The Birding Co-op Logo
WE ARE A DIVERSE, AMBITIOUS, AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WHO WANTS TO MAKE THE BIRDING WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

Our Mission

The Birding Co-op is a grassroots organization that promotes inclusivity in the global birding community by creating accessible travel experiences that foster meaningful connections among birders and nature enthusiasts while supporting communities through responsible tourism practices, advocating for social liberties, and advancing science-based environmental changes.

How We Do It

Fostering Community

Connecting the global birding network in our online community. Engage with fellow birders to find new destinations, experiences, and friends.

Supporting Each Other

Helping birding and ecotourism startups and organizations in need of support. With your participation, we make a huge impact and create a more connected birding community.

A New Take on Tours

All-new birding experiences across the globe. Not only will tours focus on birding, but also the community, culture, and adventure of your destination. See you in 2022.

Join Us!

Access Our Online Community

Join Our Experiences

Shape the Future of Birding

By joining the Birding Co-op, you’ll become a part of our network of members who are working to better the birding world by fostering meaningful connections and real changes to make our community more accessible and inclusive.

In addition, Co-op members can:

  • Join our global and unique Birding Experiences
  • Receive invites to virtual and in-person member events
  • Receive exclusive content from our partners. 

Most importantly, you’ll have opportunities to share your voice and make an impact in the global birding community. 

We’re proud to offer memberships for just $24/year to cover administrative costs for the Co-op. If costs are a barrier to joining, then a free membership option is available as well—no questions asked.

Current Partners

We partner with like-minded organizations on a rolling basis to provide community and financial support. Learn more »

 

Join the Co-op Community to support our partners »

 

Uganda Women Birders

Supplying optics and creating community events to connect with upcoming women birders and guides in Uganda and planning a 2023 Co-op Experience

Birding El Salvador

Supplying optics and creating community events to connect with the emerging birding community in El Salvador

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

Coordinating socials and providing unique accommodations for Co-op members during the festival

Icaro Birding

Creating bilingual activities to connect English- and Spanish-speaking birders and planning a 2023 Co-op Experience

Birding Experiences Costa Rica

Supporting Caracara conservation in Costa Rica and co-hosting the Costa Rica Experiences in December 2022

Osa Birds

Supporting the study and conservation of birds in the Osa Peninsula and co-hosting the Costa Rica Experience in December 2022

Co-op Experiences are here!

A New Take on Birding Tours

What Experiences Are

Getaways that go off the beaten path to combine birding, community service, and connecting directly with local nature enthusiasts and leaders in ecotourism that keep costs low for participants.

What They Aren't

These are not hit-the-highlights trips with over-the-top amenities that only skim the surface of the local people and biodiversity or focus only on the species list.
The Costa Rica Experience

December 2022 • Hands-on conservation work in unique locations
with Costa Rica Birding Experiences

Birding in Colombia
The Colombia Experience

February 2023 • A one-of-a-kind blend of birds, food, drink, and exploration
with Life LIst Podcast and Icaro Birding

The Montana Experience
The Montana Experience

July 2023 • Budget, drive-yourself, camping vibes

with Glacier Birding Adventures

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival
Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

August 2023 • Unique accommodations and activities during the festival

with the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

Uganda Birding
The Uganda Experience

December 2023 • Primates and more alongside Uganda Women Birders

with the International Conference for Women Birders

Central America
Another Central American Experience

2023/2024 • Developing an itinerary unlike any other!

An Innovative Online Community

Using the Power of Conversation to Make Real Changes

We believe that there is power in conversation to connect with others, share ideas, and foster change. Our online community is a space for Co-op members and partners to work together and making the birding world a better place.

The Co-op Community

Join The Birding Co-op

Where Your Money Goes

We aim to be completely transparent with how your funds support The Birding Co-op. The Co-op is in the process of receiving 501(c)(3) nonprofit status—meaning that we are dedicated to provide a public benefit, not to maximize profits. Your membership dues first go to our operating costs—including legal and business fees; website, Community, and digital costs; and related bills. Beyond that, we use our funding to provide support to our partners. The Co-op works with our partners in many ways, including support in our community and on-the-ground services on Experience and at festivals, and in some cases, we will provide monetary support, too.

It takes an immense amount of time and effort to build and maintain the Co-op and its partnerships, and we have big dreams for this organization to grow. We are currently volunteer-driven, but we’re aiming to build a small staff in the future to make the Co-op the best it can be. Our members and donations will help to fund our future staff to increase our partnerships and the scope of the organization.

More Ways to Get Involved

Become a Partner

Our Experience, Community, and Festival Partners get the support of the Co-op to make real change happen. Learn more »

Make a Donation

We’re making a difference while keeping membership costs low. Your donations will support the Co-op and our partners. Support the Co-op »

The Co-op is for everyone—we mean it. As a nonprofit, the costs of joining help us with operating costs, and extra funds provide support to our partners. However, if the cost of a membership prohibits you from joining the Co-op, you can instead join for free, no questions asked. This is made possible by donations. If you’d like to donate to help others join this community, click here