The Tribune

FREEPORT – Young Mateo Lopez is only 11 but he has become an enthusiastic young ornithologist in Grand Bahama.

Choosing to work with the Bahamas National Trust for his CAS hours (Creativity, Action and Service in your community), this Lucaya International Student watched, recorded and presented his bird count findings to the Bahamas National Trust last month.

Mateo logged roughly 30 hours of time on his project over a five-month period and then created a 22-page power point presentation for his school and the trust.

During the process, he also got behind the lens as a photographer, borrowing his mother’s camera to record the more than 20 species he detailed.

“I enjoyed the count and discovering new birds,” said Mateo.

“I discovered I really liked using the camera and taking pictures, I learnt so much and I will continue this volunteer work!”

Cecilia Bodie, Grand Bahama BNT manager, said after receiving Mateo’s in depth presentation: “The commitment and dedication exhibited by Mateo is to be commended. Bird watching is typically an adult activity and one that the Bahamas National Trust has encouraged young people to become involved in. This is the type of enthusiasm that we love to see in our young people.”   

Young Mateo was inspired to work with the BNT by his mother’s friend Cheri Wood a local Grand Bahama BNT volunteer.

“Mateo really embraced the project and got me excited about the count and birds,” said Mr Wood, “I am hoping his work with the BNT will inspire others to consider service to the Trust for their community or give others ideas on how they can get involved in volunteer work.”

Mateo was not alone on his counts, he also inspired his parents who often found themselves transporting their son to the beach for counts, or stopping on trips to photograph and record new data.

“Mateo really inspired us to appreciate our environment and to respect the birds’ surroundings,” said Sol Lopez. “Our entire family has become involved in the process. I am very proud of what Mateo did with his hours and that it will help the Trust.”

The data Lopez collected will now be used for additional statistics on current and migrating birds in the Bahamas. Lopez used resources at the Rand Nature Centre, his school and online to identify birds he saw on Grand Bahama. He plans to continue his bird watching and hopes others realise the importance of the birds to their community and the environment.