So, please thank them and kiss them when you see them on the street. Our new advertising campaigns are aimed at adventure travelers and eco-tourists. We re trying to lure people who will bring their own equipment, like outdoor photographers, hikers, mountain bikers and paddle sport enthusiasts. Each year we have more bird watchers. For that, I credit my colleague Lana Harris, the birding guru of Nome.
Birders love to talk about birds.
Lana writes great articles for birding magazines. When they get here, she talks the talk and introduces them to other local wing divas like Karen Fagerstrom. We try to make them feel welcome, and apparently they do. In past years, bird watchers have contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to the Nome economy. I think we ll see an even bigger impact this summer.