson Reference Guide to Molt in North American Birds (2010)