MEMBERS of BirdLife International's Rare Bird Club (RBC) have just departed after a week's stay in Bermuda.

As part of their visit, members were invited to see the bluebird trail in the grounds of Government House and plant a tree in the Audubon Grove.

Local RBC member Andrew Dobson helped organise the trip and was keen that Bermuda should be showcased for its unique birds and the opportunity for eco-tourism.

"The visitors had a great Bermuda experience," Mr. Dobson said. "They were particularly impressed with the Nonsuch restoration project and cahow recovery programme.

"They had the chance to see nature reserves such as Spittal Pond and Walsingham, as well as Cooper's Island, recently declared a national park."

BirdLife International is the largest bird conservation organisation in the world, formed from member organisations in more than 100 countries. The Rare Bird Club is dedicated to saving 1,200 globally threatened bird species and their habitats.

The RBC brings together an international group of individuals including environmentalists, keen birdwatchers, conservationists, artists and nature lovers.

Authors Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson have just been appointed joint honorary presidents of the RBC. Queen Noor of Jordan, an RBC member and honorary president of BirdLife International, was also in Bermuda recently.

At present there are more than 400 members in 40 different countries. The aim is to recruit one member for each of the 1,200 threatened birds. Anyone interested in joining the RBC can visit www.rarebirdclub.org for more information.