Rare Bird Sighting Boosts Small Town Economy

The sighting of a Western Reef Heron in Kitttery Point Maine this summer proved to be a boost to the small town’s economy in the last days of the summer tourist season. During the 10 days the bird was known to have been in the area, it is estimated that 300 to 400 birders visited in hopes of catching sight of the heron, whose normal habitat is in Africa. Results of an internet survey showed that the average visiting birder spent 1.38 days in Kittery and spent about $26. Read more about the heron’s impact. Thirty survey respondents said they had no plans to visit Maine before hearing about the rare bird. Read more about the bird’s economical impact.

Share the birds, share the love!

•