Planning a birding vacation? Would you like to help conserve wild birds? Consider volunteering on your next birding vacation. Volunteer vacations present unique birding opportunities, normally available only to professional ornithologists. In addition to excellent birding, volunteer vacations also provide meaningful opportunities to contribute to avian conservation.

There are several non-profit organizations that lead volunteer vacations around the world. Life Net is a compelling example of a non-profit that offers unique birding volunteer vacations. Founded in the 1990’s by conservation scientists, Life Net has led volunteer vacations focused on a variety of wildlife species in North America and South America.

Life Net is currently organizing a volunteer expedition to help preserve cloud forest birds in Ecuador. Birders joining the cloud forest expedition are guided by experienced ornithologists and can anticipate seeing as many as 250 species, including 25 hummingbird species. The volunteer contribution for the two week expedition is $1200, not including travel expenses to and from Quito, Ecuador. Click here to learn more about the upcoming cloud forest expedition, and other Life Net opportunities.