Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise/Keith Barnes Simian Highlands, Ethiopia/Keith Barnes Custom Tours
Customized (or private) tours are a major part of our pick dates that suit you and tweak the itinerary to your business, which allows us to offer trips to many more ZWLJPÄJ ULLKZ >L WYV]PKL WLYZVUHSPaLK ZLY]PJL ^OLU destinations than we schedule as set-departures. In short, you put together a custom tour, and our expert guides will we regularly cover way more locations than listed in this help you design the perfect trip. If there is a place in the catalog; this is merely a sample. Every year, TROPICAL world where you would like to observe wildlife, there is BIRDING TOURS runs dozens of customized tours for a good chance we already have the experience to be able varied groups and individuals, including bird clubs, to run trips there, even though these may not be listed conservation societies, families, groups of friends, and for here in this catalog. Some of the custom destinations we other professional birding companies. For larger groups, a JV]LYPUJS\KL4PUULZV[HPU>PU[LY(YPaVUH7HUHTHHSS custom tour often costs less per person than a set departure, over Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and and you have the considerable advantage of getting to Guatemala, among others.
Children enjoying nature in the Galapagos/Iain Campbell Helmet Vanga/Ken Behrens King Vulture/George Lin About Tropical Birding Tours This is the most important page; please read it to V[OLYZ^OLYL[OLZPaLVM[OLÄUHSSPZ[PZUV[[OL\S[PTH[L \UKLYZ[HUK^OV^LHYLHUKPM^LHYL[OLYPNO[Ä[MVY`V\! objective. Our ultimate goal is to see as many of the birds as possible, but enjoying your trip while doing so. This page is a gut felt outline of our company, without spin or polish… • TROPICAL BIRDING understand there are many other types of birding companies on the market, and therefore • TROPICAL BIRDING is an American company, with a ^LTH`UV[IL[OLILZ[Ä[MVY`V\;)JSPLU[ZHYL\Z\HSS` diverse group of guides, and has 16 years of experience enthusiastic birders, many of whom are keen to chase in organizing birding and nature photography tours all H NVVK IPYK SPZ[>P[O ZVTL V[OLY IPYK [V\Y JVTWHUPLZ over the world. Directors are based in the USA, Ecuador, chasing the highest bird list is paramount, and enjoyment and Taiwan; other full-time employees live in USA, South of the tour is not necessarily a principal factor. A typical Africa, Madagascar, Ecuador, Australia, and sometimes TB client ranks the overall tour experience as of greater on cruise ships. TROPICAL BIRDING runs hundreds of importance to just the list. However, Tropical Birding tours a year, to over 70 destinations; many of these are runs all kinds of tours as custom tours, for all kinds of customized, or private trips. participants.
• Although long established, TROPICAL BIRDING guides • TROPICAL BIRDING know well that packing large are still vehemently passionate about birding, nature, and groups and multiple guides on to a bus makes more money photography. for the company. However, the experience we give to the clients by being in a small group is more personalized, • Most of the guides are full time employees, and all of more intimate, and we think ultimately much better value our leaders view this as their principal career (and never than large group tours. as their personal vacation). Many of our guides have university degrees, and all treat being a tour leader as a • Most of our tours are all inclusive, in country (i.e. you profession. get yourself there; we’ll take care of the rest).
• Tours are focused, though fun, birding and nature tours. PLEASE NOTE: FULL TOUR DATES, PRICES, AND >LVMMLY]HYPLK[V\YZMVYSPZ[LYZ^P[OSHYNLIPYKSPZ[ZHUK ITINERARIES ARE FOUND ONLINE Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 Kentucky Warbler/Sam Woods North America Curlew, not to mention thousands upon thousands of www.tropicalbirding.com H]VJL[Z>OLU[OL^PUKZHYLYPNO[[OL^VVKSV[ZVU/PNO Island attract a host of migrating warblers, and a nearby rookery is home to nesting spoonbills and egrets. ;OL>HYISLY;V\Y<:(4H`"KH`Z Many birders in eastern North America set aside time in (YPaVUH!/VWWPUN[OL:R`0ZSHUKZ spring to search for migrants, and the warblers come right (custom only; 10 days or less) at the top of their shopping lists. This tour is designed to Southeast Arizona remains one of the most revered birding ZLLHSTVZ[HSSVM[OLWVZZPISLLHZ[LYU^HYISLYZ>LZ[HY[ regions in all of North America; mountains and canyons in Kentucky and southern Ohio in the breeding grounds provide relief and forested vegetation from the surrounding of some of the “southerners”, like Kentucky, Swainson’s, desert, and are home to species like Elegant Trogon, /VVKLKHUK7YHPYPL>HYISLYZ>L[OLUZJV\Y[OL¸TLNH¹ 7OHPUVWLWSH9LKMHJLK>HYISLYHUK6SP]L>HYISLY;OL migration hotspots of Magee Marsh and Tawas Point for deserts below hold an entirely different suite of birds from a stream of other warblers such as Blackburnian, Black- roadrunners to Gilded Flickers. This corner of the state is throated Blue, Cape May and more. Lastly, we will ensure also hummingbird country, where possibilities include we get one of the rarest of the breeding warblers, with a YHYP[PLZSPRL)LY`SSPUL3\JPMLY4HNUPÄJLU[)S\L[OYVH[LK visit to the Michigan breeding grounds of Kirtland’s. This >OP[LLHYLKHUK=PVSL[JYV^ULK/\TTPUNIPYKZ(YPaVUH tour should get in excess of 35 species of these marquee is also great for owls, including the world’s smallest, Elf birds, along with a healthy batch of other migrants and 6^SHSVUN^P[O>LZ[LYU:JYLLJO6^SHUK-SHTT\SH[LK resident species. Owl. Birders regularly return to this region, and with such diversity it is easy to understand why. Upper Texas Coast, USA (April; 7 days) The “UTC” offers great year-round birding, and a Florida for New Birders (Nov-March; 5 days) bewildering number of sites in which to do it. It is The Sunshine State offers some of the easiest birding in arguably at its best in spring, when thousands of wintering North America, and so is a great option for those looking shorebirds linger in spectacular gatherings on the coast, [V [HRL [OLPY ]LY` ÄYZ[ IPYKPUN [V\Y -SVYPKH PZ ZPTWS` and migrant songbirds regularly drop into the woods. loaded with birds, and the large numbers of impressive ;OPZ[V\Y]PZP[ZHUPJL]HYPL[`VMOHIP[H[Z>L»SS]PZP[NYLH[ waterbirds such as herons, cranes, storks, and spoonbills ^L[SHUKIPYKPUNZP[LZSPRL(UHO\HJ5>9^OLYLYHPSZHUK THRLP[LZWLJPHSS`LUQV`HISL>L»SSHSZVILZ\YL[V[HYNL[ waterfowl feature. The Bolivar Peninsula offers some of land birds such as the endemic Florida Scrub-Jay. This is the best shorebirding on the continent, and includes star the perfect trip not only for new birders, but for anyone species like Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Long-billed looking for a short winter getaway. Musk Ox/Iain Campbell (SHZRH!)PYKPUN[OL;VWVM(TLYPJH them, such as Snowy, Great Gray, Northern Hawk, and (June; 14-19 days with extensions) Boreal. Other northern specialties that we’ll target include Nome and Barrow are both hallowed destinations for Gyrfalcon, Black-backed and American Three-toed American birders, and famed homes of must see ABA >VVKWLJRLYZ,]LUPUN.YVZILHRHUK/VHY`9LKWVSS birds like Steller’s, King, Common, and Spectacled Eiders, as well as a slew of shorebirds in their breeding *VSVYHKV!*OHZPUN*OPJRLUZ<:((WYPS"KH`Z ÄULY`" ZWPUUPUN 9LK HUK 9LKULJRLK 7OHSHYVWLZ 9VJR The spectacular displays of chickens and grouse in Sandpiper, American Golden-Plover, and Bristle-thighed springtime rank as some of the best avian bird behavior Curlew are just some of the celebrity shorebirds on offer. not only on the continent, but worldwide. A series of An extension is offered to the Pribilofs, where the island early rises will be needed in order to position ourselves VM:[7H\S^PSSLUZ\YLL_[YLTLJSVZL\WZVMW\MÄUZHUK for the morning spring rituals of Greater and Lesser Prairie possibly the odd rarity too. If you want to go see Grizzly Chickens, and Sharp-tailed, Greater and Gunnison Sage Bears too, a day trip to Brook Falls can also be added. .YV\ZL >OPSL ¸JOHZPUN JOPJRLUZ¹ ^L ^PSS HSZV ÄUK time to look for other targets, such as Mountain Plover, 4PUULZV[HPU>PU[LY<:(1HU-LI" KH`Z Chestnut-collared Longspur, and several species of Rosy- Duluth and Sax-Zim Bog are classic North American Finch. All of these avian wonders will be set within some winter destinations, offering a top draw selection of owls. of North America’s best mountain scenery in the much- In most years, it’s possible to track down at least some of revered Centennial State.
Spectacled Eiders/Iain Campbell Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 Mexico & 6H_HJH!)PYKPUN[OL/LHY[VM4L_PJV (March; 11 days, 17 days with extension) >P[OULHYS` ZWLJPLZ6H_HJHOHZ[OLIPNNLZ[IPYKSPZ[ of any Mexican state, and almost 100 of these are regional the Caribbean LUKLTPJZ >L»SS SVVR MVY KVaLUZ VM ILH\[PM\S ZWLJPLZ including Orange-breasted Bunting, Rose-breasted Chat, www.tropicalbirding.com +^HYM1H`:SH[`=PYLV*VSSHYLK;V^OLLHUK9LK>HYISLY Add in impressive ruins, a bustling capital city rich in commerce and architecture, vibrant native culture, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Oaxaca is hard to beat for a Mexican birding trip. A large number of North American breeding species winter in this area, and we can expect to see numerous migrant warblers, ]PYLVZÅ`JH[JOLYZHUKV[OLYZWLJPLZHZ^LSS;OLVW[PVUHS extension takes in some of the best birding areas of the neighboring state of Chiapas, and targets some truly stunning species such as Rose-bellied Bunting and Pink- OLHKLK>HYISLY
4L_PJV!;OL@\JH[mU*Va\TLSHUK*HSHRT\SKH`Z ;OL@\JH[mU7LUPUZ\SHPZHSHUKVMLUKSLZZ[\YX\VPZLZLHZ and ancient Mayan ruins hidden beneath dense jungle. This tour visits a wide array of habitats, from mangrove- SPULK ZHS[ ÅH[Z HUK KLZLY[ ZJY\I [V S\ZO YHPUMVYLZ[ HUK [YVWPJHS ZH]HUUH>L [HYNL[ LUKLTPJZ Z\JO HZ *Va\TLS >YLU @\JH[HU 1H` 4L_PJHU :OLHY[HPS HUK @\JH[HU >VVKWLJRLYHSVUN^P[OZJVYLZVMTVYL^PKLZWYLHKI\[ equally intriguing species like Ocellated Turkey, Gray- throated Chat, and Black-throated Shrike-Tanager. It’s also an archaeologist’s dream, and we will visit several ZWLJ[HJ\SHY 4H`HU Y\PU ZP[LZ PUJS\KPUN *OPJOtU 0[am *VImHUK*HSHRT\S0[»Z[V\NO[VILH[ZLLPUN[YLLZM\SSVM toucans from atop an ancient pyramid!
1HTHPJH!;OL*HYPIILHU0U[YV[V\Y4HYJO(WYPS" KH`Z Enjoy some easy birding on this famously laid-back Caribbean island; despite its small size (only slightly larger than Connecticut); it is rich in endemics, with just under 30, and most trips get them all. These include some of the most stunning in the region, such as the spectacular Red-billed Streamertail (Jamaica’s national bird) and the handsome Jamaican Tody.
*\IH!*HYPIILHU)PYKPUNH[P[Z)LZ[4HYJO"KH`Z Cuba is one of the hottest birding destinations on the planet right now, and it is not hard to see why. Relations with this country have thawed considerably, and the unique Cuban culture currently remains largely intact. This tour not only JOHZLZHM[LY[OL YLN\SHYS`LUJV\U[LYLKLUKLTPJIPYKZ but also tours Old Havana for an insight into a culture unlike anywhere else, yet still intimately linked with the OPZ[VY`VM[OL
Central America [OLPY H[[LUKHU[ HU[IPYKZ >L»SS HSZV ZWLUK [PTL ]PL^PUN ÅHZO`IPYKZMYVT[OL[VWVMHJHUVW`WSH[MVYTSPRLIYPNO[S` www.tropicalbirding.com colored cotingas, gaudy tanagers, and impressive toucans. >L»SSSVVRMVY9LZWSLUKHU[8\L[aHSPU[OLOPNOSHUKZHSVUN *VZ[H9PJH!;OL0U[YV[V\Y-LI 1\S`"KH`Z with numerous regional endemics such as Golden-browed ( WLYMLJ[ ÄYZ[ ]LU[\YL PU[V [OL [YVWPJZ [OPZ [PU` *LU[YHS *OSVYVWOVUPH-SHTL[OYVH[LK>HYISLYHUK-PLY`[OYVH[LK American country boasts outstanding diversity including Hummingbird. Eastern Panama offers us a number of most of the classic Neotropical bird families. The tour KPMMLYLU[ ZWLJPLZ PUJS\KPUN=PVSL[JHWWLK /\TTPUNIPYK covers the central highlands as well as various elevations Black Antshrike, and Bare-crowned Antbird. on both slopes of the mountains to maximize diversity. The glorious Resplendent Quetzal should be a highlight Guatemala (Custom only; Jan-March) along with other favorites like the deep purple Snowcap, Guatemala is a small country, but has a lot to offer for a a host of other hummingbirds, “Technicolor” tanagers, birder. Many spectacularly colorful birds are possible here handsome trogons, and otherworldly motmots. This including Resplendant Quetzal, Ocellated Turkey, Pink- country is a perennial favorite among birders and nature OLHKLK >HYISLY )S\L[OYVH[LK 4V[TV[ :WV[IYLHZ[LK lovers alike. Depending on demand, some years we also Oriole, and Garnet-throated Hummingbird. On this tour offer a longer, more comprehensive tour to Costa Rica. we’ll visit cool high-elevation pine forest, a spectacular volcanic lake ringed by dry thornforest, temperate 7HUHTH!;OL0U[YV[V\Y1HU4HYJO"KH`Z JSV\KMVYLZ[ HUK SV^SHUK YHPUMVYLZ[ >OPSL THU` VM ;OPZ[V\YJV]LYZ[OL[OYLLTHPUIPYKPUNYLNPVUZVM7HUHTH! Guatemala’s special birds are shared with Mexico, some the western highlands, the Canal Zone of Central Panama, VM[OLTHYLLHZPLY[VÄUKHUK[VNL[[VZ\JOHZ(a\YL and the east. It takes in the Panama Canal, and visits one rumped Tanager; here it’s found just above a comfortable of the most revered birding sites in tropical America, the lodge, whereas in Mexico you need to hike many miles 7PWLSPUL9VHK>P[OS\JR^L»SSLUJV\U[LYHU[Z^HYTZHUK and camp in order to see it.
Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 ,HZ[LYU,J\HKVY!/PNO(UKLZ[V=HZ[(THaVU KH`Z South America I This tour focuses on the eastern side of the Andes, beginning PUWmYHTVHIV]L[YLLSPUL[OLU^PUKPUNP[Z^H`HSS[OL^H` www.tropicalbirding.com down to the Amazon, staying at comfortable lodges along [OLLU[PYLYV\[L>L^PSSZLHYJOMVYHUL_JP[PUNTP_VMIV[O .HSHWHNVZ! )PYKPUN 5H[\YL 7OV[VNYHWO` *Y\PZL highland species like Andean Condor and Ecuadorian (10 days) Hillstar, rare foothill specialties such as Napo Sabrewing The Galapagos Islands are like nowhere else; much of the and Coppery-chested Jacamar, and Amazonian birds like wildlife is only found there, and it is famously tame. It is :WHUNSLK*V[PUNH>OP[L[OYVH[LK;V\JHUHUKHOVZ[VM normal to sidestep nesting Blue-footed Boobies and weave antbirds. In the Amazon, we’ll visit a clay lick packed with through colonies of displaying frigatebirds as you explore parrots, ride in canoes down forested creeks, and observe the islands. Nearly anyone can enjoy this trip, including birds and monkeys from one of the most impressive families seeking an intimate natural history experience, canopy walkways on earth while based at the two of the hardcore birders seeking the numerous endemics, and best birding lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon. UH[\YL WOV[VNYHWOLYZ ^HU[PUN \UYP]HSLK JSVZL\WZ@V\ don’t need an uber camera to get good photos on this short :V\[OLYU,J\HKVY! cruise, whether it’s the hilariously curious mockingbirds, Highland Rarities and Tumbesian Endemics truly ancient Giant Tortoises, carpets of colorful Marine 1HU\HY`" KH`ZKH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU Iguanas, or Red-footed Boobies bringing gifts to their >OPSL[OLNYLH[*OVJ}YLNPVUVMUVY[O,J\HKVYOHZ[OL partners. highest number of endemic birds of any of the country’s regions, the Tumbesian zone of the southwest does not ,J\HKVY!;OL(UKLZ0U[YV[V\Y lie far behind, boasting over 60 of its own. Many of these (8 days, 10 days with extension) HYLYLSH[P]LS`LHZ`[VÄUKSPRL[OLZ[\UUPUN>OP[L[HPSLK Ecuador boasts 1600 bird species in a country the size Jay, handsome Red-masked Parakeet, and superb Elegant VM *VSVYHKV ;OL [YPW PZ WLYMLJ[ MVY ÄYZ[[PTLYZ [V [OPZ Crescentchest. This tour weaves through a wider range country or to the South American tropics. Most of the of habitats than any other Ecuador tour, from tropical region’s families are represented, and can be accessed cloud forest, to the Amazonian foothills, to savanna-like based in Tandayapa Bird Lodge with its world famous KLJPK\V\Z^VVKSHUKHUKL]LUTHUNYV]LZ>LJOHZLH hummingbird feeders. Although a short forest-based tour, host of specialties such as Long-wattled Umbrellabird, around 300 species can be expected, including superb )SHJRJYLZ[LK ;P[;`YHU[ =PVSL[[OYVH[LK 4L[HS[HPS Chocó endemics like Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Orange-throated Tanager, and the ;V\JHU)HYIL[HUK=LS]L[W\YWSL*VYVUL[-VY[OVZL^OV PTWYLZZP]L1VJV[VJV(U[WP[[H>LZ[H`PUHTLTVYHISLZL[ cannot leave Ecuador without Andean Condor, we offer of excellent lodges, and many are located within reserves a short High Andes extension for the best scenery of the with the birds almost at your doorstep. An optional entire tour. We also occasionally offer a longer and more extension takes in coastal lagoons, deserts, and woodland, KPMÄJ\S[]LYZPVUVM[OPZ[V\YJHSSLKNorthwest Ecuador: In and even offers a good chance to see the rare Esmeraldas Search of Chocó Endemics (14 days). >VVKZ[HY Flame-faced Tanager/Pablo Cervantes Daza Giant Anteater/Keith Barnes South America II )YHaPS!;OL7HU[HUHS (THaVU1\S:LW[" KH`Z at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge, located at the base of the scenic “Spectacular” doesn’t even begin to describe the iconic Serra dos Órgãos Mountains in a large nature reserve. Hyacinth Macaw that tops many visitors’ list of favorites, Here we bird the forest trails for gems like Spot-billed yet the Pantanal is perhaps even more famous for its Toucanet, Crescent-chested Puffbird, and Ferruginous impressive congregations of wildlife. Ponds and rivers are Antbird, and the restored wetlands near the lodge for a SPULK^P[OOLYVUZRPUNÄZOLYZPIPZLZ1HIPY\Z:\UIP[[LYUZ IV\U[`VM^H[LYIPYKZ>L»SSTHRL[YPWZ[V[OLJVHZ[HUK caimans, and plenty more, while the savanna and drier woodland before heading up to Itororo Lodge, with woodland have Greater Rhea, Red-legged Seriema, Toco superb feeders that attract colorful birds such as Brassy- Toucan, and legions of smaller birds. The tour is timed breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, and Brazilian Ruby. for the dry season, when birds are often concentrated in The mountains nearby have a whole new suite of great the few remaining wet areas. The low river levels also birds including Black-and-gold Cotinga, Bare-throated make it easier to spot Jaguars on the sandy banks, and )LSSIPYK 9LKSLNNLK :LYPLTH HUK H OVZ[ VM [LYYPÄJ we’ll devote two days to searching for this alluring beast. antbirds. The tour includes a visit to the southern Amazon, where the birding is more challenging, although the rewards are :V\[OLHZ[)YHaPS!([SHU[PJ9HPUMVYLZ[HUK:H]HUUHKH`Z perhaps even greater. Here, we’ll base ourselves in the The wet rainforests along the southern coast of Brazil famous Cristalino Jungle Lodge, which has its own private are a birder’s delight. Separated from the Amazonian reserve, two canopy towers, and a mind-boggling bird list rainforests by the dry interior habitats that dominate of nearly 600 species. ;OPZ[V\YJHUVM[LUILJVTIPULK much of the country, the birds here evolved in relative ^P[O[OL Atlantic Forest Introtour MVYHZ\WLYI[OYLL^LLR isolation, resulting in loads of endemics. Numerous )YHaPSL_WLYPLUJL ZWLJ[HJ\SHY HU[IPYKZ JV[PUNHZ Å`JH[JOLYZ HUK [HUHNLYZ are found nowhere else. Just a hundred miles inland, the )YHaPS!;OL([SHU[PJ-VYLZ[0U[YV[V\Y1\S:LW[" KH`Z rainforest is replaced by savanna and gallery forest with Brazil is the South American endemics champion, and a very different set of birds and its own set of endemics. the majority of these endemics are found in the Atlantic This tour combines the best sites in both regions for an rainforest of the Southeast. During this short tour, we are unforgettable experience. This tour is much longer and IHZLKPUQ\Z[[^VL_JLSSLU[SVKNLZ>L»SSZWLUKMV\YUPNO[Z more comprehensive than the Brazil Introtour.
Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 South America III & IV 7LY\!4HU\HUK4HJO\7PJJO\1\S:LW[" KH`Z Imagine an endless blanket of forest stretching from high tailed Manakin, before heading up into the endemic-rich mountains all the way to the vast rivers of the Amazon; Santa Marta Mountains, home to the highest peaks on the Manu is a tropical wilderness unrivaled anywhere else in JVU[PULU[H^H`MYVT[OL(UKLZ>L»SSZWLUK[OYLLUPNO[Z South America. If you’re only going to visit Peru once, this at a mountain lodge with great feeders and a spectacular tour is a great choice, as it sports the highest diversity of ]PL^>LZOV\SKÄUK[OL]HZ[THQVYP[`VM[OLLUKLTPJ IPYKZ>LZ[HY[PU[OLOPNO(UKLZHYV\UK[OLOPZ[VYPJJP[` IPYKZ PUJS\KPUN>OP[L[HPSLK :[HYMYVU[SL[ )SHJRJOLLRLK of Cusco, and then descend through the forests of Manu 4V\U[HPU;HUHNLYHUK:HU[H4HY[H>HYISLYHSVUN^P[O staying in top-notch jungle lodges en route. Cock-of-the- many other fascinating species. rock Lodge offers great views of its namesake along with X\L[aHSZHUKPUZHUL[HUHNLYÅVJRZ"(THaVUPH3VKNLOHZ *LU[YHS*VSVTIPH!(UKLHU,UKLTPJZ7HYHKPZL amazing hummers to go along with its often overwhelming (Custom only) blast of upper Amazonian species. Traveling down the This tour visits one of South America’s endemic treasure Madre de Dios River, we’ll stay several nights in a superb houses. Here, the great Andean mountain chain splits into jungle lodge where we can bird towers, lakes, rivers, and a three, creating a fascinating topography that has resulted macaw lick; we will never lack for great birds, mammals, in dozens of endemic birds. This circuit hits many of and many other neat sightings. The tour also visits the the top spots in all three prongs of the Andes. Birds run fabled ruins of Machu Picchu, for one of the world’s great the gamut from spectacular endemics like Gold-ringed cultural experiences. Tanager, Buffy Helmetcrest, and Red-bellied Grackle to more widespread yet highly desired birds such as Oilbird, 5VY[OLYU 7LY\! (JYVZZ [OL 4HYH|VU *HU`VU Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, and Gray-breasted Mountain- (Aug-Oct; 17 days) Toucan. Marvelous Spatuletail tops a long list of unique and TLTVYHISLLUKLTPJZVU[OPZMHZJPUH[PUN[V\Y>L]PZP[KY` Bolivia (Custom only) forests of the northwest, the lush cloudforests of the east >OPSLTHU`IPYKLYZVM[LUSLH]L)VSP]PHHZVULVM[OLÄUHS ZSVWLVM[OL(UKLZHUK[OLZWLJ[HJ\SHY4HYH|VU*HU`VU Neotropical destinations to explore, this country has a The infrastructure here has improved greatly in recent massive amount to offer at any time. It has the greatest years, and we’ll stay in a series of small, friendly lodges number of bird species of any land-locked country, and and hotels, many of them right in the forest. Chaparri when you add the high-quality endemic and specialty 3VKNL OHZ >OP[L^PUNLK .\HUZ HUK >OP[L[HPSLK 1H`Z birds to the amazing Andean scenery, it all adds up to on its doorstep, while the famous Owlet Lodge in Abra a phenomenal trip. Our tour covers the stunning Los Patricia has great hummer feeders, an antpitta feeder, =VSJHULZOVTL[V[OLYHYL)VSP]PHU9LJ\Y]LIPSSILMVYL and even offers a real chance to see the enigmatic Long- exploring the arid central valleys looking for species like ^OPZRLYLK6^SL[-HY[OLYKV^UZSVWLH[>HXHURP3VKNL Gray-crested Finch and Bolivian Blackbird. Higher altitudes we look for even more hummingbirds, scarce birds like YL]LHS)SHJRIYLHZ[LK:\UILHT^OPSL[OL@\UNHZMVYLZ[Z Fiery-throated Fruiteater, and even have a shot at Oilbird. ^PSSVMMLY\W[OLPYV^UZWLJPHS[`ZWLJPLZ>LZOHU»[SLH]L ;OLYVHKHJYVZZ[OL4HYH|VU*HU`VUJYVZZLZHYLTHYRHISL Bolivia without trying for the magical Hooded Mountain- transect of habitats from desert on the bottom to lush ;V\JHUHUK9LKMYVU[LK4HJH^>LOH]L[^VL_[LUZPVUZ WmYHTVVU[OLLKNLZ^P[OULH[IPYKZH[L]LY`Z[VWSPRL one that targets the rare and endangered Blue-throated )\MMIYPKSLKHUK.YH`^PUNLK0UJH-PUJOLZ@LSSV^MHJLK Macaw, and another that goes after Masked Antpitta. Parrotlet, Coppery Metaltail, and Stripe-headed Antpitta. Overall this is a phenomenal collection of species. -VY PU[YLWPK IPYKLYZ ^OV KV UV[ TPUK H TVYL KPMÄJ\S[ [YPW^LVMMLYJ\Z[VT[V\YZ[V Central Peru [V[HYNL[]LY` *OPSL!([HJHTH[V;PLYYHKLS-\LNV SVJHSPaLK HUK Z[\UUPUN ZWLJPLZ Z\JO HZ .VSKLUIHJRLK 6J[+LJ" KH`ZKH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU 4V\U[HPU;HUHNLYHUK>OP[LJOLLRLK*V[PUNH If scouring high Andean bogs for Diademed Sandpiper- Plovers, stalking huet-huets in lichen-draped forest, or 5VY[OLYU *VSVTIPH! :HU[H 4HY[H 4V\U[HPUZ [OL ZPM[PUN [OYV\NO ]HZ[ ÅVJRZ VM ZLHIPYKZ PU [OL /\TIVSK[ Caribbean (Jan-March; 9 days) Current sounds like fun, check out this fascinating tour. >P[OV]LY ZWLJPLZP[JHUILOHYK[VRUV^^OLYL[V >OPSLP[ZIPYKSPZ[TH`ILZTHSSLY[OHU[OH[VMP[Z[YVWPJHS start birding in Colombia. This tour makes a great intro to neighbors, Chile’s habitat diversity, spectacular birds, and this vast and megadiverse country for both beginners and breathtaking scenery more than make up for that. Starting OHYKJVYLIPYKLYZHSPRL>LZ[HY[PU[OLTHUNYV]LZKLZLY[ in Santiago, we head to the coast and take a pelagic, and rainforest near the coast targeting the likes of Sapphire- then strike out south, visiting a delightful series of parks ILSSPLK /\TTPUNIPYK =LYTPSPVU *HYKPUHS HUK 3HUJL and reserves featuring beautiful temperate forest and NYLH[ IPYKZ SPRL 4HNLSSHUPJ >VVKWLJRLY :SLUKLYIPSSLK the great, inexpensive vintages. Our route covers the wet Parakeet, and Chestnut-throated Huet-huet. Finally, we @\UNHZMVYLZ[ TVU[HUL ZJY\I HUK 7\UH MVV[OPSS *OHJV Å`ZV\[O[V7\U[H(YLUHZHUK]PZP[;PLYYHKLS-\LNVHUK ^VVKSHUKHUK4VU[LKLZLY[>L»SSLUQV`H^PKL]HYPL[` the spectacular fjords of Torres del Paine, searching the of memorable birds including Red-tailed Comet, Rufous- plains for dotterels and seedsnipes and checking out lakes throated Dipper, Ornate Tinamou, Burrowing Parakeet, packed with ducks and geese. An optional extension visits and a mind-boggling array of “ovenbirds” such as the deserts and scenically spectacular high Andes of the earthcreepers, canasteros, cacholotes, and tit-spinetails. north. An extension to Iguazu Falls is available, where we’ll not only see colorful Atlantic Forest species, but also take in 5VY[O^LZ[(YNLU[PUH!;OL/PNO(UKLZ@\UNHZHUK4VU[L one of the most spectacular cascades on the planet. Desert 6J[+LJ"KH`Z KH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU Falkland Islands (Nov-Jan; 7 days) In northwestern Argentina, the spectacular Andes Can you get all the Falklands endemics in just a week you dominate, their peaks towering over a countryside HZR>LSS`LZ`V\JHUHZ^LSSHZHSVHKVMV[OLYJVVSIPYKZ dotted with small, charming villages where the friendly MV\YVYÄ]LWLUN\PUZWLJPLZZLHSPVUZLSLWOHU[ZLHSZHUK inhabitants are still proud of their indigenous roots. Down 6YJHZ6U[OPZ[YPW^LÅ`PU[V:[HUSL`HUKJH[JOZTHSS in the valleys, vast savannas are carpeted with tall cacti, planes to skip around the islands; no boats required. This and some of the canyons make you feel like you are in the is a fairly fast paced trip where we spend a lot of time American Southwest. Some of Argentina’s best wines are birding and we waste little daylight. This trip combines produced in this region, and many people enjoy sampling well with a short Chile trip, which we can easily organize.
Sword-billed Hummingbird/Nick Athanas Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 Black-tailed Godwit/Ken Behrens 5VY[OLYU :WHPU! 7`YLULLZ )LSJOP[L :[LWWLZ HUK ,IYV Delta (Mar-April; 7 days) Starting in the beautiful city of Barcelona, we wind Europe our way slowly up into the high Pyrenees where we’ll LZWLJPHSS`NVHM[LY>HSSJYLLWLY*P[YPS-PUJO>OP[L^PUNLK www.tropicalbirding.com :UV^ÄUJO>OP[LIHJRLK>VVKWLJRLY[OLO\SRPUN)SHJR >VVKWLJRLYHUKIVULJY\ZOPUN3HTTLYNLPLY>L»SS[OLU descend to the famous steppe of Belchite near Zaragoza :V\[OLYU:WHPU!;OL,\YVWL0U[YV[V\Y4HY(WYPS" KH`Z to search for a very special target, the rare Dupont’s Lark, 4HU` WLVWSL HZR ¸>OLYL ZOV\SK IL T` ÄYZ[ IPYKPUN as well as many other species of this markedly different trip in Europe?” The easy answer is Spain. It is Europe’s habitat, before making the short hop east to the often most diverse country for birds, and offers an eclectic overlooked Ebro Delta for a plethora of wetland and mix of superb species, not to mention rich history and coastal birds. This tour offers chances to see all three MVVK/PNOSPNO[ZZOV\SKPUJS\KL>OP[LOLHKLK+\JRHUK VM [OL 4LKP[LYYHULHULUKLTPJ ZOLHY^H[LYZ! @LSRV\HU U\TLYV\ZV[OLY^H[LYIPYKZPU[OL]HZ[^L[SHUKZVM+V|HUH Scopoli’s, and critically endangered Balearic. It can be displaying Great Bustards on the plains of Extremadura, combined with Southern Spain to make a comprehensive and a host of raptors in Monfragüe National Park, where exploration of the Iberian Peninsula. rarities like Spanish Imperial Eagle hold sway alongside V[OLYZWLJPLZSPRL*PULYLV\Z=\S[\YLHUK,\YHZPHU.YPMMVU )LSHY\Z!
Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 Abyssinian Roller/Keith Barnes completely unafraid, sometimes literally at your feet. This Africa I country features a large bird list, as the many resident species are supplemented by a host of Palearctic migrants. www.tropicalbirding.com The mountains and savannas have many endemic birds; arguably most desirable among them are Prince Ruspoli’s 4VYVJJV!5VY[O(MYPJHPUH5\[ZOLSS4HY(WYPS" KH`Z Turaco and Stresemann’s Bush-Crow. Birds are not the This Southern Morocco tour covers three main eco - only draw though, as Ethiopia is home to some marquee SVNPJHSaVULZ!([SHZ4V\U[HPUZKLZLY[HUK([SHU[PJ*VHZ[ mammals too, including photogenic troops of Gelada It kicks off in the Atlas, where Crimson-winged Finch )HIVVUZHUK,[OPVWPHU>VSMZ\YWYPZPUNS`LHZ`[VZLLPU HUK3L]HPSSHU[»Z>VVKWLJRLYL_WLJ[[VZ[HY0U[OLZ[VU` the montane grasslands. Most of Ethiopia is a vast green deserts further south a different avifauna awaits, with larks plateau, not the desert pictured on the news. This is not a front and center; some of the most prized species are luxury tour, but standards are constantly improving and likely to be Thick-billed and Temminck’s Larks. Colorful the lodging is quite acceptable. Our guides here are the Moussier’s Redstarts, and a host of wheatears are always authors of Birding Ethiopia, a site guide to the country. popular too, often including Mourning and Red-rumped. At night, the impressive Pharaoh Eagle-Owl should take .OHUH!7PJH[OHY[LZHUK,N`W[PHU7SV]LY JLU[LYZ[HNL;OLÄUHSSLN]PZP[ZJVHZ[HSHYLHZULHY(NHKPY (Jan-Apr; 14 days, 17 with extension) where wetlands combine with dunes, scrub, and forest to Point blank, Ghana is the most welcoming country in the provide the biggest day-lists. Our main target though, will world, and a place where traditional African culture still be the rare Northern Bald Ibis. At the end of the tour, we’ll thrives. It has recently exploded as a birding destination, visit a Marrakesh market, which will give some insight because you get to bird in steamy African rainforest into the wonderful culture of this absorbing North African while staying in comfortable lodges. One of the most nation. The tour starts and ends in Marrakesh, making amazing bird families on the planet, Picathartes, is most optional cultural add-ons easy. -VY[OVZL^OV^HU[MVYH YLSPHISLHUKHJJLZZPISLOLYL>L^PSSHSZVIPYKMYVT[OL SVUNLY[YPWP[JHUILSPURLK^P[OV\YSpain Introtour, for a ÄULZ[ JHUVW` ^HSR^H` PU HSS VM (MYPJH ^OLYL THZZP]L [^V^LLRJVTIVVM5VY[O(MYPJHHUK,\YVWL casqued hornbills, Rosy Bee-eaters, malimbes, apalises, LYLTVTLSHZ HUK L]LU JHUVW`K^LSSPUN RPUNÄZOLYZ JHU ,[OPVWPH!)PYKPUN^P[O>VS]LZ KH`Z be found. The second half of the tour visits the extensive Don’t come to Ethiopia expecting Africa; come here savannas of the north, which support herds of exceptionally expecting Ethiopia! This place is like nowhere else on large elephants. Our main avian target in the north is the the continent, and traveling here is almost like stepping Egyptian Plover, a bird so weird that it is in its own family. back in time. Birds and people live in a harmony seen The culture and food really liven up the trip, with every almost nowhere else on Earth with birds jumping around region having distinctive dress and amazing cuisine. in Rwanda, we search for Albertine Rift endemics back- Africa II dropped by beautiful mountain vistas before moving on to Uganda. Uganda is like the Ecuador of Africa, packing 2LU`H!;OL*VVSLZ[;YPWPU(MYPJH HO\NLHTV\U[VMKP]LYZP[`PU[VHZTHSSHYLH!^L»SSOH]L KH`ZKH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU a classic African safari experience at Queen Elizabeth If you are only ever going to do one trip to Africa, then National Park, and enjoy East Africa’s best set of Congo go to Kenya. It has the whole range of African habitats Basin rainforest birds. This is a fast-paced tour in which the including rainforests, alpine moorlands, and endless hotels are all moderate or better. Our guides are authors sweeping savannas. On the plains of the Masai Mara, of a new wildlife site guide to Rwanda. you enter the Africa of your dreams, where massive herds of game are hunted by Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards. ;HUaHUPH!)PYKPUN(TVUN[OL)LHZ[Z Our tours here score the highest bird lists of any tour KH`ZKH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU [OH[^LY\U@V\JHUZLLULHYS`H[OPYKVM(MYPJH»ZIPYKZ Tanzania offers the highest quality “classic” African including dozens of hornbills, turacos, and sunbirds, L_WLYPLUJL >L KV H M\SS ZHMHYP ZLLPUN O\UKYLKZ VM and all the classic mammals on this one trip. Add to this species of birds along the way, targeting all the northern that you will be staying in fantastic lodges, and that this ;HUaHUPHULUKLTPJZPUJS\KPUN@LSSV^JVSSHYLK3V]LIPYK tour is physically easy, and it is hard to resist taking your and Ashy Starling. People are often amazed how green, non-birding partner along with you. Most of the tour is S\ZOHUKJV]LYLK^P[OÅV^LYZ[OPZYLNPVUPZ"T\JOTVYL at elevations of 3,000-10,000 ft., making it surprisingly verdant than the dry East African savanna of the stereotype. cool for visitors expecting the blistering heat that much of Simply watching the epic thunderstorms boom across the Africa is known for. rainy season sky can be mesmerizing, and thousands of recently born wildebeest calves are also likely to capture 9^HUKHHUK
Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 >VVKWLJRLY[^VYVJRQ\TWLYZHUK[^VZ\NHYIPYKZ6\Y tour has a road-trip feel, as we venture across this vast, Africa III beautiful, and rugged country from Cape Town to Kruger. 4HKHNHZJHY! ;OL ,PNO[O *VU[PULU[ The landscapes themselves are absorbing, and birds and KH`Z ^P[OL_[LUZPVUZ mammals are everywhere. Kruger has more mammal This huge island, often called the “eighth continent”, is species than any other park in Africa, and here we might unlike any other place on Earth. The culture, landscapes, encounter Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, and even African HUK ^PSKSPML OLYL HYL HSS [V[HSS` \UPX\L;OLYL HYL Ä]L >PSK+VNVY3LVWHYK;OPZPZH^LSSKL]LSVWLKJV\U[Y`HUK endemic bird families including primitive mesites, offers an easy introduction to the continent with superb stunning ground-rollers, and the beautiful asities. The HJJVTTVKH[PVUMHI\SV\ZMVVK^P[OH,\YVWLHUÅHPYHUK mammals, from small tenrecs to child-sized lemurs, are world-class wines. The extension visits the Drakensburg surprisingly approachable and easy to see. The tour also Mountains and the coast to provide a near-complete set offers an unimaginable bounty of bizarre chameleons, of endemics. amphibians, and fantastic bugs. This is not a physically demanding trip, and features good lodging and delicious 5HTPIPHHUK)V[Z^HUH! food. Although this tour regularly gets more than 95% of The Living Desert to the Okavango (16 days) the endemic birds on the island (with the extensions), it From the dunes of the Namib Desert to the lush wetlands of also offers an all-round natural history experience that the Okavango Delta, Namibia is a place that will grip your can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in wildlife. Our soul. There is something enchanting about this place that N\PKLZHYLHSZVH\[OVYZVMHMVY[OJVTPUNÄLSKN\PKL[V[OL PZKPMÄJ\S[[VKLZJYPILI\[^OPJOHU`]PZP[VY^PSSX\PJRS` JV\U[Y`»ZIPYKZ>L UV^ OH]L HU VMÄJL PU 4HKHNHZJHY understand. Namibia would be worth visiting even if it and are well situated to offer custom tours to a variety was devoid of birds, but that is far from the case. There is of destinations within this vast and varied island. If a horde of Namib desert and escarpment endemics, plus you want to see some of Madagascar’s rarest and most another set of Okavango specialties. The mammals are elusive species like Madagascar Serpent-Eagle, Red Owl, also world-class, particularly in the famed Etosha National Madagascar Pochard, Sakalava Rail, and Golden-crowned Park, with its Elephants, Black Rhino, Lion, thousands of :PMHRH^LJHUOLSW>LJHUHSZVHKK[OLULHYI`*VTVYVZ Southern Oryx, and many others. The lush woodlands or Mascarenes for those with insatiable endemic fever. and marshes of the Okavango come as quite a shock after the dry mountains and plains of the rest of the tour, and :V\[O(MYPJH!-HPYLZ[*HWL[V2Y\NLY are absolutely loaded with birds like Pel’s Fishing-Owl, KH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU African Skimmer, and Southern Carmine Bee-eater. The There is nowhere else on earth where you can see a wild lodges in this country are not only very comfortable, but penguin and a zebra on the same day! South Africa is OH]L H WLYZVUHS HUK \UPX\L ÅHPY [OH[ THRL LHJO VUL a mega-diverse country, chock full of endemics, with memorable. The excellent food can be accompanied with perennial favorites such as Knysna Turaco, Ground world famous South African wines.
Southern Double-collared Sunbird/Keith Barnes Splendid Fairywren/Iain Campbell Australasia
www.tropicalbirding.com >LZ[ 7HW\H! 7HYHKPZL
.YHUK5VY[OLHZ[0UKPH!;OLILZ[VM[OL0UKPHU/PTHSH`HZ KH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU This tour visits the eastern Himalayas, the most bird- rich portion of the mountain chain. Many rare and local VJJ\Y"P[PZ[OLVUS`OVTL[V4PZOTP>YLUIHIISLYI\[ HSZV OVZ[Z )S`[O»Z;YHNVWHU )LH\[PM\S 5\[OH[JO >HYK»Z Trogon, and the immaculate Fire-tailed Myzornis. Other notable and exciting families include laughingthrushes, [P[ZU\[OH[JOLZHUKZ\UIPYKZ>LPUJS\KL[OLSV^SHUKZ of Kaziranga NP for a completely different set of birds, as well as Indian Rhinoceros and other mammals. An extension to the enchanting Eaglenest area can be linked with our Bhutan tour to make a mind-blowing transect of the eastern Himalayas.
:YP3HURH!*L`SVU:VQV\YU5V]4HY"KH`Z :YP 3HURH WYLZLU[Z ÄYZ[ [PTLYZ [V [OL Z\IJVU[PULU[ ^P[O a gentle introduction to the region, but also offers a host of southern specialties and nearly 30 endemics for ¸0UKPHWOPSLZ¹>L»SS]PZP[HYHUNLVMHYLHZMYVTSV^SHUK tropical forests to highland cloudforests, with a chance at ÄUKPUNHSSVM[OL*L`SVULUKLTPJZPUJS\KPUN[OLYLJLU[S` discovered Serendib Scops-Owl.
)O\[HU!3HUKVM[OL;O\UKLY+YHNVU 4HY4H`"KH`Z KH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVUZ Bhutan’s traditional practices and beliefs remain virtually \UPUÅ\LUJLK I` [OL >LZ[ THRPUN P[ IV[O ^PSK HUK culturally fascinating. This timeless kingdom is wedged amidst the jagged contours of the Himalayas between India and Tibet, with endless tracts of virgin forest seething ^P[O THZZP]L ÅVJRZ VM ILH\[PM\S /PTHSH`HU IPYKZ >L target many sought-after species like the enigmatic Ibisbill, Himalayan Monal, and gorgeous Satyr Tragopan. Friendly people, a lack of hassle, and pristine environments add to allure of Bhutan. An extension to Kazirhanga and Manus in India may also yield Bengal Florican or the stellar Blue- naped Pitta; or mammals like Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, and whooping families of Hoolock Gibbon. Tiger/Iain Campbell Asia II
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*OPUH!:PJO\HU [OL;PIL[HU7SH[LH\4H`1\UL" KH`Z The classic China tour, offering a healthy batch of Chinese endemics, beautiful Himalayan landscapes, an insight PU[V[OL;PIL[HUSPMLZ[`SLHUKZVTLNYLH[SVJHSJ\PZPUL>L search for mutliple pheasants, lots of laughingthrushes and parrotbills, amidst the towering snow-topped peaks of Balangshan and scenic wooded valleys of Mengbishan and Baxi. The mountainous birding of Sichuan can be challenging, so the easy birding of the Tibetan plateau makes for a pleasant conclusion, where a gamut of Tibetan specialties is available, including Black-necked Crane and 7YaL]HSZRP»Z9VZLÄUJO
;HP^HU!-VYTVZHU,UKLTPJZHUKTPNYH[PVU (Apr-May; 10 days, 15 with extension) Taiwan is also known as Formosa – The Beautiful Island. Modern infrastructure blends seamlessly with some of the most stunning mountain landscapes and birds in Asia. Quality endemics are on offer like the snowy-backed Swinhoe’s and regal Mikado pheasants. Among the 30 endemics are a host of laughingthrushes, babblers, and the adorable Flamecrest. Our tour is timed to catch the last of the departing winter migrants like Black-faced Spoonbill HUK[OLÄYZ[Z\TTLYIYLLKPUNTPNYHU[Z[HRPUNTH_PT\T HK]HU[HNLVM;HP^HU»ZSVJH[PVUVU[OL,HZ[(ZPHUÅ`^H`( unique pre-tour extension is offered to the offshore Matsu islands, close to the Chinese mainland for a swathe of Far East migrants.
1HWHU!)PYKPUNVU0JL1HU-LI"KH`Z ^P[OL_[LUZPVU Japan holds several of the world’s must-see birds, which thrive amidst stunning snowscapes. Massive Steller’s :LH,HNSLZJVUNYLNH[LVUPTWYLZZP]LPJLÅVLZHUKSHYNL numbers of Red-crowned Cranes gather to dance in the snow for scenes of breathtaking beauty. A remarkable [V[HSVMÄ]LJYHULZHYLSPRLS`THRPUN[OPZ[OLILZ[JYHUL Yellow Tit/Keith Barnes tour anywhere, and there’s nothing like sipping hot sake Kingdom, the Ryukyu Islands, sandwiched between ^OPSLZ[HRPUNV\[)SHRPZ[VU»Z-PZO6^SH[HUPJ`ÅVVKSP[ Kyushu and Taiwan, hold most of Japan’s endemic ^H[LYOVSL (KK [V [OPZ ZVTL NYLH[ TP_LKÅVJR IPYKPUN birds. Many are highly localized and threatened with in coniferous forests, and gulls and waterbirds galore, to extinction. The targets include nine endemic birds and create a great mix of top birding experiences. Our one- seven additional potential splits, including Okinawa Rail, day pelagic extension offers a cruise on a comfortable 6RPUH^H>VVKWLJRLY9`\R`\9VIPU3PK[O»Z1H`(THTP ferry with a number of local specialties at sea, like Short- >VVKJVJRHUK9`\R`\:JVWZ6^S>L[OLUÅ`[V;VR`V [HPSLK HUK 3H`ZHU (SIH[YVZZLZ >L THRL H IYPLM Z[VW and explore both wetlands and mountains for breeding at Miyakejima, and are likely to score a few Izu Island specialties like Siberian and Japanese thrushes, Blue-and- endemics, like Owston’s Tit and Izu Thrush. ^OP[L-S`JH[JOLY1HWHULZL@LSSV^)\U[PUNHUK*OLZ[U\[ cheeked Starling. The tour concludes with a ferry trip to Japan in Spring (May-June; 13 days, 17 with extension) the island of Miyakejima where we will search for more Spring is the best time to see Japan’s endemic and breeding endemics and enjoy some pelagic birding on our return IPYKZ;OLOPSSZHYLPUÅV^LYHUKH:OPU[VZLYLUP[`L_\KLZ leg. An extension to Hokkaido, often dubbed “the Alaska from the rejuvenated countryside. Once an independent of Japan”, is offered for those that want more.
Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 4VUNVSPH!;OL.YLH[(ZPHU>PSKLYULZZ Asia III The remote land of Ghengis Khan consists of steppes, www.tropicalbirding.com Taiga forest, towering Altai mountains, and barren Gobi plains. In Terelj NP we will seek out the extremely rare ;OHPSHUK! 4`Z[PJHS (ZPH +LJ4HY" KH`Z" ^P[O Black-billed Capercaillie, Ural Owl, and Red-throated extension) Thrush. The mountains hold the amazing Altai Snowcock Located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Thailand’s and breeding endemic Koslov’s Accentor, while the Gobi exceptionally high bird diversity makes it one of Asia’s is home to Henderson’s Ground-Jay and Oriental Plover. most exciting destinations. Resident species mix with Mammals may also feature, like gazelles, Siberian Ibex, Palearctic and Himalayan migrants for an intoxicating Argali, and a multitude of smaller sousliks, gerbils, and mélange of avifaunas. Combine this with legendary Thai jerboas. If you like birding within remote wilderness areas, OVZWP[HSP[`HUKZVTLVM[OLÄULZ[J\PZPULPU[OL6YPLU[ surrounded by stunning scenery, staying in traditional and it is no surprise that this is one of our most popular camps within a country whose Buddhist culture remains (ZPHU KLZ[PUH[PVUZ>L OP[ [OL ZV\[O JLU[LY HUK UVY[O largely intact, then this is an ideal tour. looking for handsome hornbills, spectacular broadbills, stunning pittas, and a host of others. 2HaHROZ[HU
Great Hornbill/Iain Campbell Orange-breasted Trogon/Laurie Ross Silver-breasted Broadbill/Laurie Ross Asia IV )VYULV! )YVHKIPSSZ HUK )YPZ[SLOLHKZ KH`Z KH`Z :\SH^LZPHUK/HSTHOLYH!)PYKPUN[OL,KNLVM>HSSHJL»Z with extension) 3PUL1\S6J["KH`Z^P[OL_[LUZPVU This island is all about hornbills, pittas, and the best This region, which straddles the transition zone between WYPTH[L ]PL^PUN PU (ZPH ;OL S\ZO +HU\T =HSSL` ^P[O the great faunas of Asia and Australasia, boasts more its six-pitta species and Orangutan, and the hornbill- than 100 birds that are found nowhere else, and many rich Kinabatangan River, where eight species occur HYL \[[LYS` ZWLJ[HJ\SHY! [OPUR PTWYVIHISL :[HUKHYK^PUN alongside an extraordinary number of primates. The Bird-of-Paradise, Ivory-breasted Pitta, Knobbed Hornbill, endemic hotspot of Mt. Kinabalu is also included. Along Maleo, Satanic Nightjar, and the mind-blowing Purple- with some amazing endemic birds, we have a chance of bearded Bee-eater. Added to the mix is a whole suite of locating other wildlife such as Proboscis Monkey, Red endemic mammals, as Sulawesi is famous for its amazing Leaf-Monkey, and Bornean Pygmy-Elephant. ;OPZ[V\YJHU primates, notably the Black Crested Macaque and the LHZPS`ILJVTIPULK^P[O Malaysia: The Peninsula (8 days), other-worldly Spectral Tarsier, both of which are readily ^OLYL[OLTHPUSHUKVMMLYZIPYKPUNH[[OYLLVM(ZPH»ZTVZ[ seen. This tour regularly yields more than 100 hundred WVW\SHYHUK^LSSLZ[HISPZOLKIPYKPUNKLZ[PUH[PVUZ!-YHZLY»Z lifers even for well-traveled birders. /PSS;HTHU5LNHYHHUK2\HSH:LSHUNVY 3LZZLY :\UKHZ! ,UKLTPJZ NHSVYL KH`Z ^P[O 0ZYHLS!4PNYH[PVU/V[ZWV[H[[OL*YVZZYVHKZVM(MYPJH(ZPH extension). ,\YVWL4HY(WY"KH`Z Indonesia is the world’s richest country in terms of ;OL [PU` UH[PVU VM 0ZYHLS PZ VUL VM [OL ÄULZ[ IPYKPUN IPVKP]LYZP[`HUKP[ZIPYKSPMLYLÅLJ[Z[OH[^P[O IPYK locations on Earth. Its position, at the junction of Africa, ZWLJPLZHUKV]LY LUKLTPJZ>L»SS]PZP[Z[OLPZSHUKZVM Asia and Europe supports not only an interesting blend Sumba, Timor, Flores, and Komodo in the Lesser Sundas, of resident birds, but it plays host to one of the world’s to seek out some 70+ birds restricted to them. Highlights most impressive migration spectacles. This short tour takes should include Sumba Hornbill, the spectacular Flame- in all the highlights of Israel, and is timed for when the breasted Sunbird, Red-naped Fruit Dove, and snazzy largest numbers of migratory raptors and songbirds move *PUUHTVUIHUKLK HUK M\Y[P]L .SP[[LYPUN RPUNÄZOLYZ [OYV\NO [OL JV\U[Y` >L ^PSS HKHW[ V\Y P[PULYHY` KHPS` ^OPSL[OLMVYLZ[ÅVVYOPKLZ[OLOPNOS`WYPaLK,SLNHU[7P[[H KLWLUKPUNVU^OH[PZVUVMMLY>L^PSSIPYKV\Y^H`MYVT ([UPNO[^L»SSZLLRV\[HZLYPLZVMLUKLTPJUPNO[IPYKZ>L the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, through a land that has conclude in Komodo, where we seek out a dragon - the been ruled by the Romans, Ottomans, and Egyptians in planet’s largest lizard. ( KH`L_[LUZPVU]PZP[Z Bali and Java times long past. Few places have such palpable history, [V ÄUK [OL JYP[PJHSS` LUKHUNLYLK )HSP HUK )SHJR^PUNLK and we’ll see a bevy of famous locations including 4`UHZHZ^LSSHZ.YLLU1\UNSLMV^SHUKHJVSSLJ[PVUVM Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea. TVU[HUL1H]HULUKLTPJZVU4[0QLU Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110 of stunning scenery in these remote New Zealand islands, some very localized seabirds, a batch of endemic Cruises landbirds, and the sheer number of pelagic species make this a popular trip every year. www.tropicalbirding.com .HSHWHNVZ!,UKLTPJZ*Y\PZLKH`Z :]HSIHYK!0JL)LHYZHUK0]VY`.\SSZH[ KH`Z -VY.HSHWHNVZ"WSLHZLZLLSouth America I page. The wilderness of Svalbard, teetering on the 80 degree parallel, is not to be underestimated. Only a handful of birds (U[HYJ[PJH! -HSRSHUK 0ZSHUKZ :V\[O .LVYNPH HUK [OL thrive at this latitude, but the immaculate Ivory Gulls, Red (U[HYJ[PJ7LUPUZ\SH+LJ4HY"KH`Z Phalaropes in breeding dress, King and Common Eiders, This cruise enjoys the best birding and photography in the and hordes of alcids like Dovekie, Thick-billed Murre, region for the ultimate natural history experience. Starting and Black Guillemot mean there is always something to PU;PLYYH KLS -\LNV ^L»SS OLHK ÄYZ[ [V [OL -HSRSHUKZ MVY ZLL HYV\UK [OL ZOPW>HSY\Z )LHYKLK :LHS HUK ZL]LYHS localized birds like Striated Caracara and Falkland cetaceans are also very possible, but it is the the “King of Steamerduck, and take in awe-inspiring colonies of the Arctic”, the Polar Bear, hunting seals on the pack-ice, Rockhopper Penguins nesting alongside Black-browed that is this trip’s biggest draw. Our ice-strengthened ship (SIH[YVZZLZ 6U :V\[O .LVYNPH ULZ[PUN 2PUN and well-timed arrival give great opportunities for some Penguins blanket the beach at Salisbury Plain alongside unforgettable encounters with these incredible beasts. gigantic “beachmaster” male elephant seals protecting [OLPY OHYLTZ 6U [OL ¸>OP[L *VU[PULU[¹ JVSVUPLZ VM The Russian Far East (June; 13-14 days) penguins pack the shores, while whales, seals, and Russia is greatly under valued as a top-notch nature elegant Snow Petrels roam offshore, and the icy scenery KLZ[PUH[PVU >P[O [OYLL JY\PZLZ ^L VWLU \W H Z^H[OL is simply astonishing. Cruising between sites will provide of these exciting wildlife viewing possibilities to you. phenomenal pelagic birding, with huge albatrosses and One cruise covers Chukotka, which includes the remote other southern specialties often following the ship. breeding grounds of the critically endangered Spoon- billed Sandpiper. Another cuts through the Sea of Okhotsk :\IHU[HYJ[PJ0ZSHUKZ!;OL
Southern Rockhopper Penguin/Iain Campbell TB Nature Photo Tours
If you wish to take a dedicated photography tour, we can provide this too.
• TB Nature Photo Tours runs small group tours. For most tours (except cruises) the maximum group size is 6 participants. >L Y\U [V\YZ [V V]LY KLZ[PUH[PVUZ ^VYSK^PKL covering all continents. • TB Nature Photo Tours guides are both photographers and enthusiastic naturalists. ;)5H[\YL7OV[V;V\YZVMMLYZ[^VKPZ[PUJ[WYVK\J[Z! (7/6;6;6<9YLMLYZ[VH[YPW^P[O]LY`ZWLJPÄJ^PSKSPML targets on the schedule, and spends a lot of time with them (although impromptu shooting alongside this is also possible of course). For example, the Ecuador Photo Tour has a distinct set of hummingbird species as the target subjects.
(7/6;616<95,@YLMLYZ[VH[YPW^OLYL[OLWOV[VL[OVZ may be thought of as “birding with a camera”. This trip is more about opportunistic photography; and largely shoots a variety of subjects that present themselves during the journey. For example, the Namibia Photo Journey largely photographs whatever comes our way in a very bird and mammal heavy tour, though the precise species of these vary greatly from tour to tour.
www.tbnaturephototours.com Booted Racket-tails/Pablo Cervantes Daza
Wild Dog/Keith Barnes Tufted Puffin/Iain Campbell Give us a call on 1-800-348-5941 or 1-409-515-9110