11 May Introduction (Abraham Hernández-Bacca)

Hello everyone, 

My name is Abraham Hernández Bacca, I am a Costa Rican guy. I have a bachelor’s degree in tropical biology, graduated from the National University of Costa Rica (UNA). I am currently doing a second degree in Natural Resource Management. I have spent my professional life studying birds, particularly in the areas of ecology, climate change and conservation. Likewise, I have carried out population monitoring of birds in both wetlands and humid forests.

In addition, over the past year I worked as an administrator of the Romelia Wildlife Refuge located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, where I led research projects on turtles, birds, and bats. Being able to take part in the Fish & Feathers program fills me with great enthusiasm, and I am sure that it will be an enriching experience, especially during my process as a trainee ornithologist. I look forward to learning about different bird monitoring techniques, as well as learning about the diverse ecosystems where birds live both in and around the protected area of Bandelier National Monument… my workplace for the next 5 months. 

I am an aquarist, and I have always had the personal challenge of learning more about freshwater fish species, and to be able to contribute to the rescue and conservation of habitats and ecosystems at risk. At Fish & Feathers, I am very confident that this will be an opportunity for me to start developing this topic.

I recognize that my stay at the Bandelier National Monument will enhance my professional and personal skills, and I will make a greater contribution to wildlife conservation and research in my country. 

I am eager to learn all about Bandelier National Monument, its ecosystems and species I will find there. Among my list of birds that I hope to meet are the following: Yellow-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus) Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) and somehow it would be a dream to see the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) near the region. Additionally, an interesting fact is that during the time that I will be in Bandelier, I will be able to find many migratory species present in Costa Rica during the North American winter.

I will keep you all informed about this great adventure that is about to begin.