He's been bird watching since he can remember, or at least that's what he says during his official presentation - and then jokes about it, saying that he probably doesn't have that good of a memory.

However, there is certainly one fact that guarantees his expertise: Steve Howell has been leading ornithologist expeditions for over 30 years, he has published a number of books on this topic and he attests that San Blas is the best place in the world for those who enjoy this activity.

In 2010, Howell came to Riviera Nayarit to celebrate Christmas. He then waited for a group of eight bird watchers that would arrive three days later to embark in an adventure to discover the endemic species of this region, which are as interesting as the amazing migration that birds do to arrive to this paradise.

"San Blas is a truly privileged place; I can't understand why some ornithologists have stopped coming. This is the best place in the world to do bird watching and the conditions in this place are still top-notch - there's nothing that can spoil the experience," he assures.

Steve knows well what he's talking about. In 2010 he directed expeditions in Asia, Australia and in a large part of the American Continent, including other locations in Mexico like Chiapas, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Veracruz. "Ecuador is also an interesting location which is attracting large number of tourists, but honestly San Blas hosts a large number of species that can't be found there," he said.

Born in Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the United Kingdom, Howell spent his school years bird watching throughout the UK. Once he finished college, Howell spent two years traveling until he arrived to Mexico, where he began a 14-year adventure that culminated with the publication of A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.

Steve is known worldwide for his extensive knowledge of maritime birds, and after spending a large part of his life in coastal regions he is now familiar with about 95% of the main coastal species. He currently lives in California and works for Wings, one of the largest businesses that specialize in bird watching in the world.

His visit to San Blas to lead this eight-day expedition is important not only to bird watchers, but also to the destination. Since Howell loves to write, his adventures in Riviera Nayarit will soon find a place in the most prestigious media that specialize in bird watching.

Don't Miss It
The International Migratory Bird Festival 2011 in San Blas is celebrating its 7th edition. The event will take place from January 23rd to 30th, and will include bird watching, conferences, activities for children, dance presentations, plays and music. For more information, visit: AvesSanBlas.uan.mx.

Howell In Print
The following is a list of Steve Howell's published work, which serves as a guide for the most passionate bird watchers.

A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America (with Sophie Webb)
A Bird-finding Guide to Mexico (1999)
Hummingbirds of North America: the Photographic Guide (2002)
The Peterson Reference Guide to Gulls of the Americas (2007, with Jon Dunn)
The Peterson Reference Guide to Molt in North American Birds (2010)

About Riviera Nayarit: Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, all pleasantly affordable, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, record deep sea fishing, bird watching, international cuisine, and shopping for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. Visit the website at RivieraNayarit.com