The Bird watching Fellowship commenced in 1991, with its presence at the Mexico convention.

At it commenced the tradition of holding field trips during the convention to seek out local birds. Ultimately such trips took place the day immediately after the international  convention in order not to interfere with any of the scheduled events of the convention. With the aid of local leaders such trips customarily locate about fifty local species. Between 20 to 30 members usually take part in these events.

The first lengthier trip occurred after the Singapore convention, 1999, through much of central Malaysia, for seven days.

In May of 2001, a fifteen day trip was organized through southern Africa, including Kruger National Park and much of Swaziland and Botswana.  Much of the transportation  and accommodation in Africa was through the assistance of local Rotarians.

Environmental projects have been assisted financially in Bolivia and India.

English Newsletters are mailed to all members , with translations now to those of Spanish extraction, three times yearly. The publisher is Joan Heidelberg of Troy, Ohio. The full membership list is up-dated annually and sent to all members.

There are now over 250 members, within 45 countries.

The initiator of the Fellowship was Dick Tafel of North Bay, Ontario, Canada. In June of 2002 he was superceded as titular president by Mike Lakin of Botswana, Africa. Treasurer is Ann Treimann of Conn. U.S.A.; Vice President, Steve Leonard of Martinsville, Indiana.

Dick Tafel, Past Pres.

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