Fixed date Birdingpal tours for small groups
around the world.
Australia 1
Australia 2
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Australia August 24 to August 31/12
Your local guide Mike Jarvis
Birding in Australia.
Maximum group size – 6 people. Travel is in a very comfortable 4wd.
Experience the true Australian outback. This is not 5 star accommodation – it is 1000 star accommodation. Camping at its best with comfortable beds and nothing but a thin mosquito net between you and the stars at night. Awake to the dawn chorus.... Camping is at well set up camp grounds with hot showers every night. August in the Top End is the perfect time for birders to visit. Humidity is still low and temperatures are moderate. Some of the migrating birds have arrived. Waterholes are shrinking and numbers of waterbirds at the waterholes are increasing.
Opportunities for shopping for personal items and mobile phone reception on some days. All food and drink is supplied. Insect repellent and sunscreen also supplied.
The trip involves a lot of (unhurried) walking, offering maximum opportunities to watch birds in their normal behaviour. A reasonable degree of fitness will be necessary.
We tread as lightly as possible with minimal impact practices, simple but healthy and tasty meals, and maximum time in the field. Be immersed in the flora, fauna, geology and ancient Aboriginal culture, and the amazing BIRDLIFE for 8 days.
DAY 1
Early pick up from accommodation, head out to East Point in search of Rainbow Pittas and other monsoon forest specialists. From there we check out several other birding hotspots around Darwin before setting up camp at Coolalinga.
Expected sightings for the day - Rainbow Pitta, Rainbow Bee-eater*, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Brown Honeyeater*, White-gaped Honeyeater, Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Little Friarbird*, Helmeted Friarbird, Yellow Oriole, Pied-imperial Pigeon, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Green-backed Gerygone, Bush Stone-curlew, Brown Whistler, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Yellow White-eye, Tree Martin, White-breasted Woodswallow, Australasian Pipit, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike*, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Black Butcherbird, Magpie-lark*, Masked Lapwing*, Red-collared Lorikeet*. Beach Stone-curlew, Collared Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher Eastern Reef Egret, Long-tailed Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Tawny Frogmouth, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Australasian Figbird, Bar-shouldered Dove*, Peaceful Dove*, Emerald Dove, Grey-crowned Babbler, Varied Triller, Ruddy Turnstone, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater Sand-plover, Lesser Sand-plover, Common Sandpiper, Red-headed Honeyeater, Striated Heron, Australian Pelican, Caspian Tern, Crested Tern, Pacific Gull, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Silver-backed Butcherbird, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Red-winged Parrot, Galah, Little Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Spangled Drongo, Pheasant Coucal, Mistletoebird, Striated Pardalote, Mangrove Gerygone, Large-billed Gerygone, Grey Goshawk, Brown Goshawk, Brown Quail, Golden-headed Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Brolga, White-browed Crake, Black Kite*, Whistling Kite, Magpie Goose, Green Pygmy-goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Australasian Darter, Black Duck, Radjah Shelduck, Wandering Whistling-duck*, Pacific Baza, Double-barred Finch, Crimson Finch, Masked Finch; Mammals - Agile Wallaby, Dingo.
Overnight at Coolalinga camping grounds.
DAY 2
We travel to Fogg Dam for some early morning birdwatching and then the Marrakai Track, birding the wetlands, floodplain, open woodland, monsoon forest, cleared grasslands and riverine habitats.
Expected sightings - Pied-imperial Pigeon, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Forest Kingfisher, White-winged Triller, Black-faced Woodswallow, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Yellow Oriole, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Rainbow Pitta, Tawny Grassbird, Arafura Fantail, Brown Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Australian Pratincole, Brush Cuckoo, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Pheasant Coucal, Comb-crested Jacana, Green Pygmy-goose, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Paperbark Flycatcher, Shining Flycatcher, Willie Wagtail, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Dusky Honeyeater, Little Shrike-thrush, Buff-banded Rail, Mangrove Golden Whistler, Arafura Fantail, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Magpie Goose, Brush Cuckoo, Varied Triller, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, Spotted Harrier, Black-breasted Buzzard, Black Falcon, Brown Falcon, Brown Goshawk, Red-collared Lorikeet, Varied Lorikeet, Little Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Northern Rosella, Red-winged Parrot, Black-tailed Tree-creeper, Varied Sittella, Grey-crowned Babbler, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Brown Quail, Chestnut-backed Button-quail, Buff-sided Robin, White-necked Heron, Weebill, Pied Butcherbird, Rufous-banded Honeyeater; Reptiles – Estuarine Crocodile, Water Python, Darwin Carpet Python, Common Tree Snake, Frilled-neck Lizard; Mammals – Northern Brushtail Possum, Agile Wallaby.
Camp at Corroboree Park.
DAY 3
We leave Corroboree Park to explore Bird Billabong and then Mary River Park, savannah woodland, billabongs and wetlands, riverine habitat.
Expected sightings - Little Corellas, Gouldian, Masked, Long-tailed and Double-barred Finches, Black-tailed Tree-creeper, Banded and Bar-breasted and White-throated Honeyeaters, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Square-tailed Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Grey Goshawk, Brolga, Black-fronted Dotterel, Black-winged Stilt, White-necked Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Black-necked Stork, Pied Heron, Darters, Cormorants and Egrets, Wandering Whistling-duck, Plumed Whistling-duck, possible waders, Brush Cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Grey Goshawk, Pacific Baza, Cicadabird, Varied Lorikeet, Spangled Drongo, Pheasant Coucal; Reptiles – Estuarine Crocodile; Mammals – Antilopine Wallaroo, Agile Wallaby.
Camp at Mary River Park. Spot light for Barking Owl, Rufous Owl, Boobook Owl, Tawny Frogmouth and small mammals after dinner.
DAY 4
Mary River boat cruise, travel to Kakadu National Park, camp at Merl campground.
Expected sightings - Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Pacific Baza, Oriental Cuckoo, Spangled Drongo, Red-winged Parrot, Leaden Flycatcher, Willie Wagtail, White-browed Crake, Plumed Whistling-duck, Wandering Whistling-duck, Glossy Ibis, Brown Falcon, Whistling Kite, Black Kite, Black-necked Stork, Little Curlew, Oriental Plover, Oriental Pratincole, Comb-crested Jacana, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Long-tailed Finch, Masked Finch, Double-barred Finch, Torresian Crow, Swamp Harrier, Black-shouldered Kite, Zitting Cisticola, Paperback Flycatcher, Yellow Chat?! Crimson Finch, Golden-headed Cisticola, Green Pygmy-goose, Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, Sandstone Shrike-thrush, Rainbow Pitta, Eastern Koel, Grey Goshawk, Brown Goshawk, Australian Hobby, White-lined Honeyeater, Rainbow Bee-eater; Reptiles = Estuarine Crocodile, Johnstone’s Crocodile; Mammals – Short-eared Rock Wallaby.
Camp at Merl campground, see spectacular ancient rock art at Ubirr and view sunset over the Nadab Floodplain, spot light for Barking Owl, Rufous Owl, Tawny Frogmouth and small mammals.
DAY 5
Second day at Kakadu. More birding at Ubirr, gain an understanding of the local culture at the Bowali Visitor Centre, see the amazing landscape and rock art at Burrunggui.
Expected sightings - Blue-winged Kookaburra, Partridge Pigeon, Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Rainbow Pitta, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Eastern Koel, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Dollarbird, Yellow Oriole, Little Shrike-thrush, Pheasant Coucal, Pacific Baza, Australasian Figbird, Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, Partridge Pigeon, Torresian Crow, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Rufous Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush, Whistling Kite, Torresian Crow, Little Egret, Intermediate, Great Egret, Radjah Shelduck, Black-necked Stork, Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, Banded Fruit-dove, Emerald Dove, Sandstone Shrike-thrush, Sandstone Helmeted Friarbird, Silver-crowned Friarbird, White-lined Honeyeater, Arafura Fantail, Little Woodswallow, Spangled Drongo, Northern Fantail, Rainbow Pitta, Weebill; Mammals – Black Wallaroo.
Camp at Malabanjbanjdju campgrounds. Spot light (walk or night drive) for Bush Stone-curlew, Barking Owl, Rufous Owl, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Spotted Nightjar, Tawny Frogmouth and small mammals after dinner.
DAY 6
Early start to join the Yellow Waters cruise at Cooinda by 6.20am. Warradjan Cultural Centre for display of Bininj/Mungguy (Indigenous) culture. Visit Gunlom.
Expected sightings - Brolga, Black-necked Stork, Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern, Radjah Shelduck, Nankeen Night-heron, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Pheasant Coucal, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, Grey Goshawk, Arafura Fantail, Tree Martin, Great Bowerbird, Spangled Drongo, Banded, White-throated, Bar-breasted and White-lined Honeyeater, Grey Goshawk, Blue-faced Honeyeater, White-throated Grass-wren!? Banded Fruit-dove, Variegated Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Shining Flycatcher; Reptiles – Estuarine Crocodile, Gilbert’s Dragon; Mammals – Brumbies, Feral Pigs, Agile Wallabies.
Dinner and camp at Gunlom, swim at falls and plunge pool.
DAY 7
Leave Gunlom and Kakadu, head for the Katherine region. Travel through Gouldian country with numerous stops to seek them out.
Expected sightings - Gouldian Finch, Double-barred Finch, Long-tailed Finch, Masked Finch, Bar-breasted Honeyeater, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Northern Rosella, Pied Butcherbird, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Apostlebird, Great Bowerbird, Crested Pigeon, Hooded Parrot, Cockatiel, Chestnut-backed Button-quail, Red-winged Parrot, Grey-crowned Babbler, Varied Sitella, Black-tailed Treecreeper, Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Dinner and Camp at Nitmiluk.
DAY 8
Last day. Break camp early and head to Copperfield Dam and Pine Creek travel through Litchfield National Park, see termite mounds over 6 metres (20 feet) in height.
Expected sightings - Hooded Parrot, Cockatiel, Galah, Little Corella, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Gouldian Finch, Long-tailed Finch, Partridge Pigeon, Northern Rosella, Black-tailed Treecreeper, Grey Shrike-thrush, Little Shrike-thrush, Great Bowerbird, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Little Corella, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Yellow-throated Miner, Spangled Drongo, Australasian Grebe, Shining Flycatcher, Azure Kingfisher, Pied-imperial Pigeon, Straw-necked Ibis, Australian White Ibis, Black-breasted Buzzard.
Drop off at accommodation.
*species likely to be seen in most areas
Variations to the itinerary in response to road and weather conditions may be made at the guide’s discretion.
Inclusions – all meals, camp fees, camping equipment and bedding.
Exclusions - $25 entry to Kakadu National Park, alcoholic drinks, personal items.
Price per person AUD$2600. Maximum group size – 6 people.
For further information and details please contact Mike 
Australia November 20 to December 01/12
Your local guide Peter Waanders
Birding in Australia.
DAY 1
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Adelaide early in the morning. We will follow the coast north, where we look for the rosinae race of Slender-billed Thornbill and the rosina race of White-browed Scrubwren. At Port Augusta we visit the Arid Lands Botanical Gardens where we will encounter our first White-winged Fairy-wren, Chirruping Wedgebill, Rufous Fieldwren and Redthroat. A nearby coastal lake usually has Banded Stilt. We will arrive at Mt Lyndhurst, on the edge of the Strzelecki desert, later in the day and will search for Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, another SA endemic, as well as Inland Dotterel, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Chirruping Wedgebill and Rufous Fieldwren. We stand a good chance of finding our second species of Grasswren here, Thick-billed Grasswren.
At sunset we proceed to the Lyndhurst Hotel, a typical outback pub with basic facilities but lots of character. Overnight Lyndhurst (basic, clean rooms with shared bathroom facilities; Meals included: L, D).
DAY 2
We depart around sunrise for another visit to Mt Lyndhurst where we search for any species still needed. We’ll explore the endless open stony plains of the Strzelecki desert which are traversed by mostly dry watercourses. Expect species such as Budgerigar, Red-backed Kingfisher, Crimson, Orange and Gibber Chat. We’ll have a picknick lunch at a billabong (waterhole) with coolabah trees after which we bird our way back to Lyndhurst, looking for Inland Dotterel, Cinnamon Quail-thrush and Black-breasted Buzzard.
Overnight Lyndhurst (basic, clean rooms with shared bathroom facilities; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 3
Today we’ll travel south past the spectacular rock formations of the Gammon Ranges and enter the Flinders Ranges, an impressive range of steep hills and soaring rock formations on the edge of Australia’s outback. Mid-morning we proceed along creekbeds and through narrow gorges cut deeply into geological layers that date back 800 million years. Here we search for Elegant Parrot and Grey-fronted Honeyeater. We visit the fossil site of the Ediacaran fauna, which lived a little before the great explosion of multicellular life at the beginning of the Cambrian Period. Here we’re also likely to encounter the endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. Later we search the spinifex-grass covered slopes for the elusive Short-tailed Grasswren, a recent split from Striated Grasswren and one of SA's endemics. We will certainly see plenty of Red, Western Grey and Euro Kangaroos.
Overnight Wilpena Pound Resort. (Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 4
Early mornings in the outback can get pretty chilly as we check nearby rocky outcrops for Southern Scrubrobin and Grey-fronted Honeyeater. We will leave the picturesque Flinders Ranges and drive south, through the historic copper mining township of Burra, and search nearby Bluebush plains for Redthroat, Black-eared Cuckoo, Brown & Rufous Songlark and Inland Thornbill. Later in the day we reach Australia’s largest river: the Murray. Here we visit a breeding colony of Regent Parrots and check a few wetlands for waterbirds including crakes, rails and Freckled Duck.
Overnight Waikerie (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 5
We depart very early in the morning for the drive of less than an hour to Birds Australia’s Gluepot reserve, home of the critically endangered Black-eared Miner. We arrive at Gluepot around sunrise. The next three or four hours is when Gluepot's critical species are most active. While the sun rises over centuries-old mallee eucalypts and sand dunes covered in spinifex grass, we look for Malleefowl, Red-lored Whistler, Gilbert's Whistler, Hooded Robin, Southern Scrubrobin, Black-eared Miner, Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, White-browed Treecreeper and Major Mitchell Cockatoo. As the bird activity slows down, so do we, and focus on species such as Chestnut Quail-thrush, Crested Bellbird, Splendid Fairy-wren and Striped Honeyeater. Depending on conditions we may also look for White-winged Triller, Pied and Black Honeyeater and Crimson and Orange Chat. From one of the bird hides that overlook a watering through, we have a chance of seeing the eastern race monarchoides of Regent Parrot and many of Gluepot's 10 species of Honeyeater. We leave the reserve late in the afternoon to be back at your accommodation in Waikerie around dusk.
Overnight Waikerie (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 6
Today we’ll say goodbye to our 6-day Highlights tour members, who will bird their way back to Adelaide. We are joined by those participants wishing to do only the second 6-day period and head in the opposite direction to arrive at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park mid-morning. The vast expanses of Mallee scrubland with Spinifex (porcupine) grass here are home to the endangered Mallee Emu-wren. These elusive yet beautiful birds will take some time to track down, but in the process we stand a good chance of coming across Major Mitchell’s (Pink) Cockatoo and more Regent Parrots. In the afternoon we proceed to Deniliquin; birding along the way we hope to come across species such as Grey-crowned Babbler and Diamond Firetail.
Overnight Deniliquin (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 7
Full day birding around Deniliquin. We’ll start early in the morning.There will be a few hours break for lunch and a rest, and sometime in the afternoon we’ll set off again for further birding and after dark, spotlighting for Plains-Wanderer. The species is in a family of its own and is almost extinct. The birds are rarely seen during the day and therefore the evening will be spent searching for them using spotlights. Other species targeted today include Australian Bittern and Painted Snipe (both depend on the amount of water around) plus other good species like Superb Parrot, Painted Buttonquail, and depending on seasonal conditions Painted/ Pied / Black Honeyeater, Black Falcon, Australian Spotted Crake etc.
Overnight Deniliquin (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 8
We drive south from Deniliquin and visit various red-gum and box-ironbark woodland sites along the way, picking up birds like Diamond Firetail, Speckled Warbler, Painted, Black-chinned, Fuscous & Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Flame, Scarlet & Eastern Yellow Robins, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Pallid Cuckoo, Painted Button-quail, Little & Musk Lorikeets, Dollarbird, Leaden Flycatcher, etc, before reaching the Great Ocean Road.
Overnight Port Campbell (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 9
This morning we’ll make our way around the spectacularly scenic Great Ocean Road, looking for Rufous Bristlebird, Southern Emu-wren, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo, Satin Bowerbird, Blue-winged Parrot, King-Parrot, Olive Whistler, Tawny-crowned, Yellow-faced & Crescent Honey-eaters, Forest Raven, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Rose & Pink Robins, Bassian Thrush, Grey (White) Goshawk, Brush Bronzewing, Black-faced Cormorant, Hooded Plover, Striated Fieldwren, seabirds, etc. as well as Koala and Swamp Wallaby.
Overnight Werribee (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 10
We’ll head to the Western Treatment Plant, one of Australia’s premier waterbird sites, hoping to find birds like Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Red-capped Plover, Hoary-headed Grebe, Australasian Gannet, Pied, Little Pied, Great & Little Black Cormorants, White-winged Black-Tern, Fairy Tern, Pink-eared, Blue-billed and Musk Duck, Australian Shelduck, Cape Barren Goose, Red-necked Avocet, Australian Spotted Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Blue-winged Parrot, Striated Fieldwren, Horsfield’s Bushlark, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Golden-headed Cisticola, Swamp Harrier and Black Falcon.
Overnight Healesville (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 11
We commence the day birding the wet hill forests around Healesville where we hope to pick up Superb Lyrebird, Pilotbird, Red-browed & White-throated Treecreepers, Large-billed & White-browed Scrub-wrens, Eastern Whipbird, Rufous Fantail, Satin Flycatcher, Golden Whistler, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Pied & Grey Currawongs, Brush Cuckoo, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, Brown & Striated Thornbill and Silvereye. We head to Melbourne airport in the afternoon where your guide will drop you off in time for your flight to Hobart, Tasmania (included in price).
Upon arrival in Hobart we will be joined by our Tasmanian guide. We’ll drive a little way south and take the ferry to Bruny Island. From the ferry we’ll look out for Black-faced Cormorant and Kelp Gull. Along the way we are likely to come across Tasmanian Native-hen and Green Rosella. Tonight we will observe Little Penguin and Short-tailed shearwater rookeries, as both species arrive after dark on their way to their burrows.
Overnight Bruny Island (Cottage style with own rooms with shared bathroom facilities; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 12
All day birding at Bruny Island for all Tasmanian endemics. We commence the day with an early morning birdwalk at Inala, a privately owned 500 acre wildlife sanctuary which now has a conservation covenant placed on it specifically to protect threatened birds such as Forty-spotted Pardalote, Swift Parrot, Grey Goshawk and Wedge-tailed Eagle. Bird species species you are likely to see include the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote, Strong-billed, Black-headed and Yellow-throated Honeyeaters, Tasmanian Native-hen and possibly Swift Parrot. Later in the day we’ll explore the other habitats Bruny Island has to offer, from coastal beaches where there is a chance of Hooded Plover, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers and Kelp Gull to rainforest areas to search for Scrubtit and Tasmanian Thornbill. Also a good chance to see some interesting flora, including Tasmanian endemic species and Gondwana relics.
Overnight Bruny Island as per last night; Meals included: B, L, D).
TOUR ENDS.
Sun 2 Dec. After breakfast (included) you’ll be transferred back to Hobart airport. Please don’t book flights departing before 11am this morning.
Price per person AU$4999 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax)
Including accommodation and all meals, based on double or twin-share occupancy. Not included: drinks and personal expenses. You can do the first 6 days only (our Highlights tour) for AU$2499 or the second 6 days only for AU$2899. Single occupancy attracts a surcharge of AU$300 per 6-day period (ie. AU$600 for the entire tour). Earlybird discount of AU$100 applies for bookings received by 19 May 2012.
For further information and details please contact Peter
Cambodia March 02 to 10/12
Your local guides Sanh Sophoan and Chim Choon Sopheap
Birding in Cambodia.
DAY 1
Arrive Siem Reap.
Transfer to comfortable ‘boutique’ standard hotel
DAY 2
Birding and temples in Angkor Great Park.
Angkor Wat and the 200 plus temples in the Angkor Great Park are truly a wonder of the world. Apsara the Cambodian ministry responsible for the management and conservation of the temples has preserved at least some of the mature dry forest and in places allowed undergrowth to grow, which offers habitat for common species and the odd rarity. Oriental Darter in the moat, Hainan Blue, Taiga and Asian Brown Flycatchers, White-throated Rock-Thrush, Black Baza, Blue Rock Thrush, Forest Wagtails, Olive-backed Pipit, Greater Racquet-tailed Drongos, Asian Barred Owlets Coppersmith Barbet, Ashy Minivet, Yellow-browed andPale-legged Leaf-Warbler, raucous Red-breasted and Alexandrine Parakeets and White-crested Laughingthrushes. The SVC Guide who is also a licensed temple guidewill combine the trip to Angkor Wat with birding in the surrounding forest, which is a short distance from Siem Reap so sunset can be enjoyed amongst the temples and dinner in town.
DAY 3
Visit the Core Bird Reserve of PrekToal on the Tonle Sap Great Lake close to PrekToal floating village, for Greater Adjutant and large water bird colonies.The Tonle Sap is the largest natural lake in South East Asia, fed by the phenomenal annual backflow of water from the Mekong River. Situated in the North West corner of the lake, PrekToal core bird reserve is home to the largest breeding colonies of water birds in South East Asia.
The reserve covers 22,000 hectares of seasonally flooded forest where only the tallest trees stand proud of the lake during the annual flood, providing a habitat for cormorants, pelicans, storks, and many other birds to roost and nest.
In Cambodia and throughout South East Asia, PrekToal is unmatched for the number and population of endangered water birds it supports during the dry season. Large numbers of cormorants, storks and pelicans are virtually guaranteed from January to May along with herons, egrets and terns.
The sanctuary harbours seven species of global conservation significance: Spot-billed Pelican, Milky and Painted Storks, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, Black-headed Ibis and Oriental Darter and has a globally significant population of Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
DAY 4
Visit the Sarus Crane Reserve at AngTrapaengThmor (ATT)Originating as a reservoir on the Angkorian highway 66, ATT was rebuilt as a man made reservoir by slave labour during the Khmer Rouge regime in 1976. The reservoir is now a Sarus Crane reserve administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) with over 300 of these magnificent birds congregating to feed in the dry season along with another 198 recorded bird species, 18 of which are globally threatened. By February the dry season will be well underway and a few pairs of Black-necked Storks frequent the site along with many of the large water birds seen at PrekToal; Black-headed Ibis, Milky and Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, Oriental Darters, Asian Openbills and Greater and Lesser Adjutants.
A few pairs of Bengal Floricans breed here during the dry months though it is wary and a treat rather than a certainty to see. Other grassland specialists including Red Avadavat, Blue-breasted Quail, and the 3 species of lark occurring in Cambodia. 6 species of duck (A 2010 February Tour lead by Paul Nielsen spotted Tufted Duck) four of which are resident including Comb Duck, can be seen along with birds of prey rare in the rest of the country such as Black Kite, Eastern Marsh and Pied Harriers (A Short toed Snake Eagle was seen by the same group). Numerous waders, rails and shore birds can be found in the marshy belts of aquatic habitat.
In February 2010 the critically endangered Eld’s Deer was seen in large numbers of 20+ on most SVC visits to the site.
DAY 5 to 6
Transfer to Tmatboey via the Florican Grasslands for Bengal Florican. OvernightTmatboey Lodge winner of the Wild Asia
Responsible Tourism Award. The critically endangered Bengal Florican and many other water-birds are found in the grasslands around the Tonle Sap lake. WCS has worked with local communities to set up Integrated Farming and Biodiversity Areas (IFBAs) to conserve prime florican habitats. SVC bird watching trips give an income to the villagers who assist the SVC Guide in locating the birds. Finding the florican is usually easy, as they have been monitored since the start of the WCS conservation project in 2002. The peak times for display are between dawn and 9am and then again between 4.30pm and dusk.
The Manchurian Reed Warbler is a winter visitor, found in the tall grass and scrub away from water. Greater-spotted and Imperial Eagles winter in the area feeding on the abundant rodents. There are large numbers of Eastern Marsh Harriers and smaller number of wintering Pied Harriers, along with a few Black Kites, Peregrines and numerous resident Brahminy Kites. Oriental Plover pass through in March.
The Tmatboey Ibis Site is a conservation project set up by WCS together with the Cambodian Government and Tmatboey village. Once it was realised that the site had potential for bird watching tourism a local committee was elected which built the guest accommodation and with training from SVC provides the services for the bird watching groups that visit. In return for the income that this brings the villagers have signed no hunting and land conversion agreements. Tmatboey is a remote Khmer village of 220 families situated in the centre of the Northern Plains of Cambodia, within the KhulenPromtep Wildlife Sanctuary, the country’s largest protected area. Tmatboey is 1 of only 2 known nesting sites in Asia for the Giant Ibis that use large trees in the forest away from the village. White-shouldered Ibis are found closer to the village where they are reliant on the grassland clearings amongst the dipteropcarp forest. Woolly-necked Stork are relatively common and can be seen in flocks of over 40. Greater-spotted Eagle regularly over-winter and Grey-headed Fish Eagle and White-rumped Falcon occur at low densities. The Pale-capped Pigeon is another highlight along with an amazing diversity of woodpeckers and Brown Fish Owl, Spotted Wood Owl and Brown Wood Owl. In February 2010 night walks spotted Collared and Oriental Scops Owl, a mystery Aquila Eagle was seen on the same trip.
DAY 7
Transfer to Kampong Thom. Overnight Hotel Kampong Thom.
With the improved road the journey time has been shortened (approx. 7 hours from Okoki to Kamong Thom), which should allow for some bird watching en-route including the Tonle Sap Grasslands, this time further South around Kampong Thom. The road runs close to a significant pre Angkorian temple called Samboh Pre Kuk 30km from Kampong Thom, which offers an interesting non-birding diversion. The hotel is clean with en-suite hot showers, airconand good Khmer food.
DAY 8
AM birdingKrousKrom, transfer to Kratie for afternoon birding. Stay overnight Kratie.
After birding near Kampong Thom at KrousKrom early morning the group will transfer to Kratie. 15 km North of Kratie are the Kampi Pools where the Irrawaddy Dolphin can be seen from a boat as well as the Mekong Wagtail (Moctacillasamveasnae, named after Sam Veasna). The river habitat is under threat from Chinese dams already constructed and proposed dams in Laos and Cambodia which if constructed will mean the dolphin along with other riverine bird species will become extirpated from Cambodia.
There are a number of hotels in Kratie with clean air-con rooms and en-suite bathrooms and restaurants serving Khmer and Western food.
DAY 9
AM birding Kratie then return to Siem Reap.
Early morning birding should allow Asian Golden and Streaked Weaver to be spotted (the Baya Weaver is a sighting at ATT) then after breakfast the group will set off for the long drive back to Siem Reap which takes about 8 hours.
DAY 10
Depart Siem Reap
Price per person US$1432.00 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax)
Price includes:SVC English-speaking bird guide, all accommodation, transportation, all foods, drinking water, entrance fees, local guide & ranger, and conservation contribution to all sites.
Price excludes:Flight tickets, drink, travel insurance, tip, personal expense.
For further information and details please contact Sanh Sophoan and Chim
Cameroon February 13 to 26/12
Your local guide Benji Jayin Jomi
Birding in Cameroon.
Itinerary
Douala-Edea-Campo-Nyassoso-Bamenda-Oku-Buea-Limbe –Douala.
DAY 1
Arrival at Douala international airport, reception by guide, brief description of Cameroon, proper explanation of tour, dinner and night at Foyer du Marine.
DAY 2
Early wake up, birding on the Douala, Yaounde high way on some ponds and River Sanaga for the early part of the day. Expected to see Hartlaubs Duck, Persuses Cliff Swallow, African Skimmers, Grey Pratincole, Black Bee-eater. Continuation to Campo Ma’an National Park for the Picathartes in the evening and return to where we spend the night at Campo Beach Inn.
DAY 3
Early wake up and go birding for the whole day in the Campo Ma’an National Park and return in the evening, dinner and night at the Campo Beach Inn.
DAY 4
Early wake up, breakfast and drive to Nyassoso while birding on the way. Arrive by evening, dinner and night at an Inn.
DAY 5
Early wake up, breakfast and go birding for the whole day on Mount Kupe on the Max’s trail and return by evening. Expected to see; Naked-faced Barbet, Red-chested Goshawk, Black Cuckoo, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Least & Cassin's Honeyguide, Many-coloured Bushshrike, Red-eyed and Pink-footed Puffback, Verreaux's Batis, Honeyguide Greenbul, Black-capped, Black-throated and Masked Apalises, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Forest Starling, Chattering Cisticola and Pale-fronted Negrofinch and more.
DAY 6
Early wake up and drive to the Bakossi Mountain for birding, expected to see, Spotted Greenbul, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Brown-Crowned Eremomela, White-Spotted Flufftail, Emerald Cuckoo, Black-throated Apalis, African Harrier Hawk, Red-Eyed Puffback, Yellow Longbill, Red-Necked Buzzard, Mount Kupe Bush Shrike, Purple-throated Cuckoo-Shrike, Grey Parrot, Yellow Breasted Boubou, Grey-headed Broadbill, Bar-Tailed Trogon and many more. Return to Nyasoso, dinner and night.
DAY 7
Early breakfast and drive to Bamenda via Lake Awing for birding stop for some of the endemics like Bannermann’s Turaco, Banded Wattle eye, Yellow Breasted Boubou etc. Check in to Ayaba Hotel, dinner and night.
DAY 8
Early birding to the Mankon secret forest in the morning for the Bamenda Apalis, Narina’s Trogon. Return for lunch and continue in the afternoon for birding in Baba II Village, where we may be luck to see the Green-breasted Bush shrike and return in the evening, dinner and night.
DAY 9
Breakfast and drive to Oku while birding on the Sabga Hills and Lake Oku, check in, dinner and night.
DAY 10
Early breakfast, go birding on Mt. Oku for the whole day, return in the evening, dinner and night. Bannermann’s Turaco, Banded Wattle–eye, Bannerman’s Weaver are top endemics to look for.
DAY 11
Birding on the drive to Buea for Mt.Cameroon, where the night will be spent at Capitol Hotel.
DAY 12
Early wake up and go birding the whole day on Mount Cameroon. Expected to see African Hill Barbler, Mount Cameroon Francolin, Yellow-billed Turaco, Fernandopo Olive-back, Mount Cameroon Speirops, Yellow Breasted Boubou, Mountain Robin-chat, Mountain Saw-wing, Western Mountain Greenbul and others. Return by 4.00pm and drive to Limbe where the night will be spent at the Miramare Hotel.
DAY 13
Early birding in the Limbe Botanic Garden, expected species are Western Bluebill, Giant Kingfisher, Long-tailed Cormorant, Carmelite Sunbird, Palm-nut Vulture, Violet-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-casqued Hornbill, Green Turaco, Western Reef Egret, African Grey parrot and more.
DAY 14
Early birding and relaxation at the beach, evaluation of tour and drive to Douala for departure. End of tour.
Price per person US$1.884.00 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
Included in tour: English/French speaking guide, vehicle(4wheel), driver, entrance fees, porters, all meals, water, accommodation and camping fees where necessary.
Not included in tour: International flight, travel insurance, other drinks (wine, whisky, beer, coffee), photo camera/video fee (At the Botanic Gardens), tips at birders discretion and airport departure tax.
For further information and details please contact Benji
Colombia 23th July - 9 th Aug. 2012
Your local guides Pablo Flórez
Birding in Colombia.
Colombia Endemics Birding Tour
This tour focusses on Colombian endemics and other specialities and visits the hottest birding destinations. Enjoy 18 days in northern and central Colombia with top guides. 550-600 species are possible on this tour, including around 48 endemics, 105 specialities and 15 Antpitta species!!! This is a special tour made for birders who want to see the highest number of quality species possible in Colombia. Our efficient itinerary involves easy access areas and easy-moderate birding. The tour necessarily operates on a tight schedule, and includes some fairly long drives between different IBA´s in order to find as many specialities as possible.
The tour begins with a visit to the dry scrub in Guajira Peninsula, then to the beautiful Dorado Lodge (in the Santa Marta Mountains, which boast the highest concentration of endemics of any region in South-America!) and then takes in the Nechí river and mid Magdalena valley IBA´s and the Western and Central Andes.
Optional after the main endemic tour we can go to the Amazon Jungle on the border with Brazil for a 8 days/nights extensión. Around 300-350 species are possible on this extensión. We will target a number of rare and sought-after birds, many of which have been seen by only a few birders!!
DAY 1
The participants will meet at Bogota airport and then we’ll fly together to Santa Marta City. Possible to meet also in Santa Marta if the schedules of the participants permites. Night at Santa Marta City.
DAY 2 - Salamanca NP and Guajira Península (Flamencos Santuary).
We begin our trip looking for the endemic Chesnut-winged Chachalaca in the Salamanca NP. Also some other specialities like: Chestnut Piculet, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Bronze-brown Cowbird (an isolated race sometimes treated as a separate species,) Russet-throated Puffbird, Bicoloured Conebill, Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, Panama Flycatcher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Bare-eyed Pigeon, Franklin's Gull, Marbled Godwit, Black Tern, Wilson's Plover and White-cheeked Pintail. Then we will drive toward the dry scrub in the Guajira Penincula where we end our day with some cool stuff like: White-whiskered Spinetail (NE), Slender-billed Inezia (NE), Northern Scrub Flycatcher (NE), Vermilion Cardinal (NE), Orinoco Saltator and many others. We’ll aim to end the day with some Rufous-vented Chachalacas! Night at a comfortable hotel in Ríohacha.
DAY 3 - Flamencos Santuary and Minca
Today will be devoted to seeking out a set of species unique to the desert habitats of Colombia and Venezuela. We will search dry scrub and salt water lakes for Flamingos, Scarlet Ibis, Bare-eyed Pigeon (NE), Buffy Hummingbird (NE), Chestnut Piculet (NE), Russet-throated Puffbird (NE), White-whiskered Spinetail (NE), Slender-billed Inezia (NE), Northern Scrub Flycatcher (NE), Vermilion Cardinal (NE), Tocuyo Sparrow (NE-rare), Pileated Finch (NE), Orinoco Saltator (NE), and Glaucous Tanager (NE). Drive to Minca and some late birding with possible Lance-tailed Manakin, Black-chested Jay (NE), Rufous-breasted Wren, Rufous-and-white Wren, Golden-fronted Greenlet, Rosy Thrush-tanager, Thick-billed Seed Finch, Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner,Rufus Nightjard, Night at Minca.
DAY 4 - El Dorado-Road to Minca
We’ll then start our drive to the beautiful and comfortable El Dorado lodge (1950 m.) Along this forested road looking for species such as Black-fronted Wood-Quail (NE), Blossomcrown (E), White-tipped Quetzal (NE), Yellow-billed Toucanet (NE), Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, (E), Gray-throated Leaftosser, Rusty-headed Spinetail (E), Santa Marta Brush-finch (E), White-lored Warbler (E), Golden-breasted Fruiteater (NE), Brown-rumped Tapaculo (E), Santa Marta Tapaculo (E), Black-hooded Thrush, Black-headed Tanager, Golden-bellied Grosbeak and Rusty-breasted Antpitta. Night at El Dorado Lodge.
DAY 5 - San Lorenzo Ridge- El Dorado Reserve
Today we will focus on the endemics and other specialities that are found only at the top of the road (2600 m). Birds we may see today include: Band-tailed Guan (NE), Andean Condor, Solitary Eagle, the newly discovered Santa Marta Screech Owl (E), Santa Marta Parakeet (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), White-tailed Starfrontlet (E), Streak-capped Spinetail (NE), Santa Marta (SM) Bush-Tyrant (E), SM Antpitta (E), SM Rufous Antpitta (E), SM Mountain-tanager (E), Yellow-crowned Whitestart (E), SM Warbler (E) and many others. Night at El Dorado.
DAY 6 - Minca and travel to Río Claro
During the morning we’ll focus on tracking down any specialities we may have missed so far, before slowly birding our way down from the lodge (1950 m) towards Minca (650 m). Today we’ll have a chance to find Military Macaw (VU), Santa Marta Woodstar (E), Coppery Emerald (NE), Santa Marta Sabrewing (E), Golden-winged Sparrow (NE), Black-headed Tanager (SE), Black-and-white Owl, Rufous Nightjar, SM Foliage-gleaner (E), Sooty-capped Hermit, Venezuelan Tyrannulet. In the afternoon we catch our Flight to Medellín and drive to Río Claro area (Magdalena valley). Night río Claro.
DAY 7 - Río Claro Reserve (400-700 m)
We will spend the whole day on the reserve trails, where birds we’ll target include: Antioquia Bristle-tyrant (E), Sooty Ant-Tanager (E), White-mantled Barbet (E), Magdalena Antbird (new species split from Dull-mantledAntbird), Beautiful Woodpecker, Grey-cheeked Nunlet, Brownish Twistwing, Olivaceous Flatbill, Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo, Scarlet-browed Tanager, Saffron-headed Parrot (NE), Southern Bentbill, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Long-tailed Woodcreeper, Striped Manakin, Rufous Mourner and Black-faced Antthrush. We’ll finish the evening watching the phenomenal Oilbirds. Night close to río Claro.
DAY 8 - Drive Río Claro-Piha Reserve + late birding Piha reserve
It’s a 6.5 hour drive, but we will make some interesting birding stops en route to look for Northern Screamer, Beautiful Woodpecker (E), Bar-crested Antshike (NE), Pacific Antwren, Scrub Tanager and many others. On the late afteroon we have some birding in the Piha reserve looking for Stiles tapaculo, Colombian Chachalaca, Wattled Guan, Lyre-tail Nightjard and others. Night Piha reserve Lodge.
DAY 9 - Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve
This relatively new Proaves Foundation reserve is very interesting for birders, and the comfortable lodge set right in the
middle of the action is an added bonus. Sought-after birds on the reserve include Multicolored Tanager (E), Black-and-gold Tanager (E), Purplish-mantled Tanager (NE), Chestnut Wood-Quail (E), White-tipped Sicklebill, Lanceolated Montlet and Red-bellied Grackle (E). In addition we will look for two recently-discovered species, Chestnut-capped Piha (E) and Parker’s Antbird
(E). Other possibilities include Colombian Chachalaca (E), Greenish Puffleg, Western Emerald, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Barred Hawk, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Moustached Puffbird, Red-headed Barbet, Brown-billed Scythebill, Rufous-rumped Antwren, White-bellied Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Sooty-headed Wren, Golden-winged Manakin, Wing-barred Piprites, Black-billedPeppershrike, Scarlet-and-white Tanager and the splendid Indigo Flowerpiercer (NE). Night at the Piha Reserve Lodge.
DAY 10 - Medellin and Jardin
Early drive towards Medellín. We’ll bird an area close to Medellín, where our main targets will be Red-bellied Grackle (E) and Yellow-headed Manakin (NE). We’ll then drive to Jardin (3h) and spend the late afternoon birding close the town. We’ll finish the day at a nice Cock of the Rock Lek. Night in picturesque Jardin Town.
DAY 11 - Jardin
Jardín is one of the one of most beautiful areas of Colombia. We’ll enjoy superb birding between 1900-3000 m asl, where we have a good chance to find one of the area’s most special birds, the critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot. Other prized species here include Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Munchique Wood Wren (E), Tanager Finch, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden-fronted Whitestart, Barred Fruiteater, Citrine Warbler, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Mountain Cacique and Grey-hooded Bush Tanager. In the afternoon we start our drive towards Manizales city. Night hotel in Manizales.
DAY 12 - Río Blanco
We’ll make an early 30 min drive to Río Blanco. This reserve, located on the western slope of the Central Andes, includes excellent cloud forest between 2100-2700 m. There are a number of great birds in Rio Blanco, including Masked Saltator, Rusty-faced Parrot, Red-hooded Tanager, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Black-collared Jay, Dusky Piha, Ash-colored and Ocellated Tapaculos, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Rufous-banded Owl, White-throated Screech Owl, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Sharpe’s Wren, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Golden-rumped Euphonia and Scaly-naped Parrots. The reserve also features some amazing antpitta feeders, which often attract Brown-banded (E), Bicoloured, Chestnut-crowned, Chestnut-naped and Slate-crowned Antpittas! Night at hotel in Manizales.
DAY 13 - Paramo del Ruiz NP Los Nevados (3200-4000 asl)
This area of paramo is a special site for a number of scarcer hummers, including Bearded Helmetcrest, Black-thighed & Golden-breasted Pufflegs, Mountain Avocetbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam and Buff-winged Starfrontlet. Other cool birds include Rufous-fronted Parakeet (E), Paramo Tapaculo, White-browed Spinetail, Black-backed Bush Tanager, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Crowned Chat-tyrant, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Paramo Seedeater, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Black-eared Hemispingus and Plushcap. Late afternoon, have 2.5 h drive to Apia Town.
DAY 14 and 15 - NP Tatama (1300-2000 asl) Montezuma
At 5:00 am we have the last drive to the mythical Montezuma Road, where we will spend day birding the lower altitudes.This site can produce some really impressive birding, and in our opinion is one of the very best sites in the whole of Colombia. It’s a paradise for tanagers!! Possibilities include two difficult Bangsia species, Gold-ringed (E) and Black-&-gold Tanagers (E), plus Crested Ant Tanager (E), Purplish-mantled, Glistening-green, Lemon-spectacled, Rufous-throated, Metallic-green, Silver-throated, Flame-faced, Yellow-throated Bush and Flame-rumped Tanagers. Other superb birds seen at the site include Black Solitaire, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Fulvous-dotted Treerunner, Toucan Barbet, Bicoloured Antvireo, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Black Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow-breasted Antwren, White-headed Wren, Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Olivaceous Piha, Olive Finch, Uniform Treehunter, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-collared and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias.
Hummingbirds we’ll look for here include Empress Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Brown Inca, Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Purple-bibbed Whitetip and Purple-throated Woodstar. The Montezuma Road is also home to Nariño, Choco and the newly discovered Alto Pisones Tapaculo!! We’ll spend two nights at the Montezuma Farmhouse (a simple but clean homestead located very close to some of the best birding. The very nice farmer owners here are directly involved in the birding-conservation business, and the friendly welcome from our hosts is matched only by the tastiness of the food!
DAY 16 - Tatama and drive to Otun-Quimbaya
Last birding morning in Montezuma and then drive to Otun Quimbaya Santuary (3.5 h). Night in Otun lodge.
DAY 17 - Otun-Quimbaya (1800-2200 m)
Otun features a charming lodge, surrounded by subtropical forest, and many of its special birds can be found just a short walk from our rooms. We’ll search here for Cauca Guan (E), Chestnut Wood-Quail (E), Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Wattled Guan, Black-winged Saltator, Torrent Duck, Metallic-green Tanager,Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Green-fronted Lancebill, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Streak-capped Treehunter and Cerulean Warbler. Otun –Quimbaya Santuary.. In the afternoon we’ll say goodbye to those on the regular tour who will fly back to Bogota to connect with their international flights. The rest of us will head towards to a possible extensions.
Price per person US$3700 per person (minimum 4 participants).
Limit 6 participants (including 3 local flights)
Included in tour: Organization, 1 profesional tour leader, local guides (5 days), 3 domestic flights, land transportation in a private vehicle, all accommodation (good lodges and hotels where they are available close to the birds), 3 meals plus snacks per day, drinking water, and all reserve entry fees.
Not included in tour: Airport tax, laundry, money transfers cost, extra drinks and other personal costs. We just offer the best value for your money.
Tour extentions
Mitu – Amazon White Sand Forest specialties: 8 days/7 nights. 2 pax US$2000 per person twim room. 4 pax US$1850 per person twim room. Including Flights Bogota-Mitu-Bogota.
During our stay we’ll look for the following mouth-watering set of birds: Chestnut-crested Antbird, Orinoco Piculet, Tawny-tufted Toucanet, Azure-naped Jay, Bar-bellied Woodcreper, Spot-backed Antwren, Grey bellied Antbird, Red-fan Parrot Rusty-breasted Nunlet, Spot-backed Antwren, Yellow-crowned Manakin, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Fiery Topaz, Purple-breasted & Pompadour Cotingas, Lemon-chested & Brown-headed Greenlets, White-naped Seedeater, Black Bushbird, Yellow-throated Antwren, White-plumed Antbird, Pavonine Quetzal, Bronzy Jacamar, Blackish Nightjar, Paradise Jacamar, Short-billed Leaftosser, Amazonian Inezia, Citron-bellied Attila, Pale-bellied Mourner, , Cinnamon-manakinTyrant, Black-bellied Thorntail, Guianan Gnatcatcher, Black Manakin, Brown-banded, Spotted, Chestnut-capped, White-chested and Collared Puffbirds!!Mottle-backed Elaenia, White-bellied Dacnis, Yellow-green Grosbeak and Plumbeous Euphonia, as well many, many other Amazonian specialities! Our strategy for the area will include trying five different trails and forested roads around Mitu. The area makes for fantastic birding, because it allows us to spend time in White Sand Forest, Terra firme and Varzea, all in the same day!!!
Easter Andes: 6 days/5 nights. 2 pax US$1500 per person double room. 4 pax US$1250 per person double room.
Choco lowlands: 6 days/5 nights. 2 pax US$1600 per person double room. 4 pax US$1400 per person double room. Including Flights Medellin-Bahia Solano-Medellín.
For further information and details please contact Pablo
Costa Rica March 01 to 9/12
Your local guide Roy Orozco
Birding in Costa Rica.
DAY 1 - Pick up at your Hotel and departure to Braulio Carrillo National Park.
You will be pick up at your hotel early, so we can be at our first birding destination at 6:30 a.m. We will head east from San Jose on the Guápiles Highway the Zurquí tunnel transports you from the modern world into the rainforest and cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, as we drive the views are breathtaking. The park is 117,300 acres (47,500 hectares, 183 square miles, 140 times the size of central park NYC, 4/10ths the size of Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado) and range from 118 feet (36 meters) 9,500 feet (2900 meters). More than 500 species of birds including Resplendent Quetzals, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Snowcap, Brown-billed Scythebill, Black-crowned Antpitta, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Flame-throated Warblers, Long-tailed Silky-flycatchers, Yellow-eared Toucanet, and Latticed-tailed Trogon. We will then drive to Gavilan Lodge in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where we will rest through the night.
DAY 2 - Full day birding La Selva Biological Station.
This day we will start with a great breakfast at 6:00a.m. La Selva Biological Station. La Selva is a fabulous birding destination with over 400 species recorded in the area. Terrific birding opportunities are available in the more open areas both outside and inside the entrance gate. It's perhaps the best place in Costa Rica to see tinamous, which are normally very secretive but have become accustomed to the presence of humans. The highly endangered Great Green Macaw regularly puts in an appearance at La Selva, La Selva is a great place to see many species of hummingbirds and tanagers, including the beautiful Passerini's Tanager; Snowy Cotinga, Long-tailed Tyrant, Semiplumbeus Hawk, Broad-billed Motmot, Rofous Motmot, just to mention a few. After birding in La Selva we will go back to Gavilan Lodge.
DAY 3 - Morning Birding at Heliconia Island and departure to Tapanti Media.
This day after breakfast we will bird watch all morning at Heliconia Island, and then departure to Tapanti National Park where we will stay overnight at the Tapanti Kiri Lodge. We will birdwatch a long the way as much as possible, at some know spots.
DAY 4 - Full day Birding at Tapanti National Park.
Established in April 23, 1992, Tapanti National Park is one of Costa Rica's least frequented by foreigners, that and the fact that its host over 350 species of birds turns it a most to visit for a bird watcher. Located just outside of Cartago it covers 6080 hectares (15,057 acres), the Park's altitude ranges from 1220-2560 meters ( 4002-8397 feet ) above sea level. Situated in the Orosi Valley, along the Rio Grande de Orosi. Home for the Scaled Antpitta, Lineated Foliage Gleaner, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Chesnut-headed Oropendula, Orange-bellied Trogon, Green-fronted Lancebill, Tapanti National Park is one of my favorite parks for birding Costa Rica.
DAY 5 - Morning birding at Tapanti Media and departure to Savegre Valley.
We will birdwatch the hotel’s garden and the nearby roads all morning and after lunch we will go on to Cabinas el Quetzal located at the Savegre Valley.
DAY 6 - Full day birding at Savegre Mountain Reserve.
Located near Cerro de la Muerte (one of the highest areas in the country), Savegre Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Stunning mountains surround this spectacular valley which is crossed by the magnificent Savegre River. The cloud forests of the area have been acclaimed by birdwatchers as the best place in the country to see the quetzal all year round (in other forests in Costa Rica the quetzal is seen only on a seasonal basis). Also, it is the home of more than 240 species of birds including Magnificent Hummingbird, Purple-throated Mountain Gem, Acorn Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Long tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Mountain Robi, Sooty Robin, Collared Redstart, and endemic White-throated Mountain-Gem.
DAY 7 - Morning birding at Savegre and departure Cerros Lodges.
This day we will birdwatch the hotel’s garden, and roads near it and after lunch we will go on to Cerros Lodge located near Carara National Park.
DAY 8 - Full day birding at Carara National Park.
Carara is a favorite with bird watchers for several reasons besides its ease of access. First, its position in a transition zone means that residents of both habitats are likely to appear. Second, the Río Grande de Tárcoles has free flowing sections and its waters seep into seasonal marshlands and a shallow oxbow lake covered with hyacinths further expanding number of local habitats. Finally, because it is slightly dryer, and not all of the trees are evergreen, Carara is more open than the rainforests further south making wildlife spotting easier. Birds that are very likely to be found here are: Rufous-and-white Wren, Black-hooded Antshrike (endemic), Dusky Antbird, Scarlet Macaw, Masked Tityra, Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Dot-winged Antwren, Orange-collared Manakin (endemic), Baird's Trogon, Common and Slate-headed Tody-flycatcher, Purple-crowned Fairy, Long-tailed and Little or Stripe-throated(same species)Hermit, Rufous-breasted Wren, Black-bellied Wren, Black-throated Trogon, Black-headed Trogon, Lineated Woodpecker, Riverside Wren, Cherrie's Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Golden-hooded, Summer Tanager, Barred Antshrike and Rose-throated Becard, Great Tinamou, Black-faced Antthrush, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Fiery-billed Aracari, Laughing Falcon and Chestnut-mandibled Toucan to mention a few.
DAY 9
Morning birding at Tarcoles River and departure to the Airport or your Hotel (in case you are flying out the next day).
The Tárcoles River winds through Costa Rica's Central Pacific region before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Its watershed provides a crucial habitat for a number of species (the most notable of which is the American crocodile), and although the river is somewhat polluted, it is significant for the country's residents, as nearly 60% of Costa Rica's total population lives along its basins. Among the many herons and egrets are the Boatbill and Bare-throated Tiger Heron, also Double-striped Thick-knee, Mangrove Warbler, Belted and Ringed Kinfisher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Common Black Hawk, Crested Caracara, Yellow-headed Caracara, Roseated Spoonbill, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove Cuckoo, the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove, among 50 more species.
After birding in Tarcoles River I will take you back to the Airport or to the Hotel where you will spend the night (In case you fly out the next day).
Price per person US$1200.00 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax)
Single accommodations are available for an extra charge of US$100 per person.
For further information and details please contact Roy
Cuba March 15 to 25/12
Your local guide Orestes Martinez (El chino de Zapata)
Birding in Cuba.
March 15/12
Arrival at Havana International Airport. We will meet you and drive you to Vedado in Hotel Accommodation (included in the tour cost).
DAY 1 - 2
In the morning we will driver Soroa with the major attraction: The Orquideario, an orchid garden which has been declared a national monument. It has one of the largest collections of orchids in the world. Here you can find a wealth of endemic birds that share the trees with orchids, such as: Fernandina's Flicker, Antillean Palm-Swift, Bare-legged Owl, Stygin Owl etc. Later we will visit the Maravillas de Soroa, a wonderful trail with lot of interesting birds. Among the many birds is the Cuban Trogon, the national bird. It is a good opportunity to see the Cuban Grassquit, with a marvellous coloration. The Cuban Pygmy Owl is one of the most interesting birds during the journey. We will find many Cuban Toddies calling everywhere in the forest, tiny jewels that combines wonderful colours. The Black Throated Warbler is a colourful migrant, usually easy to find in the trees. The Red-legged Honey Creeper is a noisy bird that moves in flocks looking for food in flowers and ripe fruits; males have a beautiful combination of blue, black, white and red. The Indigo Bunting is rare, but possible to see in the trail. The nice coloured Stripe-headed Tanager is quite common. The White-eye Vireo is usually found after hearing it is melodious call. The Key West Quail Dove is another rare bird, that will require an acute search. Zenaida Doves are very easy to observe, even in flocks along the culture fields. Also we can find Cuban Vireo an endemic species. We will have breakfast, dinner and overnight in Hotel Soroa, After dinner we will go for a short walk searching for owls, nightjars.
Overnight Soroa Hotel.
DAY 3 - La Güira National Park.
7:00 am in the morning transfer to La Güira National Park. Here Great Lizard Cuckoos scuttle along the branches, looking for lizards and tree frogs, in the beautiful park-like setting. This former estate has some standing colonial buildings, and its woodland trails echo with the cooing song of the beautiful Cuban Trogon, Cuba's National bird, so chosen because it has all the colours of the Cuban flag in its plumage. Also we can find West Indian Woodpecker, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Grassquit, Olive-capped Warbler, Cape May Warbler and many others. We will also visit Cueva de los Portales. This limestone cave was headquarter of Che Guevara during the Cuban missile crisis of the early 1960s and became a national monument being interesting from both a geological and an historical point of view. Around the cave it is possible to hear the beautiful voice of the Cuban Solitaire.
We will have breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in Hotel San Diego
DAY 4 and 5
Early in the morning we will drive to Viñales Valley Accommodation, and we will visit the Maravillas de Viñales, a wonderful trail with lot of interesting birds. Gundlach's Hawk, Cuban Bullfinch, Greater Antillean Oriole, Yellow-headed Warbler, and many other. There we will also take advantage to see the Cork Palm in nature, considered a living fossil. We will have breakfast, dinner and overnight in Casa Particular (excellent traditional Cuban food).
DAY 6
7.00 am morning transfer to Ciénaga de Zapata National Park 4 hr from Viñales Valley. The trip will take several hours of driving, but we will break up the journey with a number of stops. Our destination is the fabled Zapata Swamp. This area was declared a biosphere preserve in 2000 and Ramsar site in 2001. It covers an area of 628,171 hectares and is the largest and best-conserved wetland in Cuba and the Caribbean insular. Afternoon birdwatching in Zapata (Bermejas and Soplillar areas), where we can find the Zapata Sparrow, Zapata Wren, Cuban Emerald, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody and many others.
Ciénaga de Zapata Accommodation.
DAY 7 and 8
We will explore Ondones, part of the Zapata Peninsula, renowned as the largest marsh in the insular Caribbean. We will travel along a road in the Fauna Reserve, that makes its way through savannahs, mangrove thickets and sub-tropical forests. This 91 thousand-acre salt marsh is one of the most important flyways for migratory birds in the northern Caribbean. The mudflats support large numbers of Egrets, Whistling Ducks and shorebirds as well as Cuban Black Hawk, Capper Rail and Osprey. In the afternoon, we will observe forest birds and some interesting shorebirds in the Palpite zone. Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Key West Quail Dove, Cuban Parrot, Great Lizard-Cuckoo, Smooth-billed Ani, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy-Owl, Cuban Emerald, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Cuban Crow and many others. After dinner we will go for a short walk searching for owls and nightjars.
We will have breakfast, dinner and overnight in Casa Particular.
DAY 9 - Trinidad and Ciemfuegos.
Early in the morning we will drive to Trinidad (3hrs from Zapata) to visit the Cubano National Park situated along the Guaurabo River and at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Trinidad. El Cubano Park gives you an opportunity to see the life of slaves at the "Ingénito" sugar refinery one of the first built in this particular zone. You can observe the life of Cuban farmers, his costumes, habits and appreciate the great diversity of flora and fauna of the Javira River. Some of the most well known species include: Cuban Trogon, Red-legged Trush, Cuban Bullfinch, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Cuban Pygmy Owl and Cuban Green Woodpecker. We continue with the visit to Trinidad Historical Centre. In the evening we will visit the Casilda Swamp at the coast where we can find Cuban Gnatcatcher, Sanderling and different species of sandpipers.
We will have breakfast, dinner and overnight in Casa particular.
DAY 10
Departure day and we will assist throughout the final procedure for departure to your next destination and we will bird on the way.
Price per person US$1808.00 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
For further information and details please contact Orestes
India February 10 to 19/12
Your local guides Bopanna Pattada
Birding in India.
India Birding & Cuisine
DAY 1
You will be picked up from your hotel in Bangalore at 0530 hrs by your guide, Bopanna Pattada. We will then proceed to the Bannerghatta National Park on the outskirts of Bangalore where we will bird till lunch time. Bannerghatta National Park is home to one of the richest natural, zoological reserves. The 104 sq.km national park consists mostly of dense forest and scrub land, and is home to wild animals such as gaur, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and Western Ghats. With over 150 species of birds this park is excellent for scrub birding. After lunch we will proceed to a location off the Mysore road where we hope to view the critically endangered Long-billed Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture. This location is also home to Painted Spurfowl and the endemic Yellow-throated Bulbul amongst other interesting species. We will then proceed to Mysore after a brief stop for birding at a lake along the way. The lake is home to many waders, raptors and other wetland species. Overnight at Mysore.
DAY 2
We will spend the morning birding around the city of Mysore which is home to numerous lakes and rocky hillocks. We will visit the Ranganathittu (Salim Ali) Bird Sanctuary just outside Mysore city. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary occupies only 0.67 sq km in area, and comprises six islets on the banks of the Cauvery river. The islands host numerous mammals and migratory birds. Some of them are bonnet macaque, colonies of flying fox and common small mammals like Indian gray mongoose, the monitor lizard and civet. The marsh crocodile also called the mugger crocodile is a common inhabitant of the riverine reed beds. Migratory water birds include Painted Storks, Asian Open bill Storks, Eurasian Spoonbills, Woolly-necked Storks, Black-headed Ibis, White Ibis, Lesser Whistling Duck, Indian Shag, Stork-billed Kingfisher and other birds like egrets, cormorants, oriental darter, and herons. The Great Stone Plover, and River Tern also nest here. Depart to Masinagudi which is a three hour drive from Mysore and check into your rooms at Masinagudi.
DAY 3
The Masinagudi plateau (900m) is located on the northern foothills of the Nilgiris, adjacent to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The area immediately surrounding Masinagudi town falls in the rain-shadow of the Nilgiris and consequently, the vegetation here largely comprises dry, thorny scrub species with few patches of luxuriant riverine forest. Visibility is excellent for birding and birdlife is very good, with over 250 species recorded from here and the adjacent deciduous forests of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Some of the bird specialties from these locations include the White-bellied Minivet, Jerdon’s Bush Lark, Malabar Lark, Grey-headed Bulbul, White-bellied Woodpecker, Sirkeer Malkoha, Brown Fish Owl and quite a few other south Indian endemics.
Wildlife is abundant and very visible around Masinagudi, where mega fauna such as elephant, tiger, gaur and leopard, along with much other wildlife, are regularly sighted. The area lies within the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and is contiguous with some of south India’s most wildlife rich protected areas of Mudumalai, Bandipur and Nagarhole. We will spend the day birding in Masinagudi and return to our rooms at dusk.
DAY 4 and 5
We will leave for Ooty which is a short drive from Masinagudi with some birding stops along the way. We spend the next two days exploring the habitats around Ooty for high altitude bird specialities of the Western Ghats. Ooty and its surrounding areas are the largest tea growing area in the South of India which makes for some great scenery.
Ooty is a large hill station town located in the Nilgiri range of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Several peaks rise above 2000m in the Nilgiris and there is an extensive area of high altitude habitats in this range, providing excellent opportunities to find south Indian birds that are restricted to montane habitats. Notable additions to the bird list here include the Nilgiri laughing thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Painted Bush Quail and the Nilgiri Flowerpecker. We will also be making an attempt to find the Great Indian Hornbill which is a rather difficult bird to see.
DAY 6 and 7
We proceed to Coorg also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and drive through the Nagarahole National park briefly before reaching the coffee plantations where we will spend the next two days. We will be staying in comfortable rooms in the midst of a coffee and pepper estate while in Coorg. Cooking classes in local cuisine for those interested will be organised in the evening during these two days.
Over the next few days we will be seeing most of the Western Ghats endemics and driving through the Nagarhole national park in search of mammals. Nagarhole National Park also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 kilometers from Mysore in Karnataka in South India. It is spread between Kodagu district and Mysore district. Located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, the Kabini reservoir separates the two. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls. The park has a healthy tiger-predator ratio, and tiger, Indian bison, and elephant are much more populous here than in Bandipur. Recognised as an Important Bird Area the park has over 270 species of birds including the 'Critically endangered' Oriental white-backed vulture, 'Vulnerable' lesser adjutant, greater spotted eagle and the Nilgiri wood-pigeon. 'Near threatened' species like darters, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Red-Headed Vulture too can be found here. Endemics include the Blue-winged Parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill and the White-bellied Treepie. Some of the birds that can be sighted here include the White-cheeked Barbet, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Pompadour Green Pigeon and Crimson-backed Sunbird.
We will also be birding in the Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary which is an important bird area located in the Kodagu (Coorg) district and is part of the Western Ghats. It is situated on the border between Wyanad District of Kerala state on the south and Kodagu District in Karnataka on the north side. It is a short drive from the Nagarhole National Park. The vegetation types include evergreen and semi-evergreen forests mainly in the low-lying areas and shola grasslands in the higher elevations.
Twelve of the 16 bird species endemic to the Western Ghats live in this sanctuary including species like the blue-winged parakeet and small sunbird. Special birds like the Jerdon's nightjar, Ceylon frogmouth and Malabar trogon are also found here.
DAY 8
We will drive to the coastal town of Kannur in Kerala where we will stay at a beach house and look for shore birds and waders along the beach and mangroves. Target birds are Golden, Greater Sand, Lesser Sand and Little Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpipers, Yellow Wagtails . This area is known for the multi-species tern congregations in the winter and is an excellent place to see Common, Sandwich, Lesser Crested & Greater Crested Terns. Whimbrels, Bar-tailed Godwits, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling and Terek Sandpipers. The mangroves are a great location for the Stork-billed Kingfisher, Brown Hawk Owl and the Jungle owlet.
DAY 9
After a mornings birding around the beautiful St Angelo’s fort in Kannur we depart to Coorg with birding stops along the way. We will spend the evening, birding in a rainforest area for any endemics we may have missed on our earlier birding sessions. Overnight in Coorg and depart to Mysore early in the morning.
DAY 10
Early morning birding at one of the large lakes outside Mysore for raptors and waders and then proceed to the Kokkare Bellur pelicanry. This village on the banks of the river Shimsha is an excellent example of community based conservation. For over 500 years the village of Kokkare Bellur has been shared by birds and human beings living in Symbiosis. The tall trees of the village (Ficus religiosa, Ficus bengalensis, Tamarindus indica, Acacia nilotica, Thespecia populenea.) have provided a safe haven for spot-billed pelicans, painted storks and black-crowned night herons to build their nests. In return, the fish diet of the breeding birds has repaid the villagers with a potassium and phosphate rich source of manure for their crop. We will then bird in the scrub habitat around the village for quails, pipits and babblers. Return to Bangalore for the night.
During this tour we hope to see at least 250 species of birds and a fair number of mammals. You will also have an opportunity to sample some excellent Indian cuisine and soak in the local culture. For those interested, a small shopping experience can be provided on arrival at Bangalore after your tour.
Price per person US$1995 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
Included in tour: English speaking guide, transport, all meals, bottled water, accommodation and park entrance fees where necessary.
Not included in tour: International flight, travel insurance, beverages, photo camera/video fee, tips and airport departure tax, bank electronic transfer fees.
For further information and details please contact Bopanna
Himalayan Birding Tour March 15 to 24/12
Your local guides Sunil Kumar Pattada
Birding in India.
Corbett Park, Pangot, Nainital and Sattal.
DAY 1
Delhi International Airpot pick up and 6 hour drive to Corbett-Park, 275km. from Delhi.
Overnight stay in Gargiya. Explore in the afternoon to dusk, Ramganga river area and Sitabani area by jeep.
DAY 2 and 3
Corbett Park, famous for its tigers, elephants and leopards, is also a birdwatchers dream, with its rich over biogeographic diversity. Home to more than 580 species of birds about half of the total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent. You can see hornbills, babblers, bulbuls, cuckoos, bee eaters, thrushs, doves, rollers, orioles, drongos, owls, flycatchers, warblers, chats, robins, kingfishers, finches, forktails, parakeets and many more. Birds that can be spotted at the banks of River,Ramganga on the outskirts of Corbett Park. Two days spend in the Park exploring the park by jeep, on foot and try for elephant back.(If elephant are avilable).
Morning birding in park and after break-fast. 3 hours drive to Pangot by car.
DAY 4, 5 and 6
Pangot is small village 310km. from Northeast Delhi, 60km.from Kathgodam and 80km.from Corbett Park. Pangot have richest oak, pine and rododendron forest in the area the Kumoan Himalayas. The green belt supports an enormous varity of Himalayan flora and fauna.
Pangot for a birdwatchers paradise. Pangot is 12 km. from Nainital and the drive is through the bird habitats of Cheena-Peak(Naini-Peak) range forests via Snow-view Point and Kilbury. Almost 200 birds species have been recorded at Pangot and surrounding area, Baggar, Timla-pani, Ghugukhan, Binayak and Kilbury.
Birds to be seen: Ceer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, White-throated Laughing Thrush, Straited Laughingthrush, Black-headed Jay, Eurasian Jay, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Hill Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Rusty-cheeked Scimiter Babbler, Scarlet Finch, Common Finch, Blue-capped Redstart, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Rufous Sibia, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Himalayan Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mrs Gould Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird and more.
Morning birding, break-fast and than make a move to Nainital. Its only 45 minutes car drive from Pangot.
DAY 7
Nainital is set around a lake, at an altitude of 1951 mts. in the Central Himalayas of the Kumaon region. It was discovered by P.Barrow, a sugar merchant from Saharanpur in 1841. He was so moved by the splendour of the place that he had his boat carried
up there and this hill station soon became fashionable focus of all.
Nainital is also paradise for bird lovers. You could identified more than 150 species of birds during your visit in this hill station. Place to go for birding is Snow-view, Kahala Garden, Mangoli Valley. Next morning birding in Mangoli-valley returning
to the hotel for breakfast and then drive down to Sattal.
Bird to be seen: Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Black Eagle, Black Kite, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, White-collared Blackbird, Long-tailed Thrush, Blue-winged Minla, Scaly Thrush, Blue-fronted Redstart, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Spotted Launghingthrush, Streaked Laughingthrush, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Jungle Owlet, Asian-barred Owlet, Black-throated Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Ashy Drango, Black Drango, Lesser-recket-tailed Drango, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Barn Swallow, Red-Rumped Swallow, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Warbler, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Spotted Forktail and more.
DAY 8 and 9
Sattal is 7 hour drive from Delhi, 1 hour from Nainital, 35km. from Kathgodam and 100km. from Corbett Park.
This is and ideal base for birders, nature enthusiasts, hikers and visitors wishing to explore Sattal and the surrounding area.
(Staying in comfortable tents).
Bird to be seen: Kalij Pheasant, Blue-fronted Redstart, Black-faced Warbler, Mountain Hawk Eagle, White-throated Fantail, Great Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Nepal Wren Babbler, Oriental White-eye, Western Crowned Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Goldcrest, Black-lored Tit, White-throated Tit, Green-backed Tit, Spot-winged Tit, Long-tailed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Brown Dipper, Golden Bush Robin and more.
DAY 10
Early morning birding. Breakfast and Lunch on the way Back to Delhi. 8 hours drive.
During this tour we hope to see at least 225 species of birds and a fair number of mammals. No matter which birding trek you decide upon, you will enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Kumaon, spectacular views of the Himalayas and surrounding countryside.
Price per person US$1900 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
Included in tour: English speaking guide, comfortable accommodation, all meals, water bottles, transportation, park entrance fees.
Not included in tour: International flight, travel insurance, beverages, camera/videos fees, tips etc.
For further information and details please contact Sunil
Jamaica March 10 to 16/12
Your local guides Wolde Kristos and Vaughan Turland
Birding in Jamaica.
7 Days JAMAICAN endemic birds.
With 28 endemics, 18 endemic subspecies and 18 Caribbean endemics, Jamaica has more endemics than any other island in the Caribbean. It offers excellent birding year round in a wide range of mountain, tropical forest and wetland habitats. We have recorded more than 300 species on the island including winter visitors, transients and vagrants. Your tour around our breathtakingly beautiful mountainous island will visit five of Jamaica’s top IBA’s: John Crow Mountains, Blue Mountains, Bluefields, Cockpit Country Conservation Area, Black River Morass.
DAY 1
Meet guides and depart from Montego Bay. Travel to Port Antonio via the north coast highway (approx. 4 hours). Waterbirds, including Caribbean Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Brown Pelican. Afternoon birding in Portland for endemic Black-billed Streamertail Hummingbird only.
DAY 2
Morning and afternoon birding along the famous Ecclesdown forest road habitat in the John Crow Mountain IBA. Look for endangered Jamaican Blackbird, near threatened Crested Quail Dove, Jamaican Oriole, White-chinned Thrush, Sad Flycatcher, Greater Antillean Bullfinch, Bananaquit and manymore. Overnight at Port Antonio, Ivanhoe Guest House (or similar).
DAY 3
Depart for Silver Hill Gap via Castleton, Kingston and Papine. Birding at Hardwar Gap on the Grand Ridge of The Blue Mountains: Jamaican Elaenia, Blue Mountain Vireo, Rufous-throated Solitaire, White-eyed Thrush, Orangequit, Jamaican Spindalis, Red-billed Streamertail. Overnight at Starlight Chalets, Silver Hill Gap in the Blue Mountains.
DAY 4
Early morning birding on Section to Hardwar Gap Road in The Blue Mountains IBA: vunerable Ring-tailed Pigeon, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Crested Quail Dove, Jamaican Crow. Depart Blue Mountains for xeric Hellshire Hills to find the Bahama Mockingbird. Also, Common Ground Dove and Stolid Flycatcher. Scenic afternoon drive to Black River.
DAY 5
Drive to Bluefields Mountains IBA for morning birding with stops on the way to check ponds for Masked Duck and West Indian Whistling Duck. Afternoon visit to Deans Valley Forest Reserve. Of the 28 Jamaican endemic species we have observed 20 in this IBA, plus a further 13 endemic sub-species. Among the regular favourites here are the: Jamaican Tody, tinyVervein Hummingbird, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Pewee, Olive-throated Parakeet, Northern Potoo (sometimes seen at day time roost), Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Woodpecker, Arrowhead Warbler, Jamaican Becard, Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, Jamaican Vireo, Caribbean Dove, Loggerhead Kingbird, Cave Swallow, Red-tailed Hawk, Antillean Palm Swift, American Kestrel. Overnight at Idlers Rest Beach Hotel, Parottee .
DAY 6
Early start, climbing in beautiful scenery to more than 1800 ft. to visit the first of two of Jamaica’s internationally recognised Important Bird Areas (IBA) on the western and south western edges of the Cockpit Country, Jamaica’s last wilderness The Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s largest IBA and extends to cover around 64,000 hectares of central and western Jamaica. It is home to 27 of our endemic bird species: including the Black-billed and Yellow-billed Amazons, Crested Quail Dove, Ring-tailed Pigeon, Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, near threatened Blue Mountain Vireo, Greater Antillean Elaenia Overnight at Idlers Rest Beach Hotel, Parottee.
DAY 7
Morning boat tour on highly scenic Black River, water birds including Northern Jacana, Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Yellow-warbler, mountain views, morass, crocodiles. Shorebirds including Sandwich Tern, Royal Tern and many more. Morning transfer to Montego Bay Airport. Departure time depends on flights.
Price per person US$1780.00 in double occupancy (minimum 4 pax).
Single room supplement, add US$150
Included in tour: Guides, all ground transportation within Jamaica (from Day 1 to Day 7), all entrance fees to sites, specified accommodation, daily meal plan, breakfast, lunch and two course dinner.
Not included in tour: Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airport departure tax, or international airfare, government general consumption tax, bank electronic transfers.
For further information and details please contact Wolde and Vaughan
Kenya June 05 to 18/12
Your local guide Moses Kandie
Birding in Kenya.
DAY 1
Arrival and check in to Mvuli houses, embark to Nairobi National Park after lunch for easy birding and game viewing from our Safari Van with a pop up roof hatch. Will have the opportunity of seeing Hartlaub’s and White bellied Bustards, African Moustached Warbler, Little Rush Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Red-throated Tit, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Shelley’s Francolin. We will retire to Mvuli house at dusk for a night.
DAY 2
We will take the earliest breakfast and depart to Masai Mara stopping by the Rift valley view point, which will enable us observe swifts and swallows flying by the edge. We will then drive down the beautiful meanders path to the plains which will yield bustards, larks, wheatears, pipits and raptors. Our arrival around lunch time will allow us check in, do a small compound walk for Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Pigeon, Violet-backed Starling, White-eaded Barbet, Brown-crowned Tchagra,
Usambiro Barbet and many other species. After lunch we will drive into the Masai Mara, where apart from the game, will be looking out for Vultures, Bustards,
Coursers, Lapwings, Eagles, harriers plus so many more. The game here include: Big cats, Elephant, Buffalo, Masai giraffe, plains zebra, black-backed jackal,
Bat-eared fox and many more. We will be backed to the tented camp at dusk.
DAY 3
After a morning breakfast we will take packed lunch with us for a whole day birds and game viewing in the park. We will drive as far as Mara River, where Tanzanian species such as Brown-tailed Weaver may be seen. We may see the hunting by the big cats too. In the scrubby and grassy areas of the park we will see the Red-throated Spurfowl, Spotted Thick-knee, White-bellied, Kori and Black-bellied Bustard, Teminck’s and Violet-tipped Coursers. Carrions will give us the chance to closely view White-backed, Ruppel’s, Lappet-faced and sometimes White-headed Vultures. We will head backed to the hotel at dusk.
DAY 4
We will leave the camp immediately after breakfast and head to Lake Victoria, where we will check in to Sunset resort. We will then do a short walk along Dunga Road, lined up on both sides by papyrus grass which is a good habitat for Papyrus Canary, Marsh Tchagra, Carruther’s Cisticola, Black-headed Gonolek and Red-chested Sunbird. The fresh water mangrove bush tops on the other hand will yield the Double-toothed and Black-billed Barbets. We will then retire to the Hotel.
DAY 5
Early breakfast and depart for a boat ride in Lake Victoria looking for Papyrus Gonolek, Northern Brown-throated, Slender-billed and Yellow-backed Weavers. Water Dikkop, African Skimmer and Open-billed Stork among terns and gulls. After this trip, we depart for lunch at Rondo Retreat in the Kakamega rain forest. We will start exploring the compound after lunch for Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Northern Black Flycatcher, White-headed and Black Saw-wing, Grey-throated Barbet, Black and white Casqued Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco plus other common birds. Night at Rondo retreat.
DAY 6
Early breakfast and bird the road into the forest for Green-headed Sunbird, Green-throated Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Weaver and chance for the rare African Gey Parrot. Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Banded Prinia, White-chinned Prinia, Red-headed Malimbe, some woodpeckers such as: Brown-eared, Yellow-crested and Buff-spotted. After lunch we will do trails within the hotel, where a small fish pond and streams through the Elephant-ear vegetation provide chances of the White-spotted Flufftail. Equatorial Akalat, Grey-winged and White-crowned Robin-chat along with White-tailed Ant-thrush will also be seen along the trails. Night at Rondo retreat.
DAY 7
Another early breakfast and a drive to Ischeno area of the forest for yet another birding through the forest into grassland, where targets will be Scaly-breasted and Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Brown-hested Alethe, Bar-tailed Trogon, Buff-throated Apalis, Turner’s Eramomela, Uganda Woodland-warbler, Green Hylia, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Yellow-mantled Widow and Broad-tailed Warbler. We afterwards drive back to the hotel for lunch and depart to Kerio View hotel for a night. On our way we will look out for Jackson’s, and Fan-tailed Widows, Lesser Jacana, however hard to find at the Chebonet Dam. Our arrival the hotel will see us explore the compound for Mottled Swift, Fan-tailed Raven, Ross’s Turaco, Cliff Chat and others.
DAY 8
Early breakfast and depart to lake Baringo, birding down the valley, hoping to see White-crested Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Boran Cisticola and many more lowland species. Our journey will provide great views of the Rift Valley formation, nice gorges and falls. We will arrive for lunch at Lake Baringo club. Being quite warm here; we will take a rest in rooms or swim at the pool till late afternoon, when we will do a compound walk. Night at Lake Baringo Club.
DAY 9
Very early boat trip in the lake for water birds such as Straited, Squacco, Goliath, Grey and Purple Herons. Senegal Thick-knee will be seen on one of the islands as we cruise to a river’s mouth looking for African Skimmer, Black-tailed Godwit, Collared Pratincole, Purple and Allen’s Gallinule. On our way back we will look out for Yellow-crowned and Northern Red Bishops, Malachite, Grey-headed, Pied and Woodland Kingfisher. We will then take breakfast and go for nocturnal birds, hoping to see Three Banded Couser, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Northern White-faced and African Scops Owls. We will break for lunch and after a nap proceed to Westbay area for
Black-headed Lapwing, D’arnauds, Red-fronted, Red and Yellow, Black-throated Barbets, sometimes Dimorphic Egret, Magpie and Hildebrandt’s Starlings. Bat Hawk may be observed chasing around bats at dusk. We will then retire to the hotel.
DAY 10
Early morning birding at the escarpment (basalt cliff) for Bristle-crowned and Red-winged Starlings, Verreaux Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Common Kestrel, Purple Roller, Brown-tailed Rock Chat. We will then drive to Nakuru, where we will embark to the park for a close-up view of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes. Along the shoreline will be various waders that include Ruffs, Ringed Plover, Three-banded Pover, Avocet and Black-winged Stilt. The acacia bushes will present:
Broad-billed Roller, Martial and Tawny Eagles. It is in this park that both Black and White rhinos will likely be seen. Baringo/Rothschild giraffe are also common in this park. Lunch time will see us at magnificent Lake Nakuru Lodge and afterwards a drive outwards for a night at Nakuru town.
DAY 11
Early morning drive to Samburu, arriving for lunch, after which we will embark for a game-drive at Samburu Game Reserve. Apart from beautiful game such as Grevy zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx and more, birds such as Vulturine Guinefowl, Vulturine Fish Eagle, Somali Courser, Somali Bee-eater, Somali Fiscal, Golden Pipit, Banded Parisoma, Donaldson-Smith Sparrow-Weaver, Red-shouldered Kite, Ashy Cisticola, Fischer’s and Golden-breasted Starlings will be seen.
DAY 12
We will embark on a game drive after breakfast till 10 o’clock and return to the hotel and depart after lunch for Mt Kenya at Castle Lodge forest for a night.
DAY 13
Morning breakfast and then birding along the road for Black-throated and Chestnut Apalis, White-tailed Paradise-flycatcher, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Lemon Dove, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Crested Guinefowl, White-headed Wood Hoopoe. We will then retire for lunch and depending on the weather, we may have an afternoon
session. At dusk we will try to keep an eye for African Green Ibis.
DAY 14
As usual we will take an early breakfast and do a walk, hoping to see Oriole Finch, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Black-headed Waxbill, Abbott’s, Wallers and Kendrick’s Starling. Red-fronted Parrot may be seen flying by or perched. We will come for lunch and pack-up and leave towards Nairobi. We will do stops along the way, especially at the rice fields, which will allow as see Long-toed Lapwing, Fulvous Whistling Duck, African Snipe,
White-winged Widows, Parasitic Weavers and much more. From here, we head to Nairobi to prepare for a flight back.
Price per person 3,344 EUROS in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
Single room supplement, add 750 EUROS
Included in tour: Meals, Accommodation, Transport, Guiding and Park fees.
Not included in tour: Alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airfare and gratuities.
For further information and details please contact Moses
Malaysia August 15 to 24/12
Your local guide Cheong Weng Chun
Birding in Malaysia.
Birdwatching in Peninsular Malaysia
The long trips provide the opportunities to explore Peninsular Malaysia’s birding key sites. The trip will features Kuala Selangor, Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara.
Rest assured that all bird watching, photography and digiscoping trips will be guided by Weng Chun and only a few close Birdingpals based in Malaysia. Species highlighted in the itinerary below only covers a percentage of the complete bird check list of each site.
DAY 1
From Kuala Lumpur, transfer to Kuala Selangor. Along the journey, we will pick up a few birds including Dollarbird, Long-tailed Parakeet, and Black-thighed Falconet. Today we will covers the mangrove of Kuala Selangor and adjacent areas which offers species such as Scaly-breasted Munia, White-headed Munia, Chestnut Munia, White-rumped Munia, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-shouldered Kite, Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Black-naped Oriole, White-throated Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher and Stork-billed Kingfisher. The specialties for this site include Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, Mangrove Whistler and Mangrove Pitta. The evening in Kuala Selangor would provide sightings of Large-tailed Nightjar and Buffy Fish Owl.
Overnight in Kuala Selangor.
DAY 2
In the morning after breakfast, we will roam a nearby mangrove looking for Laced Woodpecker, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker and Common Flameback. Next we explore the town for 2 species of barbets – Coppersmith and Lineated. From Kuala Selangor, we ascend to the highland of Fraser’s Hill after lunch. Upon reaching the hill station and checking into the hotel, we make use of available light and time to pick up some birds that moves in a flock. At night, we shall be spotting for Brown Wood Owl and Mountain Scops Owl.
Overnight in Fraser’s Hill
DAY 3
The hill station will offers distinctively different kind of bird life as compared to earlier site. Thus, we wake up early in the morning and make our way to the first birding spot of the day to pick up species like Large Niltava, Silver-eared Mesia, Streaked Spiderhunter, Blue-winged Minla, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Javan Cuckooshrike and many more. After picking up all the birds from this spot, we head back to the hotel for breakfast before continuing our birding itinerary. We will then spend time exploring the hill station for more birds. We will take a short rest after lunch and assemble in the lobby at 3pm for another birding session.
Overnight in Fraser’s Hill.
DAY 4
Today, we make our way to a nearby stakeout for the most elusive Malayan Whistling Thrush and continue birding on our way back to the hotel on foot. Today, we will hit the jungle trails for difficult species like Rusty-naped Pitta and Malayan Partridge.
Overnight in Fraser’s Hill.
DAY 5
This morning, we will be birding at the Gap looking for some localized specialties such as Black Laughingthrush, White-hooded Babbler, and Bamboo Woodpecker. Also, we must not neglect sightings of Maroon Woodpecker, Grey-capped Woodpecker, Large Woodshrike, Orange-breasted Trogon, White-bellied Yuhina, and many more.
Next, transfer to Janda Baik for an overnight stay.
DAY 6
Morning transfer to Bukit Rengit to sample some of the lowland avifauna species in the peninsular such as Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue-winged Leafbird, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Banded Broadbill, Black-and-Red Broadbill, Black-and-Yellow Broadbill, Grey-and-Buff Woodpecker, Buff-rumped Woodpecker and more. After this pit stop, we will continue our journey into the interior part of the country.
Overnight in Taman Negara.
DAY 7 and 8
The birds in the national park is simply outstanding where it offers species like Crested Fireback, Striped Wren-babbler, Large Green Pigeon, Long-billed Spiderhunter, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker, and so much more. Among the specialties in this forest are Malayan Peacock Pheasant and Great Argus.
Overnight in Taman Negara.
DAY 9
We will carry on birding as much as we can until late afternoon. From Taman Negara, we head back towards Janda Baik.
Overnight in Janda Baik.
DAY 10
For one last time, we go up the nearby highland to pick up some missing species that include Mountain Leaf Warbler, Chestnut-tailed Minla, and Rufous-winged Fulvetta. This is our final day of the trip, thus we head down to the airport in the afternoon (assuming that flight depart from KLIA late at night). Of course, we will make a quick stop for Painted Stork as the final bird for the trip checklist.
Price per person RM6,600.00 in double occupancy (minimum 4 pax)
Price per person RM4,400.00 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax)
The above rates include guiding fees and my expenses, twin sharing accommodation with attached bathroom, transportation, petrol, toll, and entrance fee. The rate does not include lunch and dinner, alcoholic beverage and laundry.
For further information and details please contact Weng Chun
Panama March 02 to March 13/12
Your local guide Gonzalo Horna
Birding in Panama.
DAY 1
You will be picked up at your hotel early so we can start birding at 6:15am at the Metropolitan Nature Park in Panama City (470 acres of dry second and young growth forest with patches of grassy areas ) giving us the opportunity to search for Lance-tailed Manakin, the endemic Yellow-green Tyrannulet, Rosy Thrush-Tanager (uncommon), Orange-chinned Parakeets, Pheasant Cuckoo
(rare) and more; after lunch birding will continue until around 3:00pm when we will start our drive to Achiote Town. We’ll stop to bird along the road at well known spots like at Gatun Lock and Chagres River (Gatun Dam spillway) looking for Road-side Hawk, American Kestrel, Cocoi Heron, Tricolored Heron, Kill-billed and Chestnut-mandible Toucan, Yellow-headed Caracara. After dinner we will go for a short walk searching for owls, nightjars, nighthawks and pauraques.
Dinner and overnight in Achiote Town.
DAY 2
Starting early we will walk along parts of Achiote Road, searching for Spot-crowned Barbet, White-headed Wren, Long-tailed Tyrant, Blue Cotinga, White Hawk, Flame-rumped Tanager, Montezuma Oropendola and many other species that can be found here. At about 8:30am we will have breakfast at restaurant "The Casca" with binoculars handy to see Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, maybe Barred and Fasciated Antshrike and others. After breakfast we will continue walking the trails in a coffee plantation. After lunch (2:00pm), on route to Fort Sherman and Fuerte San Lorenzo, (wet lowland tropical forest with areas of grass, scrubs, mangroves, marshes and coastline), we will look for Straight-billed Woodcreeper, White-tailed Trogon, Golden-collared Manakin, Rufous Motmot, Checker-throated Antwren, Piratic Flycatcher and more on the way to Gamboa.
Dinner and overnight in Gamboa.
DAY 3
After an early breakfast we will start to bird Pipeline Road (a secondary forest with some scrubby areas and many streams crossing. We will hear and look for Southern Bentbill, Pheasant Cuckoo, Green Shrike-Vireo, Grey Elaenia, Streak-chested Antpitta, Spotted Antbird, Long-billed Gnatwren, Great Jacamar, Rufous Mourner, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and more. Before lunch we will visit Ammunition Ponds marshy area, very productive any hour of the day searching for Snail Kite, White-throated Crakes, Ruddy-breasted Seedeaters, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Variable Seedeater, Smooth-billed Ani and more. In the afternoon we will visit Summit Gardens for Oropendolas, Caciques and Hummingbirds. On El Charco Trail we will look for Black-breasted Jay, Collared Arassari, White-whiskered Puffbird and more. Other spots to cover are Ammo Dump and Old Gamboa Road (Summit Ponds). Late afternoon ride to El Valle.
Dinner and overnight in El Valle.
DAY 4
Birding starts after breakfast on the trail that goes along the ridge of the protected area of Cerro Gaital Natural Monument (3,300 ft./900m above sea level). We will be looking for Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, White-ruffed Manakin, Blue-and-white Swallow, White-throated Thrush, Silver-throated Tanagers, Orange-bellied Trogon, Plain Antvireo, Purplish-backed Quail-Dove, White-tipped Sicklebill, Slaty Antwren, Black-headed Antthrush, Common Bush-Tanager, Black-faced Grosbeak, various hummingbirds such as Green Hermit, Violet-headed Hummingbird and White-tailed Emerald. After lunch we drive back to Panama City, stopping at El Chiru and Juan Hombrom, (habitat consists of relatively permanent growth of low and often straggly bushes and small trees with grass interspersed), in search of Crested Bobwhite, Blue Ground-Dove, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Lance-tailed Manakin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Red-breasted Blackbird, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Pale-eyed-Pygmy-Tyrant, Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, Blue-black Grassquit, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow-headed Caracara, Roadside Hawk, Savannah Hawk and more. Later in the afternoon we will fly to David, Chiriqui and transferred to the Volcan Baru foothills.
Dinner and overnight in Volcan, Chiriqui Highlands.
DAY 5
We will go birding early on the Los Quetzales Trail in the Parque Internacional La Amistad - part of the Talamanca Mountain Range - an important bird area shared with Costa Rica that protects the largest mountain forest extension in Central America. We will look for mountain forests species, such as Buffy-tufted Cheek, Ruddy-Treerunner, Spotted Barbtail and Spectacled-foliage Gleaner. Heliconias and flowers attract a variety of gorgeous hummingbirds like White-throated Mountain-Gem, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano-Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird and Violet-Sabrewing. Some other species typical of the area are Yellow-thighed Finch, Large-footed Finch, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and the globally endangered Black Guan. Of course, we'll dedicate some time to find the Resplendent Quetzal on the wild avocado trees. In the afternoon we'll try La Amistad (Friendship) International Park. This park is shared with Costa Rica and it has a high concentration of endemic species; we'll walk el Retoño trail (1.4 mi) looking for Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Prong-billed Barbet and Wrenthrush (Zeledonia).
Dinner and overnight in Volcan, Chiriqui Highlands.
DAY 6
Starting early we will drive toward Santa Clara birding all the way. Some of the birds to look for are Roadside Hawks, Cattle Egret, Bat Falcons, Yellow-headed Caracaras and Double-toothed Kites. The road is good for foothills species not found around Volcan. We'll visit Finca Hartman near the small town of Santa Clara. This is a bird friendly shade-grown coffee farm with remnant of rainforest trees, pre-mountain and highland forest that serve as a buffer zone to Parque Internacional La Amistad. At elevations between 4000-6000 ft there are a number of accessible dirt roads that pass through many habitats excellent for birding. This is a good place in Panama to find the Turquoise Cotinga, White-crested Coquette, Fiery-billed Aracari, White-tailed Emerald, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Smoky-brown Woodpecker and many others. We'll have lunch at the Farm. In the afternoon, on our way back to Cerro Punta, if time permits, we will stop and visit an area called New Switzerland, looking for Flame-colored Tanager, Yellow-winged Vireo and many Warblers. We will try our luck for the Red-headed Barbet. Afternoon drive to David and return flight to Panama City.
Dinner and overnight in Panama City.
DAY 7
Starting early we will drive to Yaviza in Darien birding along the Pan-American Highway stopping at Bayano Bridge and various trails. Expect see the Red-throated Caracara, Barred Puffbird, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Jet Antbird, Black-striped Woodcreeper, Band-rumped Swift, Pied Water-Tyrant, Striated Heron, Black-collared Hawk, American Kestrel, Giant Cowbird, White-flanked Antwren, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Olive Flycatcher, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Long-billed Gnatwren and more.Arriving at Yaviza we all have to register at the Police Station to obtain permission to board a motorized dugout canoe for the ride to El Real (Darien) up the Chucunaque and Tuira Rivers. El Real will be our base-camp for the next two days.
Dinner and overnight in El Real.
Notice: Don’t expect luxury. The Darien lowland lodging will be a rustic simple wooden house on stilts, like those used by the native Indians and colonos in the area. It will be very rustic, but clean and safe. Mosquito netting as well as a bed with mattress will be provided. Traditional meals with rice, fruits, plantains, chicken or fish, at the only restaurant in town "Doña Lola's".
DAY 8
All day birding El Real and surroundings (airstrip, road to Pirre One and more) looking for Black Oropendola, Spotted-breasted Woodpecker, Green Ibis, Cocoi Heron, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Stripe Cuckoo, Large-billed Seedfinch, Lesser Seedfinch, Gray-breasted Crake and Rufous-tailed Jacamar , Spectacled Parrotlet, Pied Puffbird, Smoth-billed Ani to mention few.
Dinner and overnight in El Real.
DAY 9
Early birding on the Chucunaque and Tuira Rivers using motorized dugout canoe for a boat trip around Punta Alegre and up the Mogue River. Look for the Striated Heron, Black-collared Hawk, Mealy Amazon, Tropical Cormorant, Piratic Flycatcher, Limpkin, Green-backed Heron, Pied Puffbird, Common Black Hawk, Little Blue Heron, Smooth-billed Ani, Turkey Vulture, Black-crown Night Heron, Semiplumbeus Hawk, Plumbeus Kite, Orange-crowned Oriole and more. After lunch we'll head back to Panama City.
Dinner and overnight in Cerro Azul.
DAY 10
Only ninty mninutes from Panama City and next to Chagres National Park is Cerro Azul and Cerro Jefe. All day birding Cerro Azul and Cerro Jefe. Many of the bird species find here are not present in Central Panama- Panama Canal-. For this, we will visit Bajo Mono Trail, Calle Maipo, Cerro Jefe Road, Birders View and more. These foothills are very good for finding colorful tanagers, such as Speckled, Emerald, Bay-headed, Rufous-wing, Hepatic, and Black-and-yellow Tanager. A variety of hummingbirds are present too; easy to find are Violet-headed Hummingbird, Violet-capped Hummingbird, Purple-crowned Fairy, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer and several Hermits such as White-tipped Sicklebill and Green Hermit. Some other birds that you must add to the Cerro Azul bird list and that we will look for are; Yellow-eared Toucanet, the endemic Striped-cheeked Woodpecker, Black-striped Woodcreeper, White-ruffed Manakin, Scaly-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Olive-striped Flycatcher, Blue-fronted Parrolet, Scaled Pigeon, Spot-crowned Barbet and Slate-colored Grosbeak. Some other possibilities are Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle, Speckle Antshrike, Red- bill Scythebill, and Purplish-back Quail-Dove.
Afternoon return to Panama City and end of tour.
DEPARTURE DAY: You will be assisted throughout the final procedure for departure to your next destination.
Price per person US$1987.00 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax)
For further information and details please contact Gonzalo
Our first tour in February has been filled.
Paraguay May 15 to 26/12
Your local guides Paul Smith and Hugo del Castillo
Birding in Paraguay.
Birds and Mammals in the Paraguayan Chaco and Pantanal.
This is a tour for adventurous birders and mammal-watchers, who are looking to explore the remotest areas of one of South America´s most under-visited countries.
DAY 1 and 2
We have a long drive ahead of us to the Central Chaco so we start out early. This will give us time to leisurely bird the roadside pools in the Humid Chaco which are often replete with waterbirds. We might expect to see numerous heron species, Jabiru, Maguari and Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbill, Savanna, Great Black and Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Limpkin, Giant Wood-Rail, Wattled Jacana, Plumbeous, Bare-faced and Buff-necked Ibis amongst the huge flocks that gather. We´ll make a brief stop for lunch at Pirahú, famous nationally for its empanadas and also a decent birding stop, we might see Swainson´s and Brown-crested Myiarchus, Crane Hawk, Red-crested and Yellow-billed Cardinal, Vermillion Flycatcher, White-faced Whistling-Duck and Brazilian Duck amongst others whilst Spectacled Caiman is another possibility. We arrive late afternoon at the Laguna Salazar private reserve in the Humid Chaco. A haven for waterbirds, this will be our home for the next two nights, and while the avifauna is typical of the Humid Chaco some Dry Chaco birds are around as well, with species like Checkered Woodpecker, Crested Hornero, Larklike Brushrunner and the newly-described Straneck´s Tyrannulet abounding. Nightdrives in search of mammals are a major bonus on this tour and as many as ten species in a single evening may be recorded, species like Geoffroy´s Cat, Three-banded, Six-banded and Lesser Hairy Armadillo, Crab-eating and Azara´s Fox, Crab-eating Raccoon, Grey Brocket Deer, White-lipped and Collared Peccary and Chaco Mara being frequently encountered. Of course we´ll also be looking for birds too - Great Horned Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Scissor-tailed and Little Nightjar, Pauraque for example. At certain times of year this area is alive with a chorus of frog song. We may see Paradox Frog, Fuscous Frog, Horned Toad and Chaco Granulated Toad, Shovel-nosed Chamber Frog and Weeping Dwarf Frog amongst others. Reptiles might include Green Jungle Runner, Western Collared Spiny Lizard and Pointed-nosed False Chameleon.
DAY 3
Though we will end the day in PN Tte Enciso in the harshest, most arid corner of the Chaco, our first taste of what the Dry Chaco has to offer is at Fortin Toledo. This is a captive breeding programme for the endangered Chaco Peccary (Tagua) a species known only from fossil remains until 1976 and redsicovered in this remote area. The project has already released over 250 captive bred individuals. They have examples of all three peccary species and it is gives the opportunity to highlight the differences between the species that are not always that obvious in wild animals. The very different temperaments of the species make for a fascinating trip (the aggressive reactions of White-lipped Peccary to observers always have the clients talking afterwards!!). There is also a healthy wild population of the rabbit-like Chaco Mara in this area, a small reserve that we will explore and several weed-choked lakes are like a magnet for birds in this hot, dry area including, Short-billed Canastero, Blue-and-Yellow and Hepatic Tanagers, Olive-crowned Crescentchest and Chaco endemic species like Cinereous Tyrant, Brushland Tinamou, Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper and the rare Black-bodied Woodpecker
DAY 4
Located in the highest of the High Chaco this area is conserved mainly for its healthy population of Chaco Peccary. It is a great place for Chaco specialties that are not so common elsewhere. We might expect Solitary Cacique, Orange-backed Troupial, Black-crested Finch (more common in winter), Ringed and Black-capped Warbling-finch, Many-coloured Chacofinch, Greater Wagtail-tyrant, Little Thornbird, Zone-tailed Hawk, Bay-winged Hawk, the threatened Crowned Eagle and maybe Rufous-thighed Hawk. Specialities here are Quebracho Crested-Tinamou and Chaco Owl. Mammal wise Three-banded Armadillo, Yellow-toothed Cavy and Azaras Fox are all abundant!. Jaguar is also present but you’ll need to get up early to have a chance of seeing one. The park is also of historical significance, conserving some of the trenches and barracks of the Chaco War. In the afternoon we´ll head almost to the Bolivian border and PN Medanos del Chaco. This park conserves the last wild herd of the endangered lowland race of the Guanaco. It is more open than PN Tte Agripino Enciso and shares many of the same birds, but also counts on two of the biggest Chaco endemic ticks that are not present at Enciso – the Black-legged Seriema and the Spot-winged Falconet. Driving back after dark we´ll be looking for Puma, Plains Viscacha and Lowland Tapir.
DAY 5 and 6
From Enciso we drive towards the heart of the Chaco and the famous PN Defensores del Chaco. En route we will stop off at Cerro León, the highest point in the Chaco and survey the unspoilt surroundings. There are some special birds here too including Blue-crowned Motmot, Great Antshrike, Black-bellied Antwren and Bolivian Slaty-antshrike. The Defensores del Chaco is area is famed for the ease at which you see wild cats. Jaguar and Puma are definite possibilities, as well as smaller cats such as Jaguarundi, Ocelot and Geoffroy´s Cat. Lowland Tapir is common here, as well as other mammals such as Chaco, Collared and White-lipped Peccary, Night Monkey, Pale-mantled Titi and Three-banded Armadillo. We will spend several hours each night searching for mammals in an effort to tick off as many species as possible in the time available.
DAY 7
With a new ecosystem awaiting us this morning, we will depart before dawn, we aim to be at Aguadulce, the edge Pantanal as the sun comes up. It is at this time that the charismatic Black-tailed Marmosets are most visible and after a picnic breakfast we´ll spend a little time looking for them. The first Pantanal birds appear here too, new species will likely include Crested Oropendola, Ochre-cheeked Spinetail, Fawn-breasted Wren and Green-cheeked Parakeet. Continuing on from here we will bird the transitional forest looking for specialities such as White-backed Fire-eye, the jaw-dropping Capped Heron and secretive Cinereous-breasted Spinetail. We will notice the landscape get wetter and marshier as we get closer to the town of Bahía Negra, where a boat awaits to take us to our next destination, the remote and spectacular Tres Gigantes Lodge.
DAY 8 and 9
Much less visited than the Brazilian Pantanal, the Paraguayan Pantanal is idyllic and unspoilt. Accessible only by private motor boat and situated on the winding Rio Negro facing Bolivia, our home for the night, Tres Gigantes Lodge is a slice of paradise. Named for three giant mammals that are often seen here, Giant Otter, Giant Anteater and Giant Armadillo, it is a superb place to see other stunning mammals such as Ocelot, Coati, White-lipped Peccary and even Jaguar. Of course birds are also an attraction, and the air throngs with bird calls from the earliest hours of the morning until the sun goes down. Pale-legged Hornero, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, White-lored Spinetail, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Grey-crested Cacholote, Mato Grosso Antbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Band-tailed Nighthawk and Common Tody-flycatcher are likely to be among a great number of species that we add to our list here. And quite apart from the diversity, the sheer number of birds that we see here is simply breathtaking!
DAY 10 and 11
With an early boat to catch back to Bahía Negra, our next stop is the Central Chaco IBA. On Day 10 we´ll be heading south towards the famous Mennonite colonies of the Central Chaco, birding along the way. Again we´ll observe the changing habitat from humid Pantanal, through Humid Chaco and back to Dry Chaco. In the Central Chaco IBA we´ll be visiting a number of salt lake sites and enjoying the varied avifauna that they provide. We may hope for Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Red-billed Scythebill, Stripe-backed Antbird, Great and Barred Antshrike, Golden-green and White-fronted Woodpeckers, White-lined Tanager, Chaco Earthcreeper, and Chaco Chachalaca. White-cheeked Pintail, whistling-ducks, Coscoroba and Chilean Flamingo will be among the waterfowl we may hope for.
DAY 12
Return to Asunción, birding the Ruta Trans Chaco along the way, with estimated arrival time in Asunción 6pm.
Price per person US$2400 in double occupancy, $200 discount if you book before 31 January 2012. (minimum 6 pax).
Included in tour: Two English-speaking expert bird and mammal guides, all accommodation, transportation, all food and non-alcoholic drinks with meals, drinking water, entrance fees, local cook, and conservation contribution to all sites.
Not included in tour: Flight tickets, alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, tip, first and last night in Asunción prior to and after the trip, personal expense.
For further information and details please contact Paul and Hugo
Peru 31st August - 9th Setember. 2012
Your local guides Doris Valencia Puclla
Birding in Peru.
10 day special birdwatching tour to Hidden Eden Manu.
Manu National Park comprises 19,000 KM2 of the best preserve forest in the southeast of Peru since 1977. It is also one of the most important conservation units in the world!! The beauty of this trip is the big variety of habitats the traveller experience from upper montane forest laden with delicate orchids and bromeliads to pristine Amazon rainforest. Manu has a list of almost 1000 species of birds, 13 monkey species, the last refuge of the endangered Giant River Otter, the second largest Macaw clay lick and endless areas for forest walks and canopy platforms making this area a naturalist dream. Enjoy it while you bird with a Birdingpal, eating delicious food and staying at terrific lodges. Our Trip starts in Cusco and ends in Puerto Maldonado.
UP TO 300 SPECIES OF BIRDS ARE POSSIBLE DURING THIS TRIP!!!
Do not miss the opportunity to take the most advantage to your visit in Peru, ask about our full day birding day in Lima visiting Villa Marshes and Pucusana excellent for several species of marine birds. If you are in Cusco do not miss the opportunity to bird Abra Malaga with excellent patches of polylepis where the rarest birds on earth are found, ending your trip exploring and birding the magical citadel of MACHUPICCHU. For more information ask your Birdingpal Doris Valencia Puclla.
DAY 1 - Cusco - Cock of the Rock Lodge
Early departure, setting off to explore the famous Manu National Park, driving along the famous Manu Road know as one of the finest birding roads in the world, we make selected stops on the way to find target birds like the peruvian endemics Creamy Crested Spinetail, Chesnut-breasted Mountain Finch, and the gorgeous Bearded Mountaineer. As we reach the mountain pass of Ajanacu 12000 ft official entrance to the Manu National Park the habitat change is quiet dramatic, we admire beautiful elfin forest, upper montane forest laden with delicate orchids here a handfull of species like Hooded and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers, Rufous-capped Thornbill, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Chesnut-crested Cotinga and more. Our destination is the cloud forest of Manu and the birding along this road is quiet spectacular. Mixed-species flocks may produce Masked, Moustached and Deep-blue Flower-Piercers, Crimsom-mantled Woodpecker, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Golden-collared Tanager and the list goes on; as we approach our inn we keep our eyes wide open for Andean Guans and Highland Motmot. As it gets dark, we have good chances to spot Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Arrival to our comfortable lodge at (5,000ft) and overnight.(B, Box-lunch, D)
Maximum Altitude: 13,600 ft
DAY 2 - Cock of the Rock Lodge.
At cloud forest for birding, this gives us the change to enjoy probably the most accessible Lek of Andean Cock of the Rocks a beautiful dweller of this forests and the national bird of Peru. We hope to spot some males at their morning mating rituals at nearby Lek. Enjoy superb birding with colorful tanagers, hummingbirds like Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green Hermit, Wire-crested Thorntail, Speckled etc. others include woodpeckers, furnarids and much more. Overnight at lodge.(B, L, D)
Maximum Altitude: 5,000 ft
DAY 3 - Cock of the Rock Lodge
We will retrace our path to reach elevation of at least 10,000 ft and enjoy a full day birding at upper montane forest with big patches of alnus trees and gadua bamboo, excellent for mountain tanagers and mountain toucan. We hope to spot soaring Black and Chesnut Eagle. The area also offers chances to spot high elevation species of hummingbirds such as Mountain Velvetbreast, Buff-thighed Puffleg, Rufus-capped Thornbill, Amethyst-throated Sunangel and much more. Late afternoon return to lodge and overnight. (B, L, D)
Maximum altititude: 10,000 ft
DAY 4 - Cock of the Rock Lodge - Amazonia Lodge
Early breakfast, drive down road to our next location in the foothills of Manu. The Amazonia Lodge and old tea and citrus hacienda, run by a local family having an incredible list of over 600 species of birds. This drive will give us the chance to experience a whole set of birds. The possibilties include Golden-collared Honeycreepers, Golden-bellied Warbler, bamboo specialties like Warbling Antbird, Striped-chested Antwren, Chesnut-backed Antshrike, and others. Middle afternoon arrival to Atalaya, where we will take a short boat trip across the upper Madre de Dios river to our next inn the Amazonia Lodge. Overnight at lodge.(B, L, D)
Maximum Altitude: 1,640 ft
DAY 5 - Amazonia Lodge
It is certainly magical to be awaken by so many birds calling. We will dedicate the first morning hours to enjoy easy birding around the lodge clearing before breakfast. Excellent for a number of species like Blue-headed Parrots, Cinamon-throated Woodcreeper, several species of tanagers, woodpeckers and more. Rest of morning lodge trail exploration including some bamboo patches excellent for several species of antbirds. We will also dedicate some of our time to bird from lodge porch in the hope of spotting some of the 18 species of hummingbirds, visiting the verbena flowers and feeders at lodge. The possibilities include the gorgeous Rufus-crested Coquette, White-necked Jacobin, the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit, Golden-tailed Sapphire and more. Overnight at lodge.(B, L, D)
Maximum Altitude: 1,640 ft
DAY 6 - Amazonia-Manu Wildlife Center
Early monring start for long boat trip down the Upper Mother of God River to our next location, the lowlands of Manu. During our journey good chances to spot river-side species such as Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Kingfishers, Large and Yellow-billed Terns, Horned Screamers, Pied Plover, Collared Plover, Orinoco Goose also good for birds of prey as well as mammals. Middle afternoon arrival to Manu Wildlife Center and overnight. Lodge features comfortable double bungalows with private facilities, hot and cold running water as well as spacious bar and dinning areas. (B, Box-lunch, D)
Maximum Altitude: 500 ft
DAY 7 - Manu Wildlife Center-Macaw Clay Lick
Early departure from lodge for a 30 minutes boat ride to the Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. Spectacular exposed river bank where hundreds of parrots gather to eat the mineral rich clay. This is certainly an incredible spectacle of nature seen by very few, some species include the gorgeous Blue-headed and Orange-cheeked Parrots, the larger amazons Yellow-crowned and Mealy Parrots, small visitors include Tui, Cobalt-winged and White-eyed Parakeets, the area is also visited by the large Red and Green Macaws. All seen from a very convenient blind about 200 feet from exposed river bank. After activity is over boat trip back to the lodge. Rest of day exploration of lodge trails. Overnight at lodge.(B, L, D)
Maximum Altitude: 500 ft
DAY 8 - Manu Wildlife Center - Camungo Canopy Tower
After a delicious breakfast we set off for a 30 minutes boat trip to Camungo Canopy Tower. This will enable access to the rainforest canopy and birds seldom seen from the forest floor. The canopy is reach by a metal staircase at about 150 ft above the ground, resting on a magnificent Kapok Tree. We hope to be in the middle of a mixed-flock with Green and Gold, Opal-rumped, Opal-crowned, Paradise and Masked-Crimsom Tanagers, Purple Honeycreeper, Gilded and Lemon-throated Barbets, Sclater´s and Chesnut-shouldered Antwrens, Orange-fronted Plushcrown and more. Distant tree tops may produce great scope views of Purple-thoated and Spangled Cotingas, Curl-crested, Brown-mandibled, Chesnut-eared Aracaris, White-throated Toucans and hopefully some birds of prey. Rest of morning short visit to Camungo Cocha, Ox-bow Lake is a good spot for Purus Jacamar, Pale-eyed Black-bird, the bizarre looking Hoatzins, several species of flycatchers and others. Middle afternoon boat trip back to lodge. Rest of day, exploration of lodge forest trails. The forest in certainly different at night, night birding will give us the chance to observe rather shy birds, possibilities include Amazonian Pigmy Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech Owl, Great and Common Potoo. Overnight at lodge.(B, L, D)
Maximum Altitude: 500 ft
DAY 9 - Manu Wildlife Center
Morning lodge trail exploration, we will dedicate the morning hours to explore high-ground forest, where we hope to find the shy Blue-crowned, Blue-backed and Round-tailed Manakins. Under story mixed flocks species may produce several antshrikes, foliage gleaners, xenops, antwrens and more. We certainly have good chances to see some primates include Brown Capuchins, Black-spider Monkeys, Monk Saki and others. A large salt lick for mammals is not far from lodge, we would like to get there mid-morning to see rather shy forest interior parakeets, that come to eat clay at this salt lick. This include Rose-fronted Parakeets, Rock Parakeets and Dusky-billed Parrotlet, other birds include Razor-billed Curassow, Spix’s and Blue-throated Piping-Guan. Rest of day birding around lodge clearing. Overnight at lodge. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 - Manu Wildlife Center- Cocha Blanco to Puerto Maldonado
Early morning departure to fully explore Blanco Ox-bow Lake. We hope to encounter the resident family of Giant River Otters and several wáter associated birds, like Fasciated Tiger Heron, Agami Heron, Horned Screamers. The area is also good for primates. Mid-morning journey to Boca Colorado and then drive to Puerto Maldonado. On the way we will make selected stops to look for Brazilian Teal, Southtern Lapwing and more. Arrival to Puerto Maldonado and overnight. (B, Box-lunch, D)
Maximum Altitude: 500 ft
DAY 11
Puerto Maldonado to Lima/Cusco. Morning transfer to airport for flight back to Lima or Cusco.
End of services.
Price per person US$2365 per person (minimum 6 participants).
Single suppliment US$475
Included in tour: Pre-departure briefing, specialized birding guide, field check-list, full board lodge accommodation according to program for 9 nights and 1 night at 3* star hotel in Puerto Maldonado in double occupancy, one visit to Macaw Clay Lick, Canopy Tower, Cocha Blanco and Camungo Ox-bow Lakes and private transportation in Manu (Van and boat).
Not included in tour: Airport tax, tips, personal expenses and alcoholic drinks, domestic flight from Puerto Maldonado, bank fees (international wires) and others items not metioned on itinerary.
For further information and details please contact Doris
East and West Venezuela
November 29 to December 11. 2012
Your local guides Joe Klaiber and Ivan Tepedino
Birding in Venezuela.
Altamira and Santo Domino mountains and Hato el Cedral.
Day 1: Arrival to Caracas international airport. Usually international flights come late in the afternoon or at night to Caracas , for that reason we have to stay close to the international airport the first night.
Transfer to the nice and comfortable Hotel Costa Real Suites, close to the airport.
Overnight in Costa Real Suites.
Day 2: Bird La Altamira and Santo Domingo mountains – Sierra Nevada National park.
In the morning we take the first flight to Barinas at 6:00 am. The flight is only 50 minutes. Your guide Joe will pick you up at the airport in Barinas and you have a short and beautiful drive to the colonial Andean village Altamira, where we will start to bird.
Highlights: Cock of the Rock, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Sword-Billed Hummingbird, and various sunangels, fruiteaters, lots of hummingbirds and tanagers.
We will stay in the Posada Caceres in Altamira. B + D.
Day 3: After breakfast we will bird in the Altamira area, looking for the Wire-tailed Manakin, White-bearded Manakin, Golden-headed Manakin, White crowned Manakin, as well as many tanagers and hummingbirds. Here are plenty of trails where to observe. Around 11 am there are soaring birds of pray. With luck we might see a Black and Chestnut Eagle, Crested Eagle or Black Hawk Eagle.
We will stay in the Posada Caceres in Altamira. B + D.
Day 4: In the morning we will drive to our ranch in los Llanos. Here it is possible to see up to 150 bird species in one day. Los Llanos is also the best area in Venezuela to see wildlife like Orinoco crocodile, spectacled caiman, giant anteater, different turtles, capybaras, monkeys, etc.
Highlights: Orinoco Saltator, Ruby Topaz and Copper-rumped Hummingbird, Orange-crowned Oriole, Russet-throated Puffbird, Pale-headed Jacamar, Yellow-knobbed Curassow, Scarlet Macaw, White-fringed Antwren, Barred- and Black-Crested Antshrike, as well as all kinds of storks, ibis, herons, hawks, kites, falcons, caracaras, vultures, etc.
We stay at Hato el Cedral. B + L + D.
Day 5: Full day birding in the Hato el Cedral. In the morning we do a boat excursion on the Caño Matiyure. Besides the shorebirds we will see dolphins in the river. In the afternoon we will do a safari and also look in the Gallery
forest for Antbirds, Woodcreepers Manakinas and others.
Highlights: the Hoatzin and, with luck, the Ornate Hawk-Eagle. Jabiru stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Horned Owl, Burrowing Owl, Barn Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Potoos, etc as well as parrots and macaws, Antbirds, etc.
Overnight Hato el Cedral B + L + D.
Day 6: Full day birding and wildllife watching at Hato El Cedral. This day we will concentrate on birds, or, if you would prefer, the animals that we haven’t seen yet or you want to see again.
We stay at Hato el Cedral. B + L + D.
Day 7: We will drive early to Barinas airport and in the afternoon you will get your flight via Caracas, to Puerto Ordaz, where Ivan will pick you up at the airport and his service starts here.
Arrive to Pto Ordaz airport, ground transfer to El Palmar (Imataca rain forest), birding on the way. Afternoon birding the surroundings of El Palmar.
Species to be expected: White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Yellow-chined Spinetail, Black-crested Antshrike, White-fringed Antwren, Venezuelan Troupial etc.
We stay at Posada Taguapire B+D.
Day 8: Full day Imataca rain forest area.
Species to be expected: Harpy Eagle, Spyxs Guan, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Musician Wren, Rose-breasted Chat, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Cayenne Jay etc.
We stay at Posada Taguapire B+L+D.
Day 9: Full morning birding Rio Grande area (Imataca rain forest). After lunch, ground transfer to Las Claritas. Afternoon birding Capuchine bird road. Overnight Las Claritas.
Species to be expected: Blackish Nightjar, Black-necked Aracari, Black-spotted Barbet, Crimzon Topaz Humingbird, Pigmy Kingfisher, Mouse-colored Antshrike, Capuchinebird etc.
We stay at Manacas B+L+D.
Day 10: Full day birding Sierra de Lema (escalera road).
Species to be expected: Rufous-breasted Sabrewing, Tepui Spinetail, Roraiman Barbtail, Tepui Foliage-gleaner, Streak-backed Antshrike, Tepui Antpitta, Scarlet, Horned and Orange-bellied Manakins, Ruddy Tody-Flycatcher, Rose-collared Piha, Red-banded Fruiteater, Guianan Cock of the Rock, Bearded and White Bellbirds, Black-hooded Thrush, Tepui Greenlet, Roraiman Warbler, Tepui Whitestart, Tepui Brush-Finch, Golden-tufted Mountain Grackle etc.
We stay at Posada Kamoiran B+L+D.
Day 11: Full day Sierra de Lema (Escalera road). Afternoon ground transfer to Santa Elena de Uairen with the posibility of having striking views of the Tepui landscape (Gran Sabana, Canaima national park). Overnight: Santa Elena de Uairen.
Species to be expected: Tepui endemics and other specialties of the area.
We stay at Posada Los Pinos B+L+D.
Day 12: Full day birding El Brujo area ( Santa Elena -Pauji road). Overnight: Santa Elena de Uairen.
Species to be expected: Crested Eagle, Collared and Green-backed Trogons, Great and Yellow-billed Jacamars, Gilded Barbet,
Many-banded and Green Aracari, Ruddy Spinetail, Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Stipple-throated and Gray Antwrens, Dusky-throated, Cinerous, Scaled-backed Antshrikes, White-throate, White-crowned and Blue-crowned Manakins, Ringed Antpipit and many Tanagers.
We stay at Posada Los Pinos B+L+D.
Day 13: Early ground transfer to Sierra de Lema to BIRD THE AREA AND COLLECT ANY SPECIES NOT COLLECTED IN THE PREVIOUS VISITS. We will stay at la Claritas area.
We stay at Manacas B+L+D.
Day 14: In the morning we drive to Purto Ordaz Airport and have our flight to Caracas.
In the afternoon international flight connection.
Rate: 2-4 Pax: USD 2850/Person. Single supplement USD 250. 5 to 8 Pax: USD 2230/Person. Single supplement 260 USD
Inclusive: 4 national flights (CCS – Merida, Barinas – CCS – Puerto Ordaz, Puerto Ordaz - CCS), Lodging as mentioned, Meals as mentioned, Ground transportation in SUVs or new VAN (depending on Pax number), Water and cooling box and Guiding.
Not inclusive: Tips, Airport Tax and Alcoholic drinks.
For further information and details please contact Joe and Ivan
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Last update 17/01/2012