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Irene Dy of Manila, the Philippines, is a one-woman powerhouse of birding eco-tourism and conservation for the birds of her country. Dy comes across as a spirited and tireless advocate for birding and conservation. She started guiding just friends, then friends of friends. Often, she would be asked if she can help find birds after seeing her photos on her Facebook page.

Dy credits many supportive male birders in helping her launch her own bird guiding career.