Posted by steve siegel on November 01, 2015 at 14:51:43
I thought I'd have a little fun and calculate the economic impact of the Variegated Flycatcher. These are really conservative numbers. Assume 300 people saw the bird. 75 flew in at average fare $400, with about 10% of that going to the local community (airport workers, etc). $30,000. $3,000 local. 100 stayed in hotels average $100 per night $10,000 Half stay a second night. Add $5,000 Ten percent stay longer. Add $2,000. 75 rent local cars at $50 per day. $3750 300 people eat at $20 per day (even locals probably buy some bottled water and a sandwich) $6,000 150 people buy gas at $20 a fill $3000. This comes to a total of about $60,000 with half of that spent locally. Not exactly a Madam Gaga concert, but not too bad for a little bird. What are your numbers?