Honduras is continuing to gain momentum and garner attention in the birding industry and the first Mesoamerican Birding Festival, held in February, 2009, was a big step in the right direction.  The guide training course, which took place in conjunction with and just before the festival, demonstrated the strong grassroots interest Hondurans have in learning about their country’s birds and becoming bird guides.  The principal organizer of the festival and the guide training, Robert Gallardo, is trying to gain support to offer three follow-up courses to the top ten students from the first course.  He already has a major sponsor to partially fund the course but needs further assistance.  If you are interested in helping and would like more information contact him at: rgallardo32 AT gmail DOT com.