Want to Save Birds? Consider an expedition.

If you are thinking of trekking to the tropics to see parrots up close and personal, consider this: Your trip can contribute to the conservation of parrots and their habitats.

We have heard the alarms being sounded by scientists: Birds, including parrots, are vanishing at alarming rates. Of the more than 330 known species of parrots, The World Conservation Union (you may know it as the IUCN) recognizes over 90 species of these as being critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. These numbers do not even take into consideration other groups of exotic birds, like finches.

As devastating as this all seems, there are glimmers of hope. One of these is ecotourism. Before you make those reservations though, please keep in mind that not all ecotourism operators are equal. Any company can claim to specialize in ecotourism. But do they pass the test? (Click to read the rest of the article.)